Daihatsu Motor and Suzuki Motor announced that they have joined a joint venture organized by Toyota Motor to develop technologies for electric vehicles and autopilot systems.
The joint venture called Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation was launched in April 2021, initially, in addition to Toyota, Hino Motors (trucks, buses) and Isuzu Motors (pickup trucks, trucks, buses) participated in it. With the addition of two more companies, Toyota's share in the joint venture fell from 80% to 60%, while all other partners hold 10% each.
At first it was supposed that the new firm would develop technologies for electrical installations and autopilot systems for trucks and pickups, but now it has been announced that the project will expand to mini-cars and kei-cars (after all, Daihatsu and Suzuki mainly specialize in these).
Reuters notes that Japanese automakers are consolidating their efforts against the backdrop of a global restructuring of the automotive industry. Working together will help them save costs and unify autopilot systems, including data transmission, which will make them more efficient.
Here it should be noted that the participants in the joint venture are interconnected by capitals. Toyota owns 100% of Daihatsu, a controlling interest in Hino, and minority stakes in Suzuki and Isuzu.
Daihatsu and Suzuki join Toyota's electric vehicle project
