Mazda has committed to joining the hybrid race by the “20-teens”, but the small Japanese automaker won’t be going it alone. Just as Nissan licensed its early hybrid technology from Toyota , Mazda will reportedly source its early hybrid tech from the world’s largest automaker.
According to the Nikkei business daily, Toyota will supply Mazda with the core parts for its forthcoming hybrid vehicles. The first Mazda hybrids with Toyota-sourced internals should hit the market sometime in 2013. Although Mazda isn’t a large automaker, it plans to sell about 100,000 hybrids annually.
It remains unclear which Mazda model will be the first to receive the hybrid treatment, but the Japanese automaker has previously stated it isn’t planning any dedicated hybrid models.
The tie-up seems to be a win-win for both automakers. Mazda will be receiving one of the best hybrid systems on the market – able, in its current form, to return up to 50 mpg – and Toyota will be getting a much needed extra stream of income. Expect to hear more on the hybrid partnership as we close in on that 2013 launch date.
