Toyota and Mazda Announce Joint Venture

Call it a sign of the times. With emissions standards tightening worldwide and several governments recently announcing plans to transition away from gas-powered vehicles in the next two to three decades, it’s clear that the automotive landscape is changing. Toyota Motor Corporation is moving to keep up with those changes. So what does that mean for Phoenix drivers, Bell Road Toyota, and your next new Toyota car?

In at least one respect, Toyota has a significant head start. They’ve been building the world’s most successful hybrids for two straight decades, and are better positioned than most to transition away from petrol. The partnership is with Mazda Motor Corporation, which centers around a new manufacturing plant yet to be opened in the States. It would be the eleventh factory for Toyota, but it would be the first such plant for Mazda in America. It also gives the smaller company access to Toyota technology, research, and development. Mazda, in turn, gives Toyota a small ownership stake, a cult following among drivers, and a fresh set of eyes on the next generation of automotive challenges.

The only other detail that’s been made public at this point is that production of the Toyota Corolla shifts from Mexico to the US. The new plant’s location is to be determined, but competition is expected to be fierce in the southern and midwestern states that are the most likely locations, especially given that the new plant would create an estimated 4,000 jobs directly. That, in turn, would create a ripple effect as suppliers, dealerships, and other points in the supply chain get a boost as well.

While these developments will take a while to reach full bloom, we know one thing for certain right now: you don’t have to wait to get your hands on a great new Toyota model — even, for that matter, one made in America. They’re available right now at your Phoenix Toyota dealership. Why not stop by Bell Road Toyota at 2020 West Bell Road in Phoenix, AZ today and see one for yourself?