Suzuki Doesn't Allow Jimny And Swift Rebudge Models By Toyota

Suzuki Jimmy

Toyota together with Suzuki are currently establishing partnerships to develop the latest model. This is so that the two companies can share the same base or component in order to save research and development costs.

Thus, Toyota intends to present their own version of the Jimny or Swift model, just like they shared the bases of several previous models, namely Baleno and Glanza, Ertiga and Rumion, as well as Grand Vitara and Urban Cruiser Hyryder. However, Suzuki firmly rejected it.

The company with the 'S' logo said, these two models are an integral part of brand DNA and cannot be shared or traded using a Toyota badge.

"Toyota wants to engineer Jimny and Swift, but we politely reject them," said the Suzuki representative, quoted by Autocar India, Saturday, December 30.

Toyota certainly wants a small SUV that carries its own lifestyle theme. Using the Jimny basis, the company headed by Akio Toyoda has another more affordable 4x4 alternative model.

Although Jimny's sales trend in India has decreased when compared to the start of the launch, Suzuki remains on its stance not to sell its model to its partner to boost volume.

"It's like asking Toyota to allow us to engineer the Land Cruiser. The model that is at the heart of our brand is not meant to be shared and both companies respect it," the company stressed.

However, these two companies still have close ties in terms of rebadging joint vehicles and technology exchanges in order to meet market needs globally, such as Europe, India, South Africa, and Southeast Asia.