A Toyota Jimny Would Be A Rebrand Too Far, Suzuki Decides

Suzuki and Toyota have had a pretty healthy relationship when it comes to sharing models in recent years. Here in the UK, you can have the Rav4 and Corolla in Suzuki flavour (Across and Swace), while Toyota has had success in India with badge-engineered versions of the Celerio and Baleno. However, the line has firmly been drawn when it comes to the Jimny.

Despite the close relationship between the two manufacturers, Suzuki wants to fence off models that it sees as integral to its brand image. Speaking to Autocar India, a representative for the manufacturer stated “It’s like asking Toyota to let us badge engineer the Land Cruiser. Models that are at the heart of our brand are not meant for sharing and both companies respect that.”

It’s reported that Toyota has been quite keen to take its own version of the Jimny, potentially paving the way for a baby Land Cruiser. Rather than being a global model, however, it’s more likely Toyota would’ve used the Jimny to gain a stronger foothold in the Indian market which Maruti-Suzuki has long been among the top dogs of.

Currently, the cheapest proper 4x4 sold by Toyota in the market is the Fortuner, which is comparable in size to the Hilux. With that in mind, it’s clear there’s a gap in the Japanese giant’s Indian portfolio.

Similarly, Autocar India says Toyota wanted to stick its badge on the upcoming new Swift too,  with the same Suzuki rep confirming it had “politely declined” the offer. We’ll have to keep dreaming of a GR-branded Swift Sport, then.

However, more Toyota-branded versions of Suzuki’s models will be coming in the future, with Maruti set to build upcoming electric vehicles with both badges on.