Suzuki is to supply Toyota with a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) model, due to be built at its factory in Gujarat, India, from the spring 2025.
The new SUV vehicle is likely to be based on the Suzuki EVX concept, which was unveiled in 2023.
Since 2016, both companies have engaged in a wide-ranging collaboration, resulting in the market launch of vehicles in Japan, India, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Notable examples of this in the UK are the Suzuki Swace and Across models which are re-badged Toyotas.
The new vehicle – which will feature an all-wheel drive system – is described as “a nimble SUV with the sharp driving characteristics of a BEV” and which will offer “ample cruising range and a comfortable cabin”.
The BEV unit and platform have been jointly developed by Suzuki, Toyota, and Daihatsu Motor Corporation, drawing on the strengths of each company.
Toshihiro Suzuki, President of Suzuki said, “Suzuki will supply our first BEV to Toyota globally.
“I am grateful that the collaboration between the two companies has further deepened in this way.
“While continuing to be competitors, we will deepen our collaborations towards solving social issues, including the realisation of a carbon-neutral society through a multi-pathway approach.”
Koji Sato, Toyota President said, “By leveraging the BEV unit and platform that we jointly developed, we will take a new step in our collaboration in the field of electrified vehicles.
“This will allow us to deliver various choices that contribute to a carbon-neutral society to customers worldwide.
“We would like to learn from each other’s strengths, compete, and further joint efforts based on a multi-pathway approach.”
