Maruti Suzuki's bestsellers, the Baleno compact and Vitara Brezza mini SUV will sport a fresh name starting next year. Also Corolla, one of Toyota's most admired sedans will carry a Suzuki branding. Both the companies concluded a mega cross-badging agreement for the Indian market last week. Under the cross-badging, partner companies share the same car of platform with minor changes to the architecture but significant changes to the exterior and interiors. Both the companies will continue to sell the three models from their original networks and the new variants will be additions to their portfolios.
The agreement comes at a time when there is a global movement toward forming alliances to explore and develop shared mobility, connected cars and green technologies. A joint statement said, “Toyota and Suzuki have concluded a basic agreement toward the mutual supply of hybrid and other vehicles between the two companies for the Indian market. Specifically, Suzuki will supply the Baleno and Vitara Brezza vehicle models to Toyota, while Toyota will supply the Corolla vehicle model to Suzuki.” Sources said both companies will badge the vehicles as per their brand design philosophy as well as market understanding and reach.
“We may have Toyota deals selling the Baleno and Brezza with new names, and their branding. And Maruti's Nexa may perhaps sell the Corolla with a new name and different design cues,” a source said.
