Mazda is seeking to enter the hybrid and plug-in electric market in the coming years 07/19/2010
American drivers may soon be seeing new hybrid vehicles from the Japanese automakers Mazda thanks to a new agreement reached with cross-country rivals Toyota over drivetrain technology.
This agreement, yet another move by Mazda towards independent product development, will give the company access to the electric powertrain system currently used in Toyota's third generation model of the market leading hybrid, the Prius. Official reports from Mazda's executive Vice President, Masaharu Yamaki, say the powertrain will debut on the streets of Tokyo in 2013, while a North American release sis till to be determined.
The move will help Mazda to reach its goal of improving fleet fuel economy 30 percent by 2015, according to a report from the AutoNews. Mazda's earlier plans to meet this goal have yielded the more efficient Sky G engine which sees a reduced weight and idle stop upgrades over the brand's existing engines.
Mazda's new partnership continues the slow dissolution of its relationship with American automaker Ford, whom many had speculated would provide the drivetrain for the Japanese automaker. Mazda currently uses Ford Technology in its hybrid SUV, the Tribute.
Yamaki told the news provider that this new partnership would not undermine Mazda's existing relationship with Ford