A short time ago, we would probably would be reading about the anouncement of a new hybrid Mazda 6 based on Ford's hybrid technology. But since FoMoCo is now a minority shareholder in the company, things are a little different now.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...om-toyota.html

 

TDI technology is actually much better for the environment.. I don't think hybrids will last very long after people start catching on to the potential of clean burning diesel

 

Other sources seem to indicate that a Mazda-Toyota hybrid venture is far from being finalized. In additon, after taking a beating (along with the rest of the auto industry), Mazda has temporarily put R&D spending on hold. Otherwise, I think that it would be wise for them to persue TDI technology. But right now, a lot of people are sold on hybrids and Mazda probably feels the need to try and capture a piece of that marekt....although they are tad bit late in the game save for the hybrid Tribute which is currently available only in California (but who needs a hybrid Tribute, when the hybird Escape will do just as nicely).

 

"Now that Ford has a much smaller percentage stake in the automaker, Mazda cannot rely on the Blue Oval to develop its future hybrid technology."

This comment makes no sense. Mazda can buy hybrid tech from Ford just as easily as it can from Toyota. i doubt the reason Mazda is talking to Toyota (if true) has to do with Ford owning a smaller percentage of the company.