Toyota and Mazda enter official technology partnership

Toyota and Mazda have confirmed they will enter into a new technological partnership.

In a move designed to help drive down development costs and meet increasingly strict emissions legislation, the two companies have announced they "build a mutually beneficial long-term partnership". 

In a statement, Toyota said: "By leveraging the resources of both companies to complement and enhance each other's products and technologies, the partnership wil result in more appealing cars that meet the diverse needs and tastes of customers all over the world."

As part of the new agreement, it is understood that Toyota will share its fuel cell and plug-in hybrid technology, while Mazda will supply its efficient range of Skyactiv engines. Other areas that will come under the agreement include the exploration new advanced safety technology.

Mazda is understood to have been looking at its own fuel cell vehicle for some time, while Toyota is on the cusp of bringing its own FCV model, the Toyota Mirai, to the UK later this year.

Sharing costs would benefit both brands, bringing economies of scale to what is currently an expensive emerging technology.

The two Japanese giants already work together, with Toyota producing the Scion iA, a reskin of the saloon version of the Mazda 2. The next Toyota Yaris is understood to be based on the 2 hatchback.

Speaking to Japanese media, Toyota president Akio Toyoda said: "We are excited to be working with Mazda. This partnership is based on a shared vision and mutual respect.

"We’ll respect each other's people, technologies and cultures. We will lead each other towards a better future.

"I would like our joint initiatives to send a message to the word, that we are committed to making cars more enjoyable over the next century."

Mazda boss Masamichi Kogai added: "I am certain that it will also enable us to offer our customers greater value.

"I hope that by working together to make cars better, we can raise the value of cars in the eyes of consumers while also enhancing the manufacturing capabilities of our home, Hiroshima, and all the communities we are involved in as well."

Rumours of Toyota sharing its hybrid technology stretch back to 2009, when the company was in talks with Mazda to supply technology found in the Prius.

Toyota already has an ongoing project with BMW, which will see new versions of the Supra and Z4 brought to market.

Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles has also recently called for the increased sharing of widely used components across the industry, claiming manufacturers could save billions by sharing more under-the-skin parts.