Toyota, Ford Tie Up for Hybrids, In-Car Systems

Toyota and Ford will jointly develop a hybrid system for light trucks and sport utility vehicles, as well as in-car communications systems, according to a joint statement issued Tuesday.

Their memorandum of understanding calls for developing the hybrid technology this decade and to cooperate developing on in-car communications systems and Internet-based service“

“This agreement brings together the capability of two global leaders in hybrid vehicles and hybrid technology to develop a better solution more quickly and affordably,” said Ford product development chief Derrick Kuzak.

Ford is planning to triple North American production of electric vehicles and hybrids to more than 100,000 models by 2013 in keeping with its goal to have a quarter of its vehicles run at least partly on electricity. Ford already has three hybrid models and sells about 35,000 gasoline-electric autos annually.

In June Ford expanded production plans for the C-Max hybrid wagon and C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid. Ford plans to begin producing the five-seat wagon next year in the U.S. with no plans to sell a gasoline-only version. Ford also plans to introduce an electric version of its Focus small car in 2012.

Toyota is the recognized industry leader in hybrids. Its Prius is the best-selling hybrid in the U.S., with 74,427 sold this year through July.