Mazda’s long time relationship with Ford is weakening as Mazda looks to Toyota for hybrid drive train technology. In the past Mazda has used Ford\u2019s hybrid system in its sport-utility vehicle, the Tribute, but because Mazda plans to make their new hybrid car in Japan, they decided to lease the technology from Toyota instead. Masaharu Yamaki, Mazda\u2019s executive vice-president, said the group had chosen Toyota\u2019s technology over Ford\u2019s because, \u201cWe need to procure components quickly and reliably from domestic suppliers.\u201d The agreement which the two companies had been negotiating since last spring, will include hybrid components such as control systems, inverters and the regenerative braking mechanism. <\/p>\n
Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota\u2019s executive vice-president, said the Mazda deal would help lower production costs for Toyota\u2019s own hybrid cars by expanding the market for shared components. As a result, \u201cWe hope that the cost of parts will fall and new innovations will emerge.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Mazda’s long time relationship with Ford is weakening as Mazda looks to Toyota for hybrid drive train technology. In the past Mazda has used Ford\u2019s hybrid system in its sport-utility vehicle, the Tribute, but because Mazda plans to make their new hybrid car in Japan, they decided to lease the technology from Toyota instead. Masaharu Yamaki, Mazda\u2019s executive vice-president, said the group had chosen Toyota\u2019s technology over Ford\u2019s because, \u201cWe need to procure components quickly and reliably from domestic suppliers.\u201d The agreement which the two companies had been negotiating since last spring, will include hybrid components such as control systems, inverters and the regenerative braking mechanism. Continue reading