Toyota and Suzuki agree to begin formal talks on partnership

TOKYO (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp and Suzuki Motor Corp on Monday said they have agreed to begin formal talks aimed at forging a partnership between the two Japanese car makers in shared procurement, green vehicles, IT and safety technologies.

Toyota and Suzuki said in October they were exploring a partnership, citing technological challenges facing automakers and the need to keep up with consolidation in the global auto industry.

(Reporting by Naomi Tajitsu; Writing by Tim Kelly; Editing by Chris Cushing)