Mazda Hybrid by 2013 via Toyota

A Nikkei report (via Reuters) says Toyota will be supplying Mazda with some key hybrid components. That will give Mazda the ability to put a hybrid vehicle on the road by 2013.

Mazda will introduce a midsize hybrid vehicle by 2013, putting them years behind the major players (Toyota, Honda, GM, and Ford).

Toyota will be selling their Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) to Mazda, which includes the battery, electric motor, a generator and a power control unit.

Nissan has used hybrid components from Toyota to build their Nissan Altima Hybrid. By selling their components to other auto makers, Toyota helps defray their cost to develop the Hybrid Synergy Drive by building up their economies of scale.