Weekly Recap: Toyota, Mazda team up to 'make cars better'

Weekly Recap: Toyota, Mazda team up to 'make cars better'Plus: Notes On Volvo, The Ford GT, And Top Gear.Greg Migliore

Toyota and Mazda are teaming for a noble purpose: to "make cars better." That's how the two Japanese automakers termed their partnership, which was announced this week.

So what does this actually mean?

The companies said they will set up a joint committee to look for areas of cooperation and named safety and the environment as issues they plan to tackle. From a product perspective, it's believed that Toyota is interested in Mazda's Skyactive engine portfolio. In turn, Mazda has its eye on Toyota's fuel-cell and plug-in hybrid technology.

While more specifics were not confirmed, the companies said the "agreement will go beyond the traditional framework of cooperation," and it has the potential to be a long-range partnership.

"The main purpose of this initiative is to enhance the appeal of our cars," Toyota president Akio Toyoda said at the announcement.

Previously, Mazda has licensed Toyota's hybrid tech and assembled compact cars for Toyota in Mexico. Akio Toyoda said these projects "triggered" the automakers to explore further collaboration.

Dave Sullivan, product analysis manager for AutoPacific, said the tie-up echoes Daimler's wide-ranging work with the Renault-Nissan alliance. "This could be a well-groomed match due to each having very unique skill sets," he said.OTHER NEWS & NOTES

Volvo selects South Carolina for US factory

Volvo confirmed this week that it will build its first US factory in South Carolina, with construction set to begin this fall. The company first revealed plans in March, though it didn't announce a site. The plant will have initial annual production of 100,000 units, though the vehicle or vehicles to be assembled were not specified. The factory, located near Charleston, will open in 2018 and ultimately employ 4,000 people. The facility will help Volvo continue its growth strategy, which includes strengthening its presence in the US market, where it wants to sell more than 100,000 cars per year. "Building a plant in the US is a reflection of Volvo Cars' commitment to the US and the key role the US plays in our growth objectives," Lex Kerssemakers, senior vice president, Americas, said in a statement.

Ford GT spied on the road

The 2017 Ford GT was spotted testing around the Blue Oval's headquarters in Dearborn, MI, this week. The raw body panels were exposed, and they lacked paint or camouflage. It's the first time the GT has been captured on the street after a spring of auto show reveals. The prototype is missing some elements, like a rear fascia, and it appears to have different mirrors and windshield wipers than the auto show concept. The GT will be produced starting in late 2016 by Canadian specialists Multimatic and will employ a twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Former Top Gear trio to host Netflix show?

The former hosts of Top Gear might have new gigs on the horizon. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are reportedly in talks with Netflix to host a show that could be called House of Cars. The report comes from the U.K. tabloid, The Daily Mirror, and it was picked up by a wide range of outlets. The ex-Top Gear Hosts are also rumored to have spoken with another British network, ITV, which rivals the BBC. House of Cars would be a play on the hit Netflix political drama, House of Cards, which stars Kevin Spacey.
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Mazda and Toyota formally announce plans to 'make cars better'

Mazda and Toyota formally announce plans to 'make cars better'Brandon Turkus

Following Monday's report that Toyota and Mazda could be expanding their cooperation, the two Japanese automakers have made it official, issuing a joint press release announcing a "mutually beneficial long-term partnership" that will "make cars better."

The two companies will set up a joint committee to figure out the strengths and weaknesses of each party. As we explained yesterday, that likely means Mazda will benefit from Toyota's plug-in-hybrid and fuel-cell tech, while the world's largest automaker can take advantage of the Zoom-Zoom automaker's line of efficient Skyactiv engines.

"I am delighted that our two companies can share the same vision and work together to make cars better. I can think of nothing more wonderful than showing the world – together – that the next 100 years of cars will be just as fun as the first," Toyota President Akio Toyoda said in the attached joint statement.

Mazda President and CEO Masamichi Kogai echoed that sentiment, saying: "I hope that by working together to make cars better, we can raise the value of cars in the eyes of consumers while also enhancing the manufacturing capabilities of our home, Hiroshima, and all the communities we are involved in as well."

Scroll down for the official joint press release.
Show full PR textToyota and Mazda Team Up to Make Cars Better

Tokyo, Japan, May 13, 2015―Toyota Motor Corporation and Mazda Motor Corporation today entered an agreement to build a mutually beneficial long term partnership. By leveraging the resources of both companies to complement and enhance each other's products and technologies, the partnership will result in more appealing cars that meet the diverse needs and tastes of customers all over the world.

A joint committee will now be set up to evaluate how best to utilize each company's respective strengths. The committee will encourage broad and meaningful collaboration across a range of fields, including environmental and advanced safety technologies.

Marking the agreement, Toyota President Akio Toyoda said: "As evidenced by their SKYACTIV Technologies and KODO-Soul of Motion design, Mazda has proven that it always thinks of what is coming next for vehicles and technology, while still managing to stay true to its basic carmaking roots. In this way, Mazda very much practices what Toyota holds dear: making ever-better cars. I am delighted that our two companies can share the same vision and work together to make cars better. I can think of nothing more wonderful than showing the world-together-that the next 100 years of cars will be just as fun as the first."

Representing Mazda, President and CEO Masamichi Kogai said: "Toyota is a company that has shown steadfast resolve in acting responsibly on global environmental issues and the future of manufacturing as a whole. I also have tremendous respect for Toyota's dedication in its pursuit of ever-better cars through ongoing innovation. Furthermore, Mazda identifies with the way Toyota cherishes its roots and all of the communities it is involved in. It is no wonder they are held in great esteem in return. I hope that by working together to make cars better, we can raise the value of cars in the eyes of consumers while also enhancing the manufacturing capabilities of our home, Hiroshima, and all the communities we are involved in as well."

Previous collaboration between Toyota and Mazda has included the licensing of Toyota's hybrid technologies to Mazda and the production of compact cars for Toyota at Mazda's plant in Mexico.

Toyota and Mazda recognize that there is considerable overlap between Mazda's corporate philosophy of bringing joy to people through vehicles and Toyota's commitment to making ever-better cars, as well as its dedication to company-wide structural reforms to realize true competiveness and sustainable growth. This latest agreement will go beyond the traditional framework of cooperation, aiming instead to create a whole new set of values for cars through wide-ranging medium to long term collaboration.

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