Toyota, Mazda in tie-up talks

• Source: Global Times
• [10:32 July 17 2009]
• Comments

Toyota Motor Corp is expected to supply core technology from its hybrid system to Mazda Motor Corp, according to Japan's Nikkei business daily.

Talks between the two automakers began after Mazda asked for the hybrid parts from Toyota. This is the first time Toyota is cooperating with a rival company in fuel-efficient vehicles.

Mazda already has one of the first non-Toyota hybrids to hit the market with its Tribute SUV, but it is only for sale in California, with hybrid technology from Ford Motor Company.

The two automakers are expected to announce the tie-up soon, the report said. But both Toyota and Mazda declined to confirm the report.

Mazda plans to release the hybrid vehicle as early as 2013, the Nikkei business daily said.

Agencies and Shi Jierui contributed to this story