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Toyota does not commit to electrification of LCV



TOYOTA this week announced its future electrification strategy for Australia, a future notable without any modernization to its best-selling light commercial vehicle.

Speaking to GoAuto on revealing one of three Toyota EVs is expected to arrive in Australia over the next three years, Toyota Australia’s vice president of sales, marketing and franchising, Sean Hanley, said at home. Japanese importers are committed to bringing electric vehicles to this market. Internal Market.

Model rollout will begin with the bZ4X later this year, with a smaller all-electric SUV coming shortly thereafter.

However, and despite promising not to forget about rural buyers, Hanley said there are currently no plans to electrify Toyota’s best-selling commercial vehicle.

“It’s a lot harder to electrify commercial vehicles to the point where they can do the same things as vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine – and it’s a lot more expensive. It is not impossible, but it takes more time, thought and investment, especially in areas related to quality and safety,” he explains.

“We have clearly stated our intention in this country that there will be some form of electrification across all of our models by 2030, so it is conceivable that in the next seven years , we might see a LandCruiser hybrid, for example, because all of our models will have some form of electrification.

“But it’s very difficult to determine what form of electrified light commercial vehicles we’re going to get at this point… because we have to make sure that in doing this, we do it in a way that gives our customers the type vehicles can do all the same things they do with their cars right now.

Mr. Hanley was quick to remind GoAuto News that Toyota remains committed to being carbon neutral globally but said Toyota will “not leave people behind on that journey” and the electrification of the HiLux, HiAce and LandCruiser (Series) vehicles. 70) will likely adopt hybrid technology (HEV or PHEV) before switching to an all-electric drive (BEV) further down the track.

With hybrid vehicle sales currently accounting for 31.5% (72,815 units) of all Toyota vehicles sold in Australia – and with future sales expected to top 50% (231,050 units) by 2020. 2025 – it seems more necessary that hybrid light commercial vehicle fleets may be the way forward.

“Hybrid for us is a well-known technology and in the real world it is actually a lot easier for us (making it a light commercial vehicle). It also helps us solve the problem of meeting the requirements of the country where we are operating and doing what the customer wants,” he said.

“Clearly we are a competitive market. We always try to meet the needs of that market. But in the immediate future, it is necessary to balance the proposal to move forward without holding back the market. Nor do I believe that we should be dominated by speed to market or threats to speed to market.

“We have built a lot of trust in this market over the past 50 years, so we needed to make this once-in-a-lifetime transformation right. That is the most important name of the game. When we take our first BEV to the road, it will meet Toyota customers’ expectations for quality, durability and reliability.”

Mr. Hanley said he was not concerned about other competitors – including those from China – beating Toyota. Commercial offerings with all-electric lighting from LDV and hybrid four-wheel drive from GWM are commercially available at competitive prices. Toyota may be unrivaled in this area for at least another seven years, but Mr Hanley said the importer “isn’t worried about being left behind”.

“We don’t feel we will be left behind. Our commitment means we will not leave people behind, especially in remote and rural areas. Sure, there are cheaper cars now, but they’re not appealing to the masses right now – they’re only appealing to a few,” he insisted.

“Our strategy will include all the major ticketing establishments, because without that, we wouldn’t be able to survive. It doesn’t matter to us what our competitors are doing, what the government is doing. It’s important that we can deliver what the community expects from us and to reduce our carbon footprint, and we believe we can point them (the customer) in a direction to achieve it. that.

Mr. Hanley said Toyota dealers nationwide have shown a clear commitment to electrification, the arrival of bZ4X later this year prompting 232 dealer locations nationwide to install fast chargers for the vehicle. Toyota customers. The total amount of investment is 20 million dollars, of which 5 million dollars has been set.

“Toyota is committed to bringing electric vehicles to Australia. We know they will play an increasingly large role in helping us – and our customers – achieve net zero carbon,” he said.

“We also know that it will take years to overcome the significant challenges EVs face, including battery material shortages, poor charging infrastructure and the ability to meet diverse requirements. of the customer, such as towing.

“That’s why it’s too early — and too risky for the environment and our customers — to put all of our eggs in the electric cart. As a result, Toyota will maintain its strategy of deploying as much technology as possible – battery-powered electric vehicles where it is best suited and other electrified powertrains where the best use of scarce battery cells is made. .”

Mr. Hanley said that by the end of the decade, Toyota plans to launch 30 new electric vehicles and increase global EV sales to 3.5 million units annually, investing 8 trillion yen ($A87b) in the transition to zero-carbon vehicles during that period.

He said Toyota will continue to evaluate electric vehicles for the Australian market as they become available.

“We are committed to offering an electrified version of every model in our range, with the exception of high-performance vehicles (by 2030).

“Whether the technology is battery-electric, hybrid, fuel cell or some other unexplored technology, Toyota is committed to doing its best to provide better mobility solutions for Australians and the world. .”

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