Suzuki and Toyota have strengthened the existing collaboration between the two companies, confirming that Suzuki will develop a 100% electric SUV model for Toyota.
The new model intended for global markets is scheduled to be produced at the Suzuki Motor Gujarat factory in India starting next spring.
In a statement, Toyota added that the new model was designed exclusively as 100% electric and will be an agile SUV available with an all-wheel drive system. Furthermore, this new model will feature an electric unit and a platform developed jointly by Suzuki, Toyota, and Daihatsu.
It is already known that the new model will be a development of the Suzuki eVX, which was unveiled at the Delhi Auto Expo in India in 2023.
“By leveraging the electric unit and the platform we developed together, we will take a new step in our collaboration in the field of electrified vehicles. This will allow us to deliver various options that contribute to a carbon-neutral society for customers around the world,” said Koji Sato, president of Toyota Motor Corporation.
For Suzuki, the expansion of the partnership between the two companies is an important step in the brand’s strategy. “Suzuki will provide our first 100% electric vehicle for Toyota globally. I am grateful that the collaboration between the two companies has been expanded in this way. While we continue to be competitors, we will deepen our collaboration to address social issues, including achieving a carbon-neutral society,” said Toshihiro Suzuki, president of Suzuki.
It is worth noting that in recent years, as part of the partnership between the two brands, Toyota allowed models such as the Corolla Touring Sports and the RAV4 to be marketed in Europe by Suzuki under the names Swace and Across, while several Suzuki models were rebranded as Toyota in other markets.