Toyota Motor Corporation and Mazda Motor Corporation have entered into a mutually beneficial long term partnership to leverage the resources of both companies to complement and enhance each other’s products and technologies. The aim of this collaboration is to produce more appealing cars that cater to a diversity of needs.
A joint committee will be set up to evaluate how best to utilize each company’s respective strengths and encourage broad and meaningful collaboration across a range of fields, including environmental and advanced safety technologies. It is unclear yet how the partnership will impact on R&D.
Masamichi Kogai, Mazda’s president and CEO, said, “Toyota is a company that has shown steadfast resolve in acting responsibly on global environmental issues and the future of manufacturing as a whole. I also have tremendous respect for Toyota’s dedication in its pursuit of ever-better cars through ongoing innovation.
“Furthermore, Mazda identifies with the way Toyota cherishes its roots and all of the communities it is involved in. It is no wonder they are held in great esteem in return. I hope that by working together to make cars better, we can raise the value of cars in the eyes of consumers while also enhancing the manufacturing capabilities of our home, Hiroshima, and all the communities we are involved in as well.”
Toyota president, Akio Toyoda, said, “As evidenced by its Skyactiv technologies and Kodo Soul of Motion design, Mazda has proven that it always thinks of what is coming next for vehicles and technology, while managing to stay true to its basic carmaking roots. In this way, Mazda very much practises what Toyota holds dear: making ever-better cars. I am delighted that our two companies can share the same vision and work together to make cars better.”
May 20, 2015