Encouragingly, Acquis is finding there is increasing demand from these partners to structure pan-European partnerships with common product structures and legal setups, compliant with both domestic and EU regulations, helping to offset what has been a generally weak market in France lately due to economic and regulatory uncertainty tied to its political crisis.Many of these lenders are present throughout Europe with multiple subsidiaries, Guez explains, and they continue to invest and grow, offering ample bu ...

Core Viewpoint - Toyota has reported a significant decline in net profit for the first quarter of the 2025 fiscal year, down 36.9% year-on-year to 841.3 billion yen (approximately 41 billion RMB), leading to a downward revision of its annual profit forecast by 44% to around 2.66 trillion yen [4][6]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Toyota's net profit for the 2024 fiscal year was approximately 4.8 trillion yen (about 247 billion RMB), a decrease of 3.6% year-on-year [13]. - The company's profit is reported to be 1.94 times greater than the combined profits of over ten Chinese listed car companies [14]. - In North America, which is Toyota's largest overseas market, the U.S. market contributed 23% to Toyota's global sales in 2024 [15]. Group 2: Sales Performance - Despite profit declines, Toyota maintained its position as the world's largest car seller for five consecutive years, with global sales reaching 5.545 million units in the first half of 2025, a 7.4% increase year-on-year [6][8]. - In the first half of 2023, Toyota's global sales increased by 5.5% to 5.1 million units, with hybrid models accounting for 43% of total sales [24]. Group 3: Market Strategy and Product Development - Toyota plans to introduce a 5.0-liter V8 engine in its Supra model by 2026, indicating a commitment to traditional combustion engines alongside its push for hybrid and hydrogen technologies [9][10]. - The company has adjusted its global production targets upwards, aiming for approximately 10 million units in 2025, and 10.2 million and 10.5 million units in 2026 and 2027, respectively [17]. - Toyota's hybrid models are gaining market traction, with significant sales in China, where hybrid vehicles accounted for 48% of total deliveries [26]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - The profitability of Toyota, with a profit of 2.3 million RMB per vehicle sold, contrasts sharply with the average profit of less than half that for domestic brands in China [20]. - The automotive industry is experiencing a shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles, with predictions that by 2030, these will account for 60% to 70% of global sales [31]. - Toyota's strategy of maintaining a diverse energy portfolio, including hybrid and hydrogen vehicles, positions it well against competitors in a rapidly changing market [33].

Core Viewpoint - Toyota has reported a significant decline in profits and has lowered its annual performance expectations, yet it continues to lead global car sales, indicating a complex situation for the company [2][4][6]. Financial Performance - In the first quarter of the 2025 fiscal year, Toyota's net profit fell by 36.9% year-on-year to 841.3 billion yen (approximately 41 billion RMB) due to U.S. tariffs and yen exchange rate fluctuations [4]. - The company has revised its full-year profit forecast, expecting a 44% decrease to around 2.66 trillion yen [4]. Sales Performance - Despite profit declines, Toyota maintained its position as the world's largest car seller for five consecutive years, with global sales reaching 5.545 million units in the first half of 2025, a 7.4% increase year-on-year [6][8]. - In comparison, other major manufacturers like Volkswagen and Hyundai saw much lower sales growth [8]. Product Strategy - Toyota is diversifying its product lineup, planning to equip its Supra sports car with a 5.0-liter V8 engine by 2026, appealing to traditional car enthusiasts [9]. - The company is also focusing on hybrid and hydrogen technologies while maintaining a presence in traditional combustion engines, reflecting a dual strategy [9][12]. Market Position - Toyota's net profit for the 2024 fiscal year was approximately 4.8 trillion yen (around 247 billion RMB), which is significantly higher than the combined profits of several Chinese automakers [14][21]. - The company is expected to reduce operating profit by 1.4 trillion yen (about 68.3 billion RMB) due to tariff pressures [18]. Competitive Advantages - Toyota's global market presence and cost control strategies, including shared technology across markets, contribute to its resilience and ability to maintain sales growth [22][24]. - The company has set ambitious production targets, aiming for approximately 10 million units in 2025, indicating confidence in its market strategy [18]. Future Outlook - The automotive industry is expected to shift towards a more diverse energy system, with projections indicating that by 2030, electric and hybrid vehicles will account for 60% to 70% of global sales [31]. - Toyota's strategy of investing in both hybrid and hydrogen technologies positions it well to adapt to changing market demands while leveraging its existing fuel vehicle base [32].