Though it may seem like the unlikeliest of pairs, Toyota has decided to team up with Ford on two new ventures. While remaining on their competitive game, the two leading auto makers have come to recognize each other's expertise as a critical to accomplishing a few of their mutual goals sooner rather than later.

Both companies share the desire is to develop a new rear-wheel drive powertrain for light trucks and SUVs. Toyota, of course, has 10 years of experience working with hybrid technology in their back pocket. And, it goes without saying that Ford is legendary for their trucks and SUVs. By working together on the project, the two companies are confident they'll be able to bring the technology to market significantly faster than would be possible if they continued to work alone.

The second project Toyota is collaborating with Ford on is a bit different. It still deals with tech, but a very different kind of tech: in-car services. Together, the two auto gurus are planning to develop the next-generation standards for in-car telematics and Web-bases services.

"Our collaboration with Ford, is a move to make hybrid technology more widely available in sport-utility vehicles [SUVs] and in trucks," says Takeshi Uchiyamada, Executive VP R&D, Toyota. "Those kinds of models are indispensible to American customers. And providing them with our hybrid technology will help conserve gas here in the United States. That was our thinking in considering the collaboration."¹

Interested in learning more about the unraveling direction of these two exciting new projects? Stay tuned. Jaffarian Toyota, located at 600 River St. in Haverhill, MA is dedicated to keeping you informed on all late-breaking Toyota news.

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