Toyota, the world's biggest automaker, and small car specialist Suzuki did not announce details but suggested any partnership could focus on new safety and environmental technologies.
"The environment surrounding the automotive industry has been changing drastically and rapidly in an unprecedented fashion," a joint statement said. "As such, the industry is required to work not only on conventional automobile R&D (research and development) but also on R&D for advanced and future technologies in the fields including environment."
Toyota added that it was trailing competitors in North America and Europe in some areas, while Suzuki was struggling to forge its own path in the fiercely competitive industry.
The firms are holding a press briefing in Tokyo around 0930 GMT.
Japan has eight domestic automakers in an intensely competitive market. Suzuki sells about 2.8 million vehicles a year globally compared with more than 10 million for Toyota.
Nissan earlier this year announced plans to buy a one-third stake in Mitsubishi Motors - which was embroiled in a fuel-testing scandal - forging an alliance that will challenge some of the world's biggest auto groups.
In January Toyota made its mini-car unit Daihatsu a wholly-owned company in a move that gave Toyota definitive control over a company that has battled with Suzuki in Japan's domestic mini-car segment. It also strengthens its footing in Southeast Asia.
Suzuki formed a capital alliance with Volkswagen in 2009 after ending a partnership with US giant General Motors. But the tie-up ended in August last year due to disagreements over management control and other issues, weeks before the emissions-cheating scandal tainted the Volkswagen brand.
Source: AFP
For more than two decades, I-Net Bridge has been one of South Africa’s preferred electronic providers of innovative solutions, data of the highest calibre, reliable platforms and excellent supporting systems. Our products include workstations, web applications and data feeds packaged with in-depth news and powerful analytical tools empowering clients to make meaningful decisions.
We pride ourselves on our wide variety of in-house skills, encompassing multiple platforms and applications. These skills enable us to not only function as a first class facility, but also design, implement and support all our client needs at a level that confirms I-Net Bridge a leader in its field.
Go to: http://www.inet.co.za
