Ford, Toyota to work together on hybrid trucks

Ford and Toyota say they’ll work together to develop a gas-electric hybrid system to power pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles.

The companies signed a deal on Monday to share development costs and make the system more affordable for customers.

Both companies now sell hybrid cars. But trucks need a different system with power to tow and haul heavy loads.

The move comes as automakers try to meet stricter fuel economy and pollution standards in the United States and other countries.

The companies say it will take at least two or three years to develop a system.

It will power Ford’s F-Series trucks, Toyota’s full-sized Tundra pickups and other rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

The companies also will work together to develop standards for the way smartphones and other electronic devices link to vehicles.—Sapa-AP