That Toyota wants to have its own versions of the iconic Suzuki Jimny and Suzuki Swift is no secret. They have been pushing Suzuki to share and let them rebadge the two models but Suzuki has steadfastly refused.
The two companies have a successful collaboration relationship where they share models and platforms so as to enhance each others’ market presences. Some of the models that they share include Toyota RAV4 which is sold as Suzuki Across in certain markets, Suzuki Grand Vitara rebadged as Toyota Urban Cruiser and Toyota Rumion as Suzuki Ertiga.
Read: Suzuki Introduces The All-New Swift
When it comes to Jimny and Swift, Suzuki is keen not to share as the models are integral to the company’s DNA and sharing risks diluting that. “It’s like asking Toyota to let us badge engineer the Land Cruiser. Models that are at the heart of our brand are not meant for sharing and both companies respect that,” a company representative told Autocar India.
Its easier to see why Toyota wants the two models. Suzuki Jimny has won fans across the globe as a cheaper offroader. It could give Toyota fans an alternative to their more expensive 4x4s. On the other hand, Suzuki Swift is highly popular in the small hatchback market. Selling it as a rebadged Toyota could give them more sales.
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