Suzuki cosies up to Mitsubishi for electric vehicle technology leaving Volkswagen AG further in thw woods!

One of the main points of consideration that Suzuki had it mind when it tied up with Volkswagen AG a couple of years ago was that Suzuki could benefit from Volkswagen’s electric and hybrid technology even as Volkswagen in turn got access to Suzuki’s fuel efficient and super reliable small cars. Now that the Volkswagen-Suzuki alliance is on the rocks with Suzuki demanding that Volkswagen hand back the 20% stake it holds in Suzuki, here is yet another move from the Japanese automaker that could further leave Teuton automaker Volkswagen AG in the woods.

Mitsubishi Minicab MiEV, an electric MPV that Suzuki will sell under its name

Mitsubishi Motors has just announced that it would begin supplying electric mini-vehicles or MPVs to Suzuki to be used in the commercial vehicle space. Mitsubishi will function as an original equipment manufacturer(OEM) in this case. While this move might seem like a normal business arrangement, there might more to it than what meets the eye. The MiniCab MiEV, which Suzuki will sell under its own name is the first real commercial Suzuki vehicle to feature electric propulsion technology. Suzuki will begin selling this commercial MPV in its home market, Japan, come February, 2012.

Mitsubishi Minicab MiEV, an electric MPV that Suzuki will sell under its name

This is quite significant as Suzuki has now began actively selling electric vehicles with no help from Volkswagen whatsoever, the major factor that was pivotal for the Volkswagen-Suzuki alliance. From this move, tt is quite evident that Suzuki has now began to actively scout for electric vehicle and hybrid technology from other manufacturers leaving Volkswagen in the doldrums. Also, Suzuki had previously announced that it would shore up its internal research and development unit on alternate energy powered vehicles that will lead its march into the future. With that, Volkswagen and Suzuki’s messy split seems to be getting wider each passing day.

Via Reuters

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