Suzuki To Supply EVs: Toyota’s Version Of Maruti eVX-Based Launch Soon
Suzuki has a tie-up with Toyota internationally in 2016 under which both Japanese auto giants will share certain models with each other. This includes jointly developed products as well as re-engineered models developed by Suzuki and vice versa. This partnership will mutually help both car manufacturers to raise their production, especially in developing countries like India. Toyota version will compete with MG ZS EV, Tata Curvv EV, BYD Atto 3 and the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV and Mahindra BE.05.
Some common products under Suzuki-Toyoya partnership are already received a lot of success like Suzuki Baleno or Toyota Glanza, Toyota Innova Hycross/Suzuki Invicto, and Suzuki Grand Vitara or Toyota Urban Cruiser HyRyder to name a few. This alliance will now grow beyond ICE models, involving future EV’s from both brands. Suzuki and Toyota have jointly released a statement announcing their first collaboration in the battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) segment. Although the name or specific details of this Electric Vehicles have not been revealed yet, the release states that it will be an SUV. The document further states that this SUV will be manufactured at Suzuki Motor Group facility in Hansalpur, Gujarat.
The development of a Suzuki eVX-based SUV will wear the Toyota logo and the production for this SUV is confirmed to commence somewhere in 2025. Both versions of the SUV are almost confirmed to launch in India and shall be exported to foreign markets such as Japan, Middle East, and Europe. However, the launch of Maruti Suzuki eVX is expected to earlier than its Toyota version.
What is yet to be confirmed is whether Toyota’s iteration of the upcoming electric SUV will be a plain rebadged model with the same design barring minor cosmetic changes and a different logo or will it carry a completely different design element with Toyota’s own design philosophy in place.
Test versions of the Suzuki eVX have been seen on numerous occasions over the past few months and the Suzuki eVX will be based on the brand’s new skateboard platform which should result in a spacious cabin and dimensions measuring 4,300mm in length, 1,800mm in width and 1,600mm in height. According to the company, the battery-powered SUV will be powered by a 60kWh battery pack offering up to 550 km of driving range. The latest news reveals that the upcoming battery-powered SUV will also get all-wheel drive capabilities which suggest a dual-motor setup.
