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Toyota Chairman Toyoda Admits Feeling 'Lonely' Over EV Strategy
๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ณ Vietnam /Economy & Trade

Toyota Chairman Toyoda Admits Feeling 'Lonely' Over EV Strategy

From Tuแป•i Trแบป · () Vietnamese

Translated from Vietnamese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda expressed loneliness over his stance favoring a diverse powertrain strategy over a sole focus on electric vehicles.
  • He stated that while Toyota develops EVs, the current infrastructure is insufficient to abandon gasoline and hybrid options.
  • The company maintains its

Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda feels isolated in his advocacy for a diverse powertrain strategy, which prioritizes a mix of hybrid, gasoline, and electric vehicles over a singular focus on battery-electric cars.

"Three or four years ago, I was the only one saying that I love the smell of fuel, I love the sound of the engine, and I want to protect the jobs of engine suppliers. I still feel quite alone with that view," Toyoda said in an interview with Carwow.

His remarks come as the global automotive industry rapidly shifts towards electric vehicles (EVs). Many automakers that announced aggressive electrification plans in the early 2020s are now adjusting their strategies due to slower-than-expected EV market growth.

Toyota, in contrast, has long pursued a "multi-pathway" approach, encompassing internal combustion engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery-electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell technology. Toyoda believes hybrid vehicles remain a suitable solution in many regions, especially where charging infrastructure is underdeveloped or electricity grids cannot support large-scale electrification.

Despite being a pioneer in hybrid technology, Toyota's entry into the full EV market has been cautious. Its first EV, the bZ4X, was introduced in many markets only in 2024, with plans to expand its EV lineup with models like the bZ4X Touring and the HiLux BEV pickup, and an electric C-HR expected in 2027.

Toyoda emphasized that car development involves more than just profit or carbon neutrality goals; it must also preserve the emotion and passion for automobiles. While Toyota is developing EVs and has seen success in markets like China, the company argues that current infrastructure limitations necessitate a continued role for gasoline and diesel vehicles.

Three or four years ago, I was the only one saying that I love the smell of fuel, I love the sound of the engine, and I want to protect the jobs of my suppliers. I still feel quite alone with that view.

โ€” Akio ToyodaToyota Chairman Akio Toyoda described his feeling of isolation regarding his stance on powertrain diversity in an interview with Carwow.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tuแป•i Trแบป in Vietnamese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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