Toyota and Ford to Collaborate on Hybrid Trucks

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.

New Toyota Technology Will Steer Car Away From an Accident

Toyota views the realization of a society that places utmost importance on traffic safety and mobility as one of its top management priorities and holds it to its core guiding principle of supplying safe products. With this idea in mind, Toyota has introduced some ground breaking technologies.

One of the new features is the Emergency-Response Technology which can detect driver’s health condition from their grip on the steering wheel.

The wheel will be equipped with optical and cardiovascular sensors which monitor the driver’s physical conditions constantly. If it senses something is wrong it will sound a warning and advise the driver to get to a doctor.

Another great feature Toyota is implementing is its millimeter wave radar system that will detect if there is an obstacle on the road to prevent any crashing. It will include a camera to locate the objects in the driving path and regulate automobile’s motion.

When a Toyota is equipped with this technology, the car will detect pedestrians and it will sound an alarm alerting him of a person in its path. If there is no change in the speed, the car takes control and stops. When the car is heading to a stop, the seat belt automatically tightens and brakes are applied.

Currently this system is being tested in Toyota’s luxury line Lexus with other cars to be tested soon.

As one of the companies that always strives to be safe, Toyota is constantly learning from real world crashes and always striving to enhance the quality of products and services it offers. With the addition of these safety technologies it is bound to be a top pick of consumers.