Click on the Yangwang U8 for more information.
Toyota Motor Corporation said this morning in Changshu that it is increasing its local development of “intelligence and electrification technology” to provide electrified vehicles that are competitive in the Chinese market. China of course is the world’s largest auto market, and its totalitarian government is setting the pace, the standards and often the incentives on electrification. Moreover, Chinese customers have abandoned their traditional taste for imported vehicles and are flocking to local brands.
At the Shanghai Auto Show in late April more than 80% of the new models that were displayed were so-called NEVs (New Energy Vehicles). The BYD Yangwang U8 electric SUV (which debuted at Shanghai priced at ~ $160,000) has more than 30,000 orders it’s said. The BYD Qin, the BYD Song, and the BYD Dolphin (all NEVs) were the top three selling models in the domestic market. (AutoInformed: Chinese April Sales Soft – EV Exports Threaten Global Trade; BYD Toyota EV Technology Company Debuts bZ3 EV in China; Ford CEO says China is the Main Competitor, Not GM)
“The Chinese market is growing at an unprecedented pace,” said Tatsuro Ueda, Chief Executive Officer of the China Region. “Toyota will also work together as a group to reform how we work and think to survive in China.”
The New Toyota Plans
- (China) Co., Ltd. Changes to “Intelligent ElectroMobility R&D Center by Toyota (China) Co., Ltd. (IEM by Toyota)” as of August 1.
- Placing engineers from three R&D facilities (FTRD*1, R&D from GTMC*2 and BTET*3) within China on the IEM by Toyota-led development project.
- Strengthened local development of all electrified vehicles (BEV, PHEV, HEV, FCEV) in order to achieve multi-pathway-based carbon neutrality. Accelerated electric powertrain development with Denso and Aisin transcending organizational boundaries to also join forces with IEM by TOYOTA.
- Regarding intelligence specifically, promoted and accelerated local design and development of smart cockpits for a better user experience through interior space design and use of AI, as well as autonomous driving systems/advanced safety features that better fit the actual situation in China.
- For both electrification and intelligence, taking on the challenge of significantly reducing manufacturing costs through initiatives in the three areas of “developing local supplier base,” “reviewing parts designs,” and “production engineering/manufacturing monozukuri reform” to strengthen competitiveness.
“By promoting local development with IEM by TOYOTA at its core, we will attempt to develop and provide competitive products that can satisfy Chinese customers at a fast pace. Furthermore, we will look to share development results and lessons learned in China, not only within China, but also globally,” said Ueda.
Footnotes
- FAW Toyota Research & Development Co., Ltd.
- GAC Toyota Motor Co., Ltd.
- BYD Toyota EV Technology Co., Ltd.
Toyota China Re-Org as EV and Trade Wars Proceed
Click on the Yangwang U8 for more information.
Toyota Motor Corporation said this morning in Changshu that it is increasing its local development of “intelligence and electrification technology” to provide electrified vehicles that are competitive in the Chinese market. China of course is the world’s largest auto market, and its totalitarian government is setting the pace, the standards and often the incentives on electrification. Moreover, Chinese customers have abandoned their traditional taste for imported vehicles and are flocking to local brands.
At the Shanghai Auto Show in late April more than 80% of the new models that were displayed were so-called NEVs (New Energy Vehicles). The BYD Yangwang U8 electric SUV (which debuted at Shanghai priced at ~ $160,000) has more than 30,000 orders it’s said. The BYD Qin, the BYD Song, and the BYD Dolphin (all NEVs) were the top three selling models in the domestic market. (AutoInformed: Chinese April Sales Soft – EV Exports Threaten Global Trade; BYD Toyota EV Technology Company Debuts bZ3 EV in China; Ford CEO says China is the Main Competitor, Not GM)
“The Chinese market is growing at an unprecedented pace,” said Tatsuro Ueda, Chief Executive Officer of the China Region. “Toyota will also work together as a group to reform how we work and think to survive in China.”
The New Toyota Plans
“By promoting local development with IEM by TOYOTA at its core, we will attempt to develop and provide competitive products that can satisfy Chinese customers at a fast pace. Furthermore, we will look to share development results and lessons learned in China, not only within China, but also globally,” said Ueda.
Footnotes