Ford and Toyota – the world’s two leading manufacturers of hybrid vehicles – announced they will collaborate on the development of a new hybrid drive system for light trucks and SUVs.
The companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on product development, and a formal agreement is expected by next year.
So far, they have been working independently on next-generation rear-wheel drive hybrid systems aimed at delivering higher fuel economy in light trucks and SUVs without affecting performance. They say collaboration will allow them to bring the technology to the market sooner and more affordably.
Once the new system is developed, the companies will work separately to integrate the technology into their respective vehicles.
"This is the kind of collaborative effort that is required to address the big global challenges of energy independence and environmental sustainability," says Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally.
They will also coordinate technologies for in-car information technology platforms (aka telematics). The collaboration relates only to standards and technologies, and each company will continue to separately develop their own in-vehicle products and features for connecting to the web.
Earlier this year Toyota and Microsoft announced a partnership to build a telematics software platform in upcoming electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
In May, Ford showcased its first intelligent vehicle, which uses Wi-Fi and GPS to reduce the risk of collision.
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