The Future Toyota Avanza May Be Based on the Suzuki Ertiga

Two years after announcing a corporate partnership, Toyota and Suzuki have now outlined in detail what that partnership means. Though both automakers remain free to compete with each other, the collaboration deals with how they will handle disruptive trends and technologies.

For Suzuki’s part, it means supplying its compact vehicle platform, specifically the Ciaz and Ertiga to Toyota. Though this is limited to the Indian market for now, it’s entirely feasible that this will span to other emerging markets where the Ciaz and Ertiga are sold such as ASEAN, and in turn, the Philippines. In fact, both Toyota and Suzuki will jointly develop a compact segment MPV, likely the third-generation Ertiga which may spell the end of the Avanza as a body-on-frame vehicle.

The same collaboration has Suzuki supplying Toyota its Indian-made Baleno, Vitara, Ciaz, and Ertiga which Toyota will sell to the African continent, while Toyota will produce the Vitara at its Indian assembly site exclusively for the Indian market.

For Suzuki, they will set to get Toyota’s Hybrid System globally which will help with the compact car specialist’s electrification goals. Suzuki will also gain access to the TNGA platform which they will then use to launch two electrified vehicles based off the RAV4 and Corolla for the European continent.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda said: “When it comes to vehicle electrification, which is expected to make further inroads, hybrid technologies are seen as playing a huge role in many markets, as from before. Widespread acceptance is necessary for electrified vehicles to be able to contribute to Earth’s environment. Through our new agreement, we look forward to the wider use of hybrid technologies, not only in India and Europe, but around the world. At the same time, we believe that the expansion of our business partnership with Suzuki―from the mutual supply of vehicles and powertrains to the domains of development and production―will help give us the competitive edge we will need to survive this once-in-a-century period of profound transformation. We intend to strengthen the competitiveness of both our companies by applying our strong points and learning from each other.”

Suzuki Chairman Osamu Suzuki said: “At the time we announced our scope of cooperation in May last year, I spoke that we will strive for success globally. I have seen progress in the partnership since then, and it is my pleasure to be able to make this announcement today regarding the status of partnership on a global basis, including Europe and Africa. In addition, we appreciate the kind offer from Toyota to let us make use of their hybrid technology. We will continue our utmost efforts.”