Toyota and Mazda agree to Hybrid technology license

Written by Johnathan Bodily

Import - Toyota

Toyota Motor Corp. and Mazda Motor Corp, have reached an agreement on the supply under license of hybrid technology used in the Prius.

Leveraging this agreement, Mazda plans to combine the hybrid system with its next-gen SKY engine that is currently under development, and develop and manufacture a hybrid vehicle in Japan. Mazda is aiming to commence sales of a hybrid vehicle stating in Japan by 2013.

Positioning response to environmental issues as a management priority, Toyota began sales of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, in 1997. Since then, over 2.3 million Toyota hybrid vehicles have been delivered to customers in over 70 countries and regions.

Toyota recognizes the importance of benefiting the environment by encouraging the popularization of its "eco-friendly" technologies, which are represented by its hybrid systems. Accordingly, Toyota has announced that it will consider requests from other companies to supply hybrid technology.

Based on its long-term vision for technology development, sustainable Zoom-Zoom, Mazda aims to increase the average fuel economy of Mazda vehicles sold globally by 30 percent by 2015, compared to its 2008 level. In order to offer all of its customers driving pleasure as well as outstanding eco-friendly and safety performance, Mazda is implementing a building block strategy. Under this strategy, Mazda will enhance the core aspects of its vehicles - including engines, transmissions and weight reduction - and then progressively add electric devices such as idling stop, regenerative braking and hybrid systems.

Through this partnership, each company intends to offer technologies and products with outstanding environmental benefits to as many people as possible.
Source: Mazda Motors Corporation