Over the years, Toyota has consistently introduced car models that have been developed from Suzuki, such as the Glanza (based on the Baleno), Rumion (Ertiga), and Urban Cruiser Hyryder (Grand Vitara). In return, Suzuki also sells car models from Toyota that have been renamed and redesigned, such as the Across (derived from the RAV4) and Invicto (Innova Cross). These car models allow both Japanese brands to save costs and development time.
However, it appears that Suzuki is unwilling to share every car model with its “sibling” partner, as seen in the cases of the Jimny and Swift. Toyota is reportedly very interested in developing two models based on the Jimny and Swift, but Suzuki has declined.
“Toyota wants to sell renamed versions of the Jimny and Swift, but we politely declined,” an internal source at Suzuki told reporters from Autocar India magazine.
According to Suzuki, Jimny and Swift are two car models that represent the “genes” of the brand. Therefore, Suzuki does not want to share these two models with Toyota. Suzuki is concerned that Toyota selling cars based on the Jimny and Swift may affect the iconic nature of these two cars.
It is not surprising that Toyota wants to sell a renamed version of the Suzuki Jimny. For the Toyota brand, a renamed version of the Suzuki Jimny would be an attractive and more affordable alternative to the Fortuner.
Sharing the Jimny with Toyota could help Suzuki increase sales. In the Indian market, sales of the Suzuki Jimny have declined after the initial enthusiasm faded. In November 2023, sales of the SUV model dubbed the “mini Mercedes-Benz G-Class” dropped to 1,020 units. In the first 11 months of 2023, Suzuki has sold 15,476 units of the Jimny to Indian customers.
Despite the slower-than-expected sales of the Jimny, Suzuki still refuses to share it with Toyota to boost sales. “Doing so would be no different from us proposing to Toyota to develop a renamed version of the Land Cruiser. These car models, which serve as the heart of the brand, are not meant to be shared, and both companies respect that,” added the internal source at Suzuki.
In contrast to the Jimny, the Swift is a highly popular model for Suzuki in the Indian market. Therefore, it is understandable that Toyota wants a renamed version of this B-segment car in its product portfolio.
As a symbol of Suzuki, the Swift continually sets sales records in the Indian market with an average of about 17,100 units per month. Currently, the Glanza and Rumion models account for approximately 25% of Toyota’s total monthly sales in the Indian market. If a renamed version of the Swift were to be launched, Toyota could witness a monthly sales growth of up to 25%. Unfortunately, this figure cannot become a reality as Toyota did not receive approval from Suzuki.
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