Now that Ford no longer holds a significant stake in Mazda, Mazda is needs to have a new source for its upcoming hybrid vehicles. Currently the only Mazda hybrid is the Tribute that borrows its hybrid powertrain from the Ford Escape. Inside sources are now claiming that Mazda is seeking a new partner and is reportedly in talks with Toyota.
The Nikkei business daily is reporting that the two automakers are in the final stages of discussion and that an announcement is expected soon detailing the plan to supply Toyota produced hybrid components to Mazda.
Toyota and Mazda are both denying the talks.
Full Story: Reuters
| « Previous | Next » |
Around the Web:
Comments (3)
Well, it's official. I now dislike Mazda quite a bit. lol
Posted by Phil | July 16, 2009 4:52 PM
Posted on July 16, 2009 16:52
"Currently the only Mazda hybrid is the Tribute that borrows its hybrid powertrain from the Ford Escape."
Borrows? Considering the Tribute is identical to the Escape, that sentence is a bit deceiving.
Is Mazda going to design their own Tribute and use Toyo hybrid gear, or continue to "borrow" the Escape platform? Considering the Escape crept it's way into the top ten sellers for June, part of my question probably didn't need asking.
Sure would be nice to see Mazda support Ford and use their hybrid components. Especially considering the positive reviews over the Fusion hybrid technology.
Posted by Trooper Bri | July 16, 2009 5:35 PM
Posted on July 16, 2009 17:35
Well to my knowledge the Escape/Tribute platform was a joint venture between both Ford and Mazda. So I would think that they both would be allowed to use it. If the hybrid tech is all Ford's, then Mazda would have to find someone else to lease it from.
I think it would be in Ford's best interest to keep supplying Mazda with the current setup until a redesign is needed...
Posted by Brian | July 16, 2009 7:04 PM
Posted on July 16, 2009 19:04