Toyota-Subaru "Toyobaru" Still Alive

Rumors surrounding a potential collaboration between Subaru and Toyota are again spread on the web, with new information claiming that so-called "Toyobaru" may be still on track. Recent speculations stated that the two Japanese automaker actually discontinued their joint model following a massive drop in sales brought by the economic recession. But it may seem like the the new compact, rear-wheel-drive sport-coupe project initially scheduled for 2011 may come out after all, edmunds.com informed today quoting PR sources in Japan.

The Toyobaru was initially rumored to be based on a platform developed by Subaru, featuring a 2.0-liter engine developed by the same company. The aforementioned source says the joint venture may result in basically two similar models but sold under both brands.

Toyota and Subaru representatives recently reconfirmed the model, denying recent rumors claiming the companies discontinued the product due to the economic recession. "The project is still on track, according to the info I have on hand," a Toyota spokesman was quoted as saying by edmunds.com.

In addition, there's some new information regarding the facility supposed to host the production of the new model. The same source writes that both Subaru and Toyota initially agreed to build a new production plant in Oizumi, near Gunma, that would be exclusively used to build the Toyobaru. However, due to the economic turmoil and the need for cost-cutting measures forced the two automakers abandon this plan.

Toyobaru will be built, if the model actually reaches mass-production, at the main Gunma production plan belonging to Subaru. However, we're still waiting for at least an official confirmation regarding the joint model so keep you in touch.