Toyota bZ Compact SUV Debuts at LA Auto Show

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The Toyota bZ Compact SUV Concept will make its world premiere at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show at the LA Convention Center. Like all concepts its purports to be a glimpse of what the production Toyota bZ (Beyond Zero) will be. This one on close inspection appears to be the production version, albeit with prototype parts.

“We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of the Beyond Zero moniker,” said Toyota group vice president and general manager David Christ. “With an aerodynamic design coupled with intuitive tech features never before seen in a Toyota model, the bZ Concept showcases another possible vision of the very near future with our battery electric vehicles.”

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What was previously shown as the Toyota bZ4X or bZ3 is the first of a global series of battery-electric vehicles to be introduced under the “Toyota bZ” brand umbrella. Other partners in the green juggernaut now under full sail include BYD, Daihatsu and Suzuki. Toyota plans to introduce 15 BEV models by 2025, including seven new BEV models of the Toyota bZ series. The Toyota U.S. lineup in total, accounts for ~ 40% of all alternative powertrain vehicles sold in the U.S. – including battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell electrics, hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

The bZ Compact SUV’s, well, crisp but conservative refined styling compared to what was shown previously extends to the interior. Toyota said the design team included several eco-friendly touches, such as seating made from plant-based and recycled materials to follow the Beyond Zero theme. And an in-car personal agent named “Yui” connects the driver and passengers with the vehicle. With the use of audio and visual lighting cues that move around the cabin, it responds to requests or commands from front or rear passengers.

Overall, Toyota plans to expand to ~70 electrified models globally by 2025. This future lineup will have 15 dedicated BEVs, including seven carrying the bZ brand. In addition, Toyota intends to bring electrification to its pickup truck line. This diverse portfolio of electrified products should help move Toyota toward its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

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