Ford and Toyota to Team Up on Hybrid Technology

Toyota has proven that hybrid systems in cars can be efficient, practical and relatively inexpensive. For large trucks, on the other hand, no manufacturer has quite figured out how to get a hybrid system to have such a positive effect. The electric motors have not been able to add the large jumps in efficiency that you get from hybrid systems in smaller cars. Toyota and Ford are aiming to change that. The two automakers have announced a collaboration to make a better hybrid system specifically for light trucks and SUVs. 

Both companies have been working independently to solve this efficiency problem but will work together to create a hybrid system for large, rear-wheel drive SUVs and trucks. 

Ford and Toyota said that vehicles using this technology will be available sometime this decade.

“By working together, we will be able to serve our customers with the very best affordable, advanced powertrains, delivering even better fuel economy,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. 

With the US setting fleet standards at an average 54.5 miles per gallon, it is going to be important for automakers to find ways to list fuel efficiency as much as possible.