NEW DELHI: Japan’s Suzuki, that controls the country’s biggest carmaker Maruti, will be supplying its India-made electric to compatriot Toyota for global markets as the two companies broaden their arrangement beyond sharing of petrol products.
The two companies, which are already doing cross-badging of certain models in India, are now stretching the arrangement to EVs that will help them achieve economies of scale, while taking the products to markets across the world.
“Suzuki and Toyota have decided to further strengthen collaboration in supply of a battery EV (BEV) SUV model developed by Suzuki to Toyota. This new model is scheduled to be manufactured at Suzuki Motor Gujarat in India from the spring of 2025,” the companies said.
“This new development marks the first BEV in OEM relationship between the two companies. It will be launched worldwide, providing a BEV choice even in the SUV market, which is showing remarkable growth,” they further said, adding, the move will help them promote initiatives towards realising a carbon-neutral society.
Suzuki had showcased a concept version of the model – eVX – at a previous auto expo in India, and will now likely launch it at the Bharat Mobility expo in early 2025. The displayed model had a battery capacity of 60kWh and a single-charge range of 550 km.
“The new model was designed exclusively as a BEV. A nimble SUV with the sharp driving characteristics of a BEV, it features ample cruising range and a comfortable cabin. It is also available with a 4WD system, offering exceptional drivability on rough roads and a more powerful driving performance. The BEV unit and platform adopted for this model were jointly developed by Suzuki, Toyota, and Daihatsu Motor Corporation, utilizing each company’s strength,” the companies said. Daihatsu is a subsidiary of Toyota.
Suzuki president Toshihiro Suzuki said the first BEV will be supplied to Toyota globally.