The longstanding partnership between Toyota and Suzuki is entering a new era. Both companies recently announced plans to expand their lineup with a fully electric SUV, which Suzuki will be supplying to Toyota. This model, likely based on Suzuki’s eVX concept, will be Suzuki’s first electric SUV and also the first of its kind that Toyota will offer globally under its own brand. Production of the model is set to begin in 2025 at Suzuki’s plant in Gujarat, India, and the vehicle will be available to customers worldwide.

Joint Development of an Electric Vehicle Platform

The new SUV will be built on a platform jointly developed by Suzuki, Toyota, and Daihatsu, the well-known Japanese microcar manufacturer. This technology base allows the vehicle to offer four-wheel drive (4WD). In addition to stability and safety, the manufacturers have focused on efficient energy usage to enable extended driving range and practicality for daily use.

The eVX concept, from which the new SUV will likely take its inspiration, was showcased at Auto Expo in Delhi and features a 60 kWh battery with an estimated range of approximately 500 km (about 311 miles). At 4,300 mm in length, the SUV sits in the same category as models like the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross and Toyota Yaris Cross. This size is ideal for the B-SUV category, balancing compact dimensions with sufficient space for passengers and cargo.

Expected Changes and Design Modifications

It is not yet clear whether Toyota will introduce the model with more significant design modifications or if it will follow the badge engineering approach, with minor changes like logo replacements. However, previous experiences with Suzuki models rebranded by Toyota suggest Toyota may make a few design adjustments, such as modified bumpers or unique trim elements, while retaining the core structure and look.

History of the Toyota-Suzuki Partnership

Toyota and Suzuki, both with roots in the Enshu region in the western part of Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture, began their partnership in 2016. The original collaboration focused on mutual model sharing and the gradual integration of electrification into their offerings. During this partnership, Suzuki gained the opportunity to offer European customers modified versions of Toyota vehicles, such as the Suzuki Swace, a version of the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, and the Suzuki Across, based on the Toyota RAV4. Toyota, in turn, offered Suzuki-based models under its own badge in markets across Africa, the Middle East, and in India, a core market for Suzuki.

Production of the new model will take place in India, which is becoming a key manufacturing hub for both companies. With this move, Toyota and Suzuki aim to tap into the rapidly growing global demand for SUVs, while electric vehicles represent another step toward a more sustainable future.

Source: AutoCar