Toyota, Suzuki conclude MoU on EV introduction in India

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Earlier this year in February 6, the two Japanese majors Toyota and Suzuki had signed an MOU on beginning considerations for business partnership, after which they began discussing, among other topics, the dissemination of vehicle electrification technologies in India.

Now with the conclusion of the MoU,  Suzuki is to produce EVs for the Indian market and will supply some to Toyota, while Toyota is to provide technical support. Additionally, Toyota and Suzuki intend to conduct a comprehensive study of activities for the widespread acceptance and popular use of EVs in India.

Such activities encompass the establishment of charging stations, human resources development that includes training for after-service technicians employed throughout sales networks, and systems for the appropriate treatment of end-of-life batteries.

Meanwhile, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has signed an MOU on November 16, 2017 with Government of Andhra Pradesh to explore feasibility of introducing electrified vehicles at Smart City, Amaravathi. The company will start start the feasibility study towards introduction of “Prius PHEV” and “Small EV Commuter” into AP Govt.’s ambitious smart city project at Amaravathi.

Cabinet Minister for Information Technology, Panchayati Raj and Rural Development in Andhra Pradesh, Nara Lokesh, Principal Secretary, IT & Communications Department Govt of AP, K. Vijayanand, CEO, Electronics & IT Agency, Tirumala Rao Chamalla and Managing Director of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Akito Tachibana jointly witnessed the signing ceremony.

The MOU is the commitment of Toyota and Govt. of AP to mutually work together to solve the grave issue of pollution ensuring smooth introduction of Plug-in Hybrid & Electric Vehicles in the state. This is in line with Toyota’s Environment Challenge 2050 to achieve zero CO2 emissions. Toyota globally believes that the electrification of vehicles is required to reduce CO2 emissions. Toyota has been a pioneer in the electrified vehicle space with the Prius which is the first mass produced electrified car 20 years ago. Currently, Toyota’s electrified vehicles, and mainly the HVs that have become the most popular globally, are loved by customers all over the world. In 2017, Toyota’s cumulative sales of electrified units reached 11 million units. Toyota strongly believes that ‘PHV’ Plug in Hybrid is a realistic solution considering the charging infrastructure available in the country in current status.