Ford and Toyota to work together on hybrid systems for SUVs and pick-up trucks

In an exciting move, Ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation have announced they are to collaborate as equal partners on the development of an advanced new hybrid system for pick-ups and SUVs.

What does this mean? Well, put simply, the world’s two leading manufacturers of hybrid vehicles will work together to develop a new rear-wheel drive hybrid powertrain. Both companies will be able to deliver these hybrid technologies to customers sooner and more affordably than if they worked alone.

Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota Executive Vice President, Research and Development, said: “In 1997, we launched the first-generation Prius, the world’s first mass-produced petrol-electric hybrid. Since then, we have sold about 3.3 million hybrid vehicles. We expect to create exciting technologies that benefit society with Ford, and we can do so through the experience the two companies have in hybrid technology.”