Toyota and Ford could tie up

The world's second-biggest car maker, Toyota, has confirmed that it would be interested in a technical alliance with Ford, currently third in the global stakes.

Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe said it would be up to Ford to propose the idea of sharing technical information, but added that 'Both sides would have to want it.

'A tie-up between Ford and Toyota could centre around Toyota's hybrid technology, although Watanabe also said the chances of it involving vehicles other than hybrids was not ruled out. Ford is seriously considering a plug-in hybrid in the style of the Chevrolet Volt unveiled at the recent Detroit Motor Show, and already licenses Toyota technology for its American-market hybrids.

Toyota has overtaken Ford in key markets, including the United States, in recent years. Now it is tipped to displace General Motors from the number one spot this year and become the biggest car manufacturer in the world.

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