Core Points - Toyota is restructuring its electric vehicle (EV) strategy in the U.S., planning to expand its product lineup from 2 to 5 models by 2025, indicating a strong commitment to the U.S. market [2][3] - The new branding strategy will involve renaming its EV models to "bZ" in the U.S. to enhance market recognition and simplify marketing efforts [3][5] - The introduction of the "bZ Woodland," a four-wheel-drive EV developed in collaboration with Subaru, is part of Toyota's strategy to cater to the American market [5] Product Expansion - Toyota will launch 5 EV models in the U.S. by 2025, doubling its current offerings, and will also introduce a small SUV EV "C-HR" that has already been released in Europe [3][5] - The luxury brand Lexus will add 2 new EV models starting in the second half of 2025, with pricing to be announced at launch [5] - New EVs will feature advanced lithium-ion batteries with a range increase of up to 25% and improved charging convenience, including compatibility with Tesla's charging standard [5] Market Context - The U.S. EV market is currently growing slowly, with EVs accounting for only 8% of new car sales, despite previous government plans to increase this to 50% by 2030 [6] - Tesla's market share has declined from 80% to below 50%, creating opportunities for other automakers like Toyota [8] - Toyota's EV sales share in the U.S. is currently only 3%, lagging behind competitors like General Motors and Hyundai [8] Production Challenges - Currently, Toyota does not produce EVs in the U.S., with plans to start local production only after 2026, which raises concerns about tariffs and supply chain logistics [9] - The new "bZ" models will be produced in Japan, with battery exports also coming from Japan [9] - Toyota aims to develop and produce products suited for local consumers in the U.S. in the long term, which could mitigate tariff risks [9] Long-term Outlook - Despite the slow adoption of EVs in the U.S., there is a consensus that EVs will become mainstream globally, with projections of 31.76 million EVs sold worldwide by 2030 [9] - Toyota plans to launch approximately 15 self-developed EVs globally by 2027 and diversify its production bases outside of Japan and China [9]

Core Viewpoint - Toyota is restructuring its electric vehicle (EV) strategy in the U.S. market, planning to expand its EV lineup from 2 to 5 models by 2025, while adopting a unique branding strategy for the American market [1][3][4]. Group 1: Expansion of EV Lineup - Currently, Toyota sells only 2 EV models in the U.S., but plans to double this number to 5 by 2025, including improvements to existing models [3][4]. - The new models will be branded as "bZ" in the U.S., differing from the names used in Japan and Europe, to enhance market recognition and marketing effectiveness [3][4]. Group 2: New Model Launches - The "bZ Woodland," a four-wheel-drive EV developed in collaboration with Subaru, will be launched in the U.S. in 2026, targeting the long-distance off-road driving market [4]. - Additionally, a small SUV EV model "C-HR" will be introduced, along with 2 new EVs under the luxury brand Lexus starting in the second half of 2025 [4]. Group 3: Technological Enhancements - The new EVs will feature advanced lithium-ion batteries, with a range improvement of up to 25%, and enhanced charging convenience, including compatibility with Tesla's charging standard [4][6]. - Fast charging capabilities will allow the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes [4]. Group 4: Market Context and Competition - The U.S. EV market is currently growing slowly, with EVs accounting for only 8% of new car sales, despite previous government plans to increase this to 50% by 2030 [6]. - Tesla's market share has declined from 80% to below 50%, creating opportunities for other automakers like Toyota [6]. Group 5: Local Production Challenges - Currently, Toyota does not produce EVs in the U.S., with plans to start local production only after 2026, which raises concerns about tariffs and supply chain risks [7]. - The company aims to develop products suitable for local consumers and establish local production, including battery manufacturing in North Carolina [7].