One less big irritant for Mazda drivers?

If there's one thing that really annoys Mazda drivers, it's the infotainment system. Unattractive and seriously lacking in user-friendliness, it suffers from a generally non-touch screen and menus that are difficult to consult using the thumbwheel on the console.

This is the case even with the most recent models, such as the CX-50 and CX-90, not forgetting the CX-70, which will soon fit between the two.

However, according to the Japanese daily Nikkei, the brand's future vehicles will use new equipment and on-board software developed with Toyota's help. This includes an operating system for multimedia, navigation and vehicle information.

The same media report suggests that the electric vehicles launched by Mazda from 2027 onwards will have systems 90% identical to those of Toyota.

The idea, of course, is to substantially reduce development costs, as Mazda is a small manufacturer that nevertheless wants to market seven or eight different electric vehicles worldwide by the end of the decade, according to its head honcho Masahiro Moro.

In this area alone, savings could amount to several hundred million dollars by teaming up with Toyota.

The two companies have been working together for several years, for example on the Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris. They also have a joint plant in Alabama, where the CX-50 and Corolla Cross are assembled. The first of these models is due to add a hybrid version for the 2025 model year, using Toyota technology.