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Toyota And Suzuki Expand Collaboration To Launch New Battery Electric SUV

Toyota And Suzuki Will Jointly Develop A BEV SUV, Set To Begin Production In India By Spring 2025

2 min read

By Michael Phoon • October 30, 2024

Toyota bZ4X (Image: Toyota)

Suzuki and Toyota have announced plans to deepen their collaboration in the field of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The two Japanese automakers will work together to develop and produce a new BEV SUV model that will be supplied by Suzuki to Toyota.

New BEV SUV Collaboration

According to Toyota, the upcoming BEV SUV will be manufactured at Suzuki Motor Gujarat’s production plant in India, with production aimed to start in spring 2025. This marks the first EV to be produced under the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) collaboration between Suzuki and Toyota.

The new model will be designed exclusively as a BEV, offering a compelling combination of nimble driving dynamics, ample cruising range, and a comfortable cabin. It will also feature a 4WD system for enhanced drivability on rough terrain, catering to the growing demand for electric SUVs.

Historic Partnership Roots

Notably, Suzuki and Toyota’s partnership dates back to their roots in the Enshu region of Shizuoka Prefecture, where both companies transitioned from loom manufacturing to the automotive industry. Since 2016, the two companies have steadily expanded their collaboration, which has now extended to various areas such as vehicle production, mutual supply, and the development of EVs.

“Suzuki will supply our first BEV to Toyota globally. I am grateful that the collaboration between the two companies has further deepened in this way,” stated Suzuki President Toshihiro Suzuki. “While continuing to be competitors, we will deepen our collaborations toward solving social issues, including the realization of a carbon-neutral society through a multi-pathway approach.”

Toyota President Koji Sato echoed Suzuki’s sentiments, stating, “By leveraging the BEV unit and platform that we jointly developed, we will take a new step in our collaboration in the field of electrified vehicles. This will allow us to deliver various choices that contribute to a carbon-neutral society to customers worldwide.”

Global Launch and Market Strategy

Furthermore, the new BEV SUV will be launched globally, allowing both Suzuki and Toyota to offer a competitive all-electric option in the rapidly growing SUV market. This initiative aligns with the companies’ respective efforts to promote carbon neutrality and foster sustainability, as the automotive industry continues its shift towards an electrified future.

As the collaboration between Suzuki and Toyota already yielded several successful joint vehicle launches across various regions, it is set to further strengthen as they work together to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the global transition to electric mobility.

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