If you're a Toyota enthusiast like we are at R & H Toyota, you know Ford is a close competitor and would never, not even on a whim, think the two would join forces. That's the thing with saying never, though. There's no such thing. Case in point: Toyota and the Blue Oval are collaborating on an important new initiative that promises to benefit truck and SUV drivers worldwide. Specifically, the two auto giants are planning to co-develop an all-new, rear-wheel drive hybrid system.
Fantastic, right? We think so. Especially given the two companies have such complementary knowledge bases. Yes, Toyota knows trucks and SUVs. But, what they really know is hybrid technology. After all, they've been pioneering the segment for a decade, now.
Similarly, the Blue Oval, has experience engineering hybrid technology. But really, they're novices. They're area of expertise is in designing trucks and SUVs. The American automaker has an extremely successful history in those segments.
"Our collaboration with Ford, is a move to make hybrid technology more widely available in sport-utility vehicles [SUVs] and in trucks," explains 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
Toyota and the Blue Oval have at this time both signed a memorandum of understanding, outlining their commitment to sharing their respective expertise and working cooperatively on the rear-wheel drive hybrid project. The next step for the two companies is to sign an official agreement. This is expected to take place in 2012.
Please stay tuned to stay up to date on developments surrounding this initiative. R & H Toyota, located at 9801 Reisterstown Road Owings Mill, MD 21117, is dedicated to keeping you informed.
Source: 1 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44227703/ns/business-going_green/#.TlKp1mHK2W4
