Toyota To Receive SkyActiv Engines For Upcoming Subcompact
Toyota’s line of engine/body mashups continues, this time with their upcoming Mazda2-based subcompact powered by Mazda’s SkyActiv engine family.
Automotive News reports the subcompact, set to replace the current Yaris by 2016 at the latest, will be assembled alongside the new Mazda2 at Mazda’s newly opened Salamanca, Mexico factory. Approximately 50,000 of the factory’s total annual output of 230,000 units will be allocated to Toyota for the subcompact, with the SkyActiv transplant assembled on-site.
Though few details regarding either subcompact have been released, Mazda’s partnership with Toyota will allow the former to achieve greater economies of scale for the factory by supplying engines and possibly other SkyActiv-related components to Toyota.
Production for Toyota’s subcompact is set to begin next year, while Mazda2 production may begin as soon as the second half of 2014.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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Toyota seems to have no problem building and *selling* B-segment cars elsewhere. I think that all this deal says is that the segment is not profitable enough in the US to design a model catered to the market nor import at a loss. Same reason why the next gen Honda Fit will come from Celaya.
One question I wonder about - Will the new Yaris (or whatever it will be called) rust out prematurely like a Mazda? Or will Toyota have them treat the body panels to their specs? I don't see a lot of rusty modern Toyotas but I still see a shocking amount of rusty Mazdas that aren't very old. Imagine if Mazda took over Sprinter production. It might crumble into a pile of rust while it's still on the lot.
BMW, Subaru, and now Mazda. They seem hell bent on partnering with every terrible automaker they can. Can't wait until Chrysler builds the next gen Corolla.
I wonder if the new Yaris will get the "SkyActiv" badge on them. If so, that would be a major coup for Mazda. Not only could it prompt customers to give Mazda a look, but it also would legitimize the SkyActiv brand as something real and not just marketing jargon.