Toyota and Mazda have entered into an agreement that calls for the companies to have a "mutually beneficial long term partnership."

Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will form a joint committee to "evaluate how best to utilize each company's respective strengths."  It will be focused on creating a "broad and meaningful collaboration" across various fields including environmental and advanced safety technologies.

That's pretty vague but previous reports have suggested Mazda will receive fuel-cell and plug-in-hybrid technology from Toyota in exchange for SKYACTIV petrol and diesel engines.  Whatever the case, the automakers said "By leveraging the resources of both companies to complement and enhance each other's products and technologies, the partnership will result in more appealing cars that meet the diverse needs and tastes of customers all over the world."

Update:

In a statement, Toyota President Akio Toyoda said "As evidenced by their SKYACTIV Technologies and KODO?Soul of Motion design, Mazda has proven that it always thinks of what is coming next for vehicles and technology, while still managing to stay true to its basic carmaking roots. In this way, Mazda very much practices what Toyota holds dear: making ever-better cars. I am delighted that our two companies can share the same vision and work together to make cars better. I can think of nothing more wonderful than showing the world?together?that the next 100 years of cars will be just as fun as the first."

His sentiments were echoed by Mazda President and CEO Masamichi Kogai who stated "Toyota is a company that has shown steadfast resolve in acting responsibly on global environmental issues and the future of manufacturing as a whole. I also have tremendous respect for Toyota's dedication in its pursuit of ever-better cars through ongoing innovation. Furthermore, Mazda identifies with the way Toyota cherishes its roots and all of the communities it is involved in. It is no wonder they are held in great esteem in return. I hope that by working together to make cars better, we can raise the value of cars in the eyes of consumers while also enhancing the manufacturing capabilities of our home, Hiroshima, and all the communities we are involved in as well."

Gallery: Toyota & Mazda enter into a mutually beneficial long term partnership

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