Contrary to what a local automotive news outlet has reported--that Ford and Toyota will be collaborating on a new hybrid system for light trucks and SUVs--both carmakers have, in fact, agreed to develop their own system separately from one another.
In Toyota\'s own words, both carmakers have agreed \"to develop hybrid systems individually,\" while Ford said it \"is moving forward on its own with (the) development of a rear-wheel-drive hybrid system for Ford pickups and SUVs.\"
The decision to develop their hybrid systems separately came after both carmakers announced that they have completed their feasibility study \"for collaboration on the development of a new hybrid system for light trucks and SUVs,\" which was first announced in August 2011.
We can only surmise what the result of the study was to prompt both carmakers to proceed with the development of their respective hybrid systems on their own. Instead, both Ford and Toyota have agreed to work together on the development of next-generation standards for in-car telematics \"and will consider other areas for future collaboration as well.\"
