Ahmedabad: Suzuki Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation will strengthen their partnership, with Suzuki supplying a new battery electric (BEV) SUV model to Toyota. This new model is scheduled for production at Suzuki Motor Gujarat in India, beginning in the spring of 2025.

This development marks the first BEV within the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) partnership between the two companies. The model will launch worldwide, adding a BEV option to the fast-growing SUV market. With this addition, Suzuki and Toyota aim to further advance their initiatives toward a carbon-neutral society, according to an official statement.

The new model was designed exclusively as a BEV. A nimble SUV with the sharp driving characteristics of a BEV, it features ample cruising range and a comfortable cabin. It is also available with a 4WD system, offering exceptional drivability on rough roads and a more powerful driving performance.

The BEV unit and platform adopted for this model were jointly developed by Suzuki, Toyota, and Daihatsu Motor Corporation, utilizing each company’s strength.

“Suzuki will supply our first BEV to Toyota globally. I am grateful that the collaboration between the two companies has further deepened in this way. While continuing to be competitors, we will deepen our collaborations toward solving social issues, including the realization of a carbon-neutral society through a multi-pathway approach.” said Suzuki President Toshihiro Suzuki

Meanwhile, Toyota President Koji Sato stated, “By leveraging the BEV unit and platform that we jointly developed, we will take a new step in our collaboration in the field of electrified vehicles. This will allow us to deliver various choices that contribute to a carbon-neutral society to customers worldwide. We would like to learn from each other’s strengths, compete, and further joint efforts based on a multi-pathway approach.” DeshGujarat