It could be nothing or it could be something, but Ford confirmed today that it’s CEO Alan Mulally met with Toyota Chairman Fujio Cho last week in Japan. Analysts speculate the meeting is to discuss potential partnerships for developing environmentally friendly vehicles an for Ford in particular to understand Toyota’s operational efficiencies. While a Ford spokesperson declined to comment, a Toyota representative indicated the meeting was simply a get acquainted meeting, something Toyota executives do often with their competitors.
Analysts said it was less clear what Toyota would gain through any partnership with Ford, given its run of recent sales success and its lead in areas such as hybrid technology.
Toyota is poised to overtake General Motors Corp. as the world’s largest automaker in terms of production next year, and many analysts expect it will also unseat Ford as No. 2 in the U.S. market as soon as next year.
While Toyota’s U.S. sales have jumped almost 13 percent this year, Ford’s sales have fallen almost 8 percent, according to monthly sales data.
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