Toyota is open to having its drivetrain technology and components sold to rivals, although when this will begin happening is unclear.

Last week Toyota launched its next generation of transmissions, hybrid drivetrains, and Dynamic Force engines, which will begin showing up in production vehicles from next year, possibly starting with the new Camry.

At the event, the company told Reuters that it was considering allowing its drivetrain components, including engines and transmissions, to be sold to rival automakers.

Toshiyuki Mizushima, president of Toyota's drivetrain division, told the news wire: "Toyota suppliers produce a lot of technology which can only be used by Toyota. We want to change that to a system where we develop technology with our suppliers at an earlier stage ... so they can make that technology available to non-Toyota customers."

At present, Toyota develops most of its drivetrain components with suppliers that are partially or wholly owned by Toyota or the Toyota group of companies.