Indo-Japanese manufacturer Maruti Suzuki has announced its partnership with Toyota to create an electric midsize SUV for major global markets. Sources suggest that the two automakers will launch the EV for the Indian market by January 2025. Additional information from reports suggests that the EV will utilise a state-of-the-art, born-electric platform co-developed by seven Japanese automakers and suppliers. Codenamed the 40PL, the two companies will use the electric skateboard to spawn vehicles across multiple segments with different body styles.
Purpose of the Suzuki-Toyota Partnership
Maruti Suzuki requires an EV in order to prepare themselves for the widespread development of EVs across the country. This is also because Maruti Suzuki and its parent company Suzuki cannot sustain themselves if they invest in cutting-edge EV technologies. This also includes investing in ICE models, which they currently utilise to rake in major profits across various global markets. Therefore, Suzuki had no choice but to partner up with Toyota 5 years ago to share costs and risks.
The Japanese Consortium & 40PL electric skateboard
Meanwhile, Toyota has also decided to join the EV race after spending years favouring, producing, and developing mass-market hybrids. However, in order to develop an EV, Toyota had to develop a cutting-edge, dedicated platform for its future vehicles. In 2017, Toyota, along with Mazda and parts supplier Denso created a new company called EV C.A. Spirit Co. Just a year later, Daihatsu, Subaru, Suzuki, and Hino joined the company to jointly develop EVs for the future.
This makes EV C.A Spirit Co. one of the largest EV collaborations amongst manufacturers where Toyota acquired a majority stake. All companies involved with this coalition will share the same parts and achieve their goals via their individual strengths. Meanwhile, Maruti Suzuki’s first EV reportedly codenamed the YY8 will use the renamed 40PL platform, the 27PL, for marketing purposes. This vehicle will feature larger dimensions than even the Hyundai Creta after its manufacturing takes place at Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat plant.
Maruti Suzuki-Toyota electric midsize SUV: Launch Timeline
Sources suggest that Maruti Suzuki’s YY8 and its respective sister model from Toyota will act as their new global products. With exports being the top priority, the EVs will likely make their global debut in Europe by October 2024. The two companies will then launch the EVs in India, followed by Japan during the first half of 2025.
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