Toyota in Ford alliance talks

Toyota, the world’s second-biggest carmaker, has said it would be open to a partnership with Ford if its US rival offered the right terms…

By Robert Lester

Rav%204Toyota, the world’s second-biggest carmaker, has said it would be open to a partnership with Ford if its US rival offered the right terms.

Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe made the admission after it emerged that the company’s chairman Fujio Cho met Ford chief executive Alan Mulally in Japan recently.

It is likely that any alliance would focus on technological development and Toyota has ruled out a full-scale merger.

Ford says it is "always interested in partnerships or alliances over mutual interests". Experts say that the company would benefit from Toyota’s more environmentally friendly technology.

News of a possible collaboration comes as Toyota is about to overtake General Motors to become the world’s biggest carmaker.

Alliances have become more popular in the car industry in recent years. GM held talks with Renault-Nissan about a partnership last year but they eventually broke down and the US car giant is now considering taking a stake in Proton, the state-controlled Malaysian car company.

 

Recommended

Asda boosts ‘George’ label team

Marketing Week

Supermarket giant Asda has reshuffled the senior management team at its George clothing brand as part of a move to strengthen its position as a leading value fashion retailer in the UK. Asda has appointed Next women’s wear product director Fiona Lambert to the new role of brand director for the clothing line and has […]

New campaign – Daily Mail Ideal Home Show

Marketing Week

DMG World Media has unveiled its ad campaign for the Daily Mail Ideal Home Show 2007. The campaign will focus on the usual home features such as decorating, but will also include executions featuring elements such as recycling and electronic goods. Fronting the campaign are Ainsley Harriot, Carole Smillie and Fearne Cotton, who feature in […]

We’re watching you Big Brother!

Marketing Week

Charles Dunstone has dramatically withdrawn his support for a lucrative and for him highly successful television sponsorship deal. Will anyone else ever touch Channel 4s Big Brother sponsorship again? You bet they will, once the dust has settled.