Ford, Toyota in hybrid deal

Ford and Toyota have this week signed a memorandum of understanding stating they will equally collaborate on the development of an advanced new rear-wheel drive hybrid system for light commercial vehicles and SUVs.

The pair, each well recognised for their individual development of hybrid drivetrains, says the product collaboration will allow them to offer "the full hybrid experience" to LCV and SUV customers sooner and more cheaply than if they'd worked alone.

Representatives from both companies hastened to add that although development, significant common technology and componentry would be shared, the way in which the systems will be integrated and tuned would be individual to its customers' respective expectations.

The two companies also agreed to work together on enablers to complement each company's existing telematics platform standards, helping bring a greater array of internet-based services and useful information to their cars, similar to those displayed in Ford's SYNC and MyFordTouch systems.

"This agreement brings together the capability of two global leaders in hybrid vehicles and hybrid technology to develop a better solution more quickly and affordably for our customers," said Ford's vice president of global product development, Derrick Kuzak.

"Ford achieved a breakthrough with the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and we intend to do this again for a new group of truck and SUV buyers – customers we know very well."

The formal agreement is expected by next year with the first vehicles to feature the technology on sale later this decade.

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