Ford and Toyota to Jointly Develop Hybrid System for Light Trucks and SUVs

DEARBORN, MI - Ford and Toyota stated that although they will jointly develop this new hybrid system, they will integrate it separately on their respective vehicles.

by Staff

August 22, 2011

Ford and Toyota to Jointly Develop Hybrid System for Light Trucks and SUVs — Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development, (left) and Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota executive vice president, Research & Development, sign a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on a new rear-wheel-drive hybrid system for light trucks and SUVs, and to collaborate on development of next-generation standards for in-car telematics.

1 min to read

Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development, (left) and Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota executive vice president, Research & Development, sign a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on a new rear-wheel-drive hybrid system for light trucks and SUVs, and to collaborate on development of next-generation standards for in-car telematics.

DEARBORN, MI – Ford and Toyota announced a joint plan to collaborate on the development of an advanced hybrid system for light trucks and SUVs. The two companies also agreed to work together on “enablers” to complement each other’s existing telematics platform standards.

The automakers signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreement that specifies the companies will jointly develop, as equal partners a new rear-wheel drive hybrid system and component technology for light trucks and SUVs. It also states they will independently integrate the new hybrid system in their respective future vehicles separately. The news release from Ford said this rear-wheel-drive hybrid system will be based on an all-new vehicle architecture.

For the telematics collaboration, both companies stated it relates only to standards and technologies. Each company will continue to separately develop their own in-vehicle products and features.

Topics:Gasoline-Electric Hybrids Toyota Light-Duty Trucks Ford SUV Green Fleet Operations

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

More Green Fleet

Promotional graphic for a TruckChat interview at an industry trade show featuring Mike Wade of E.J. Ward. Large text reads “At the Show” and “One Partner. Every Solution.” Wade stands beside fleet fueling or charging equipment, discussing integrated fleet technology and fuel management solutions.

Green Fleet•by Lauren Fletcher•June 9, 2026

Fuel Management's Next Evolution Centers on Connected Fleet Technology

Learn how fleets are integrating fueling, telematics, tank monitoring, EV charging, and data systems to improve efficiency and visibility.

Illustration of alternative-fuel commercial vehicles, including a shuttle bus, pickup truck, and delivery truck branded Landi, set against a green landscape with wind turbines, trees, and city buildings, emphasizing sustainable transportation and clean energy.

Green Fleet•June 8, 2026

Landi Technologies Achieves CARB Certification of Ford 7.3L RNG/CNG Platform

Landi Technologies has gained CARB certification of its Ford 7.3L Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) platform for the Ford E-450, F-450/550/600, F-650/750, and F-53/59 platforms.

Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter

Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.

Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?

Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.

Graphic announcing Epic Charging’s acquisition of Bluedot, featuring EV charging imagery with a plugged-in electric vehicle charger and the logos for Epic Charging and Bluedot overlaid on the image.

Green Fleet•by Staff•May 11, 2026

Epic Charging Acquires Bluedot Technologies

Epic Charging has acquired Bluedot Technologies, expanding EV fleet charging access to more than 80% of U.S. public charging networks.

Green Fleet•May 5, 2026

CALSTART Adds 64 New Sites and Features to Its Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Infrastructure Map

CALSTART’s interactive National Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Infrastructure Map now locates approximately 1,500 ports at 162 total public, semi-public, and shared electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen refueling facilities for Class 2b-8 trucks.