REPORT: Toyota in talks to provide Mazda with hybrid tech
Posted Jul 16th 2009 11:28AM by Chris Shunk
2009 Mazda Tribute - Click above for high-res image gallery
Mazda already has one of the first non-Toyota hybrids to hit the market with its Tribute SUV (above), but that model is only on sale in California, with hybrid tech from Ford Motor Company. Now that Ford has a much smaller percentage stake in the automaker, Mazda cannot rely on the Blue Oval to develop its future hybrid technology. With hybrid sales in its home market of Japan booming, the Hiroshima-based automaker is rumored to be looking for potential partners.
According to Reuters, Japan's Nikkei business daily is reporting that Mazda is in talks with Toyota to license the Japanese juggernaut's hybrid technology for future models. Toyota and Mazda are thus far denying the reports, but Nikkei quotes anonymous sources saying the deal could include the licensing of batteries, motors, and other vital components. The publication further reports that the first Mazda-badged hybrid could arrive as soon as 2013. That's two years earlier than Mazda research and development boss Seita Kanai speculated earlier in the year.
The move would benefit Toyota by boosting revenue and increasing economies of scale. Some analysts speculate that Toyota, which has been in the global hybrid game longer than anyone, could capitalize by leasing out its gas-electric tech to more automakers. Toyota already has an arrangement with Nissan to supply technology for use in its Altima Hybrid.
[Source: Reuters]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
JetMech 11:42AM (7/16/2009)
Is that really a MINI crossover concept?
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Seminole 11:40AM (7/16/2009)
Wow. I've seen replying to the wrong comment before but never to the wrong article!
JetMech 11:43AM (7/16/2009)
Look at the caption under the picture.
Shawn 11:52AM (7/16/2009)
Good catch! "MINI Crossover Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery"... LOL
Seminole 3:53PM (7/16/2009)
Doh! They've changed it, but I'll take your word. ;)
ello 11:41AM (7/16/2009)
So... basically Mazda has panicked as most other car manufacturers put a lot of R&D money into hybrids and EVs and are ready for a 2010-2012 release (most notably GM, Nissan and Mitsubishi), yet Mazda said they would be ready by only 2015. Late to the ball game I guess, I just hope it isn't the beginning of the end for Mazda, they almost folded in late 1990s. They did have a rebirth in 2003 with the release of Mazda 3/6 but the new offerings are not as revolutionary as the mentioned two.
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adam1drift 1:00PM (7/16/2009)
I just dont understand why they would go to Toyota when Ford has a great Hybrid system already?
Alex 2:29PM (7/16/2009)
@ adam1drift
I am just speculating, but my guess is that Mazda went to both Ford and Toyota seeking a proposal to license their hybrid tech. Toyota most likely came back with the better offer.
Jei 7:21PM (7/16/2009)
If Mazda is truly considering using hybrid tech from Toyota, wouldn't that create production issues b/c the Tribute is made along-side the Escape and Mariner. For this to happen they'd have to have the hybrid version built on a separate line, right?
jpm100 12:03PM (7/16/2009)
Idk. Sounds more like Toyota is in talks with its marketing department to make it seem like they are the wellspring of all hybrid technology that will hit the market because of the new CAFE requirements.
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phoenexius 12:13PM (7/16/2009)
And everyone should license Mazda's iStop
http://www.mazda.com/mazdaspirit/env/engine/siss2.html
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Marz 12:25PM (7/17/2009)
Maybe they're negotiating a tech swap, the iStop would benefit Toyota's hybrids
Kitko 12:27PM (7/16/2009)
Agreed. Mazda's iStop is the best stop-go technology on the market.
Still, adding few hybrids to a portfolio by licensing first-rate product is smart, and I dare say hybrids' surge is a temporary thing.
I don't think electric cars are way to go. Folks, grids all over the world collapse when we run heating in the winter and aircon in the summer.
Where exactly are we going to get electricity? At the moment, there's just one way of upping our capacity, and that's going nuclear en masse. But has anyone seen a rush to build next-gen nuclear powerplants? I haven't.
evlover 1:39PM (7/16/2009)
What’s the point of a hybrid sports car? Electric cars are an innovative and amazing technology- they are safe, efficient, and clean- and they should stop being made into a punch line. Instead of making over-the-top expensive hybrids, auto companies should be developing affordable 100% electric vehicles. Electric cars have an amazing history, and amazing advantages over combustion engines. To learn more about them, check out http://www.twocentspermile.com and http://bit.ly/2centspermile
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