Mazda and Toyota EVs to come from new joint venture

Toyota, Mazda and Japanese tech company Denso have agreed to set up a company to develop electric cars. 

The new group, called EV CA Spirit Co, will produce electric vehicle (EV) technology for the brands using a shared pool of engineers, with the majority of investment coming from Toyota, and 5% each coming from Denso and Mazda. 

EV CA Spirit Co will produce a wide range of EV technologies, notably for use on the first pure EVs from both Toyota and Mazda. In addition to Japan-only minicars, more mass-market and global-sales-friendly SUVs and other passenger cars are in the pipeline, as well as commercial vehicles. 

All the models will be based on Toyota’s new TNGA platform, while Denso brings electronics expertise to the table and Mazda’s product planning and computer modelling experience will also contribute to the joint venture. 

Toyota’s TNGA platform will likely be tweaked for usage in the new range of EVs, as the venture aims to fine-tune the cars’ driving characteristics, although the announcement states that Mazda and Toyota-badged EVs will still embody the essence of each brand. 

Despite Toyota and Mazda’s initial involvement in the project, the joint venture welcomes further active members, opening the invitation to other car makers and parts suppliers. 

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