Toyota reinforces its multi-pathway approach and commitment to customer-focused innovation

• Toyota demonstrates its commitment to meeting the diverse needs of customers across different regions while advancing its multi-pathway product strategy towards carbon neutrality
• Toyota brand to introduce six new battery electric vehicles in Europe by 2026
• Lexus to launch three new battery electric vehicles in 2025, including the new Lexus RZ with steer-by-wire technology
• Toyota Gazoo Racing supporting “Ever-Better Cars” by using the racetrack to develop new engines optimised for carbon-neutral fuels
• Toyota’s third generation fuel cell technology and partnerships on faster refuelling infrastructure roll-out paves the way towards heavy-duty truck operations
• Toyota unveils FT-Me micromobility concept, a compact battery electric vehicle designed to tackle the challenges of evolving urban environments

At Toyota’s annual product strategy event last week, a team of global and European executives presented an array of new Toyota and Lexus production and concept vehicles. The annual event, before an audience of 350 media representatives, provided further insight into the company’s strategy to meet changing customer needs and its transition towards carbon neutrality.

Multi-pathway product strategy towards carbon neutrality

Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality is about providing customers with a choice of sustainable solutions, regardless of where they live or their individual circumstances. This strategy includes a full array of powertrains, from flex-fuel hybrids in South America to new fuel cell saloons in Japan. In Europe, where battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales are among the highest in the world, Toyota is introducing three new production BEVs and three more by 2026. This approach of listening to the customer and offering a choice of solutions has helped Toyota perform well in Europe. The company achieved a record sales result of 1.217 million vehicles in 2024.

Speaking at the event, Simon Humphries, Chief Branding Officer and Board member of Toyota Motor Corporation, said: “It’s about all customers feeling they are empowered to make the right choice for themselves. Providing choice and opportunity is at the heart of ever-better cars and everything we do – and that includes the path to sustainability.”

Continued roll-out of new battery electric vehicles

Toyota remains committed to expanding its BEV portfolio. The new, further improved Toyota bZ4X offers more power, sportier looks, and enhanced performance. Its more powerful and efficient motors together with higher capacity batteries combine to provide increased real world and homologated range and up to twice the charging speeds.

Additionally, the new Toyota C-HR+ expands Toyota’s BEV presence. Designed on the dedicated e-TNGA platform, it will be available with front or all-wheel drive. In keeping with its Toyota C-HR heritage it retains a coupe-style exterior design intended to attract attention and is set to be an aspirational model for customers.

Together with the recently announced Urban Cruiser, Toyota is introducing three new BEVs in the B, C and D-SUV segments which are at the heart of the European automotive market. This will bring the total count of BEVs for Toyota and Lexus in Europe to 14 models by 2026.

A comprehensive line-up of other lower-emission electrified vehicles complements these zero-emission products, including the best-selling Yaris Cross hybrid, Corolla Cross hybrid*, Toyota C-HR hybrid and plug-in hybrid, and RAV4 hybrid and plug-in hybrid. Together with many other models, these offer a multi-pathway portfolio of choice for European customers.

Yoshihiro Nakata, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, highlighted that “77 per cent of the Toyota vehicles we sell in Europe are also produced in Europe”. He gave special appreciation to: “The strong partnerships with other OEMs and the many suppliers across Europe that support us in this large-scale manufacturing activity. This wide footprint of manufacturing and supply chain helps to provide sustainable employment to families and communities all across Europe.”

Lexus to roll-out three new battery electric vehicles

Lexus is taking the corporate battery electric vehicle leadership role, ramping up its roll-out of BEV technology including three new BEVs over the next 12 months. In 2024, Lexus global sales increased to more than 851,000 vehicles, with sales in Europe increasing by 20 per cent year-on-year to a record 88,184.

The new Lexus RZ, which brings all the kaizen (continuous improvement) elements of the bZ4X, will be the first of three new Lexus BEVs to debut this year. The RZ features advanced technologies such as steer-by-wire and virtual gear shifting courtesy of the new Interactive Manual Drive system, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Toyota Gazoo Racing

Toyota Gazoo Racing’s (TGR) mission to develop TGR ‘ever-better cars’ continues as it pushes the limits of performance and innovation.

In 2024, TGR secured the manufacturer’s titles in the World Rally-Raid, World Rally and Word Endurance Championships. Its motorsports activities translate into authentic race-bred performance for customers and a development advantage for Toyota as a whole, reinforcing the insight that racing trains people to make ever-better cars.

This year, TGR will return to the Nürburgring to race with the GR Yaris Nur24, while the GR Yaris M Concept, a prototype featuring the new G20E internal combustion engine capable of running on carbon-neutral fuels or hydrogen, will be competing at a Super Taikyu race this year as part of its development programme.

Carbon-neutral fuels

Toyota is exploring the potential of carbon-neutral fuels for road cars. For many years, it has been running carbon-neutral biofuels and e-fuels in its race cars, including the GR010, GR Yaris Rally 1 and GR Supra GT4 which all use 100 per cent renewable fuels.

These fuels offer a practical solution for carbon neutrality, not just for new cars but also for the existing vehicle fleet in operation around the world. Toyota supports the EU’s technology-neutral approach to carbon reduction, recognising that carbon-neutral fuels are a key part of the journey to 100 per cent CO₂ reduction.

Hydrogen

Toyota continues to advance its hydrogen and fuel cell vehicle technology. In motorsports, there is ongoing development of hydrogen combustion, with TGR and Rookie Racing who successfully advance this technology by competing in races such as the 24-hour Super Taikyu endurance race in Japan.

Where fuel cell electric vehicles are concerned, Toyota is moving forward with its third generation fuel cell technology/ This is a more compact system which achieves a 20 per cent increase in efficiency and promises durability up to one million kilometres.

Toyota’s zero-emission fuel cell technology was showcased at Paris 2024 in a variety of vehicles including heavy-duty buses and trucks. In the quest to decarbonise heavy-duty transportation, Toyota is also working with partners to support the roll-out of a fast and cost-efficient refuelling infrastructure across Europe. Toyota sees that fuel cell vehicles have key competitive advantages in the heavy-duty truck industry, delivering fast refuelling while being able to carry heavier payloads.

Toyota’s new FT-Me micromobility concept

Toyota’s vision of Mobility for All includes providing solutions for customers with diverse personal needs and circumstances. The new FT-Me concept is a compact battery electric vehicle designed to offer personal mobility in urban environments where cars are being deprioritised. It features solar panel roof technology that can charge the main battery, adding 20 to 30 km of range per day in urban settings, easily covering expected daily usage.

Combining premium design with versatility, the spacious two-seater vehicle provides accessible mobility for people with entry-level driving licences, including those as young as 14 in certain markets, while also appealing to their parents and those needing a second vehicle for short urban journeys. This innovative concept is a clear demonstration of Toyota’s commitment to providing choice and opportunity to all customers.

*Model not available in the UK.

ENDS