In what is easily one of the biggest news in the Indian auto scene in recent times, Japanese giants Toyota and Suzuki have announced that they will mutually share some specific models from their respective line ups with each other in the Indian market. Earlier in November 2017, both car makers had signed an agreement to jointly develop electric vehicles in India by 2020.

Coming to the specifics, Maruti will supply the best selling Vitara Brezza compact SUV and the Baleno hatchback to Toyota, while Toyota will make the popular Corolla Altis sedan for Maruti. However, it wont be just a rebadging exercise. Both companies will work on the cosmetics of the mentioned models to give them a distinct identity. The engines and transmissions are expected to be identical.

This move could be hugely beneficial to both car makers as Toyota could get the much needed presence in the compact SUV and premium hatchback segment, while on the other hand, Maruti will get a premium sedan in the model line up.