Mazda, Denso and Toyota to jointly develop electric vehicle technology

Mazda, Denso and Toyota have signed a contract to jointly develop basic structural technologies for electric vehicles.

They have also decided to establish a new company consisting of selected engineers from the three companies to ensure the efficient implementation of the joint technological development projects.

As countries and regions around the world adopt increasingly stringent policies to help reduce greenhouse gases, new regulations that mandate a certain proportion of electric vehicle sales are beginning to emerge.

In order to comply, automakers must develop a wide range of powertrains and technologies to cover a wide range of vehicle segments and types.

The new company will engage in research into the characteristics that define optimum performance and functions of EVs from the standpoint of both individual components and the whole vehicle; The verification of component installation and vehicle performance realized by the characteristics achieved in item; and examination of the optimum concept for each car classification with regard to each component and each type of vehicle.

Through this joint technological development project, by dedicating an equal amount of development resources, ensuring efficient development processes, and taking advantage of existing production facilities, Mazda and Toyota intend to focus their resources on fundamental vehicle values to enable the creation of appealing EVs that embody the unique identities of each brand and avoid the commoditization of EVs.

The companies also aim to create a business structure that is open to participation by other automakers and suppliers.