The Ford and Toyota Motor companies, usually stiff rivals have decided to join forces in an effort to bring a more fuel efficient, hybrid truck to the market. Ford having superior sales on its truck models, and Toyota with the best selling hybrid on the market seems to be the best combination for the job.
The two companies believe that if they work together, they will be able to bring consumers a more affordable technology sooner. The Collaboration will help both Ford and Toyota meet proposed government fuel standards that will require automakers’ fleets to average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.
Ford and Toyota signed an agreement to split development costs for hybrid systems, as well as telematics technology to improve information and entertainment systems.
The agreement was prompted by a chance meeting of the Ford CEO and Toyotas President. The next step for the two companies is a study to determine which technologies they will invest in and which vehicles will get them.
It is expected that the partnerships first hybrid trucks will be on the road later in this decade. Candidates include the Ford F-150, Ford Expedition, Toyota Tundra and Toyota Sequoia.
Although the two companies have stated they will only be joining forces with the hybrid technology and will remain competitors, this partnership is a milestone in the industry. It allows for new technology to be released into the market at a faster rate than would be possible if either of the companies would go at it alone.
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