Toyota-Suzuki partnership has been growing steadily in positive direction ever since they first signed an MoU back in February 2017. A set of the business deal was released by both the parties a few months ago and they largely deal with hybrid vehicle technology sharing, taking advantage of each other’s production capabilities and mutual supply of vehicles with domestic and global significance.
Toyota will be supplying its hybrid tech to Suzuki through local procurement of HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) systems, batteries and engines. The electrified versions based on RAV4 and Corolla Wagon’s platforms will be supplied to the Japanese counterpart in Europe as well.
While the rebadged Baleno, known as Glanza, is already available for sale, Suzuki will be supplying Ciaz and Ertiga to Toyota in the near future as well. Along with these made-in-India models, the Vitara Brezza will also be part of Suzuki’s OEM supply of vehicles to the African continent.
Moreover, the Suzuki developed engines, supported by Denso and Toyota, will be manufactured at Toyota’s plant in Poland. Both the companies have agreed to co-develop vehicles as a Toyota C-segment MPV will be obtained by Suzuki. The Bidadi plant of TKM (Toyota Kirloskar Motor) will also be responsible for producing Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza from 2022.
Toyota has two successful products that led their respective segments in India as the Innova Crysta and Fortuner are responsible for the brand’s impressive customer retention rate. While the Toyota C-MPV co-developed with Suzuki is eagerly awaited, the Ertiga will also be supplied to TKM and additionally, a report emerged on the internet suggests the possibility of a premium SUV.
This would help in further strengthening TKM’s presence in Rs. 15-20 lakh segment and it will meet the stringent emission standards. The price territory will let it tussle against Jeep Compass, upcoming MG Hector and Hyundai Tucson speculatively. It could be positioned below the Fortuner in the domestic lineup.
As the customers show increased affinity towards premium SUVs, it would not come at a better time for Toyota to address the segment. Will C-HR be that reported SUV or something based on it? Uncertainty is the only certainty right now!
