Japanese truck makers Isuzu Motors Ltd and Hino Motors Ltd said on Monday they will jointly develop emissions-cleaning systems for diesel engines and a truck cab for large commercial vehicles. The two companies - both partly owned by Toyota Motor Corp - signed a basic agreement on the cooperation, with details to be worked out over an unspecified period.
Truck makers around the world have been consolidating to broaden their geographical reach and save development costs as governments tighten environmental regulations and competition intensifies. Hino and Isuzu's two domestic rivals, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corp and Nissan Diesel Motor Co, now belong to world No 1 and No 2 truck makers DaimlerChrysler AG and Volvo AB, respectively. Hino and Isuzu already cooperate in the field of bus production and sharing of truck components such as manual transmissions, suspensions and airbag systems.
The Nikkei business daily reported last week that Isuzu and Hino would co-develop 3-litre and 10-litre diesel engines to meet stricter emissions regulations that Japan will introduce in the coming years. Spokesmen at the two companies on Monday denied there had been any discussion over joint engine development.
The newspaper also said they would discuss possible joint operations in other areas such as vehicle assembly and overseas businesses, which could eventually lead to an integration. Separately, Toyota and Isuzu said last week they would jointly develop and produce small diesel engines for use in Toyota cars for the European market.
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