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Previously this agreement was for JDM use only (Mazda 3 Hybrid), now this new one permits Mazda to use Toyota proprietary parts worldwide and visa versa.
Plus new ventures...
Found this interesting and complimentary quote from Toyoda about Mazda today..
Toyota engineers say privately that their company has been quietly benchmarking the comparatively tiny Japanese rival, fascinated by its uncanny ability to churn out high-quality vehicles on a shoestring budget -- and to do so profitably from high-cost Japan.
Toyoda said that despite the difference in size between the two companies, Toyota has much to learn.
“In a sense, Mazda is ahead of us in many areas,” he said.
Mazda’s high-compression Skyactiv engines, efficient transmission and lightweight chassis systems, as well as its Kodo design language, are prime examples of areas where Mazda leads Toyota by a “full lap,” Toyoda said.
Rotary is dead and buried as we know it...unfortunately.
As a prime motor source it will never make the required MPG efficiencies, let alone emissions standards on gasoline which are now way more stringent since even the 16X DI launch in 2007.
Euro 6 next year is even tougher than current US emissions.(NOx, CO).
As a cycle on/off battery back-up, has some possibilities, but it is no longer an RX-.
There could be a slight glimmer with a hydrogen fuel cell RE now we have this Toyota tie up, see Toyota Mirai
There is a hugely compelling set of counterpoints to the whole "emissions" "mpg" complaints. Even assuming Mazda would never do something just to defy what the world thinks they should do... but they have a long history of doing exactly that.
This is defiantly good for rotary development and will be an excellent thing for both company's (hopefully this is.) You never know maybe a 3 rotor with a hybrid system could be the near future.....
i said it elsewhere- a v-6 sourced from Toyota but with SkyActive top end - 270hp 30/40 cty/hwy mpg for the CX-9 and Mazdaspeed 6 maybe throw in plug in hybrid tech from Toyota for extra oomph off the line
Glad to see this, seems it will be mutually beneficial. Curious what else could come from the relationship in the future.
...and now toyota has another automaker on retainer to build a sports car for them, seeming as they don't want to tackle that task all on their own anymore.
Many companies seem to be lacking in the sports car area lately. This era seems to be breeding efficient, transportation vehicles while the sports enthusiasts are left out in the cold. Many popular vehicles like Mitsubishi's Lancer Evo has now ceased production, and you can hardly even call the new Subaru WRX a Subaru anymore. Toyota, Honda, etc are still left without real headliner sports vehicles, like Mazda. American brands seem to be on the upswing however.
Hopefully Mazda can profit a bit from the partnership to get competitive in the sports car department. Maybe after the economy recovers a bit more. I won't hold my breath though.
Keep in mind that when a car is released is typically about 5 years after it is actually designed and developed. Guess what was 4 years ago? The Japanese tsunami, amid a global car sales slump. Sports cars are the first to get the axe or put on hold when profits plummet.
Thinking of what the world is currently like is what affects cars released 5 years from now, not cars available now. This sports car void isn't unexpected.
05-13-2015, 02:03 PM
