Toyota, Mazda in talks over hybrid technology tie-up

Toyota Motor Corp. and Mazda Motor Corp. are in talks over the supply of components of Toyota’s hybrid system to Mazda. The talks underscore Toyota’s dominance of the hybrid market, with its patents on more than 2,000 systems and components proving attractive for rival companies who find it hard to develop their own hybrid systems quickly and cost-effectively. It remains uncertain whether the two companies will reach an agreement. If a deal is reached, Mazda will join Ford Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. as users of Toyota’s hybrid technology in their own fuel-efficient models. The talks are taking place as other major carmakers also forge alliances to speed up their offerings of low-emission vehicles. (July 16, 2009)