Core Viewpoint - Toyota is planning to source components from Chinese manufacturers for its largest production base in Southeast Asia, Thailand, indicating a shift in its supply chain strategy to adapt to the growing electric vehicle market and competition from Chinese automakers [2][3][4]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Japanese automakers, including Toyota, are facing increased competition in Thailand, where their market share has declined significantly from over 90% to around 30% in 2024, with Toyota's sales dropping by 17.1% year-on-year [5][6]. - The overall automotive demand in Thailand is slowing, and rising costs of traditional fuel vehicles are pushing consumers towards energy-efficient options, benefiting Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers like BYD, which achieved a market share of 2.57 million units in the first half of the year [6][7]. Group 2: Electric Vehicle Trends - The Thai government has introduced the "EV3.5" policy, providing substantial subsidies for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which has led to a market penetration rate of 14.0% for electric vehicles in 2024, with Chinese companies holding over 80% market share [7]. - Despite the dominance of hybrid and traditional fuel vehicles, there is a noticeable shift towards electric vehicles in Thailand, with BYD capturing significant sales [7][8]. Group 3: Supply Chain Strategy - Toyota's strategy includes localizing its supply chain by partnering with Chinese component manufacturers to reduce costs, with estimates suggesting a 30% reduction in costs for new models using Chinese parts [8][14]. - The company has previously collaborated with Chinese battery manufacturers, utilizing their technology in models like the Platinum 3X and bZ3, indicating a trend towards integrating Chinese technology into its offerings [11][12]. Group 4: Battery Production and Localization - Toyota's current battery production in Thailand focuses on nickel-metal hydride batteries for hybrid vehicles, while Chinese companies are filling the gap for BEV batteries, with several Chinese battery factories already established in Thailand [10][12]. - The company is cautious about building its own BEV battery factory in Thailand, focusing instead on hybrid models and facing challenges in localizing battery production due to market demand and cost issues [14][15]. Group 5: Competitive Landscape - The pricing of locally produced electric vehicles, such as BYD's Dolphin, is significantly lower than Toyota's bZ4X, which could impact Toyota's competitiveness in the Thai market, especially with upcoming subsidy regulations [15][16]. - The collaboration between Chinese and Japanese companies in Thailand is expected to create a tri-party component network, reflecting a shift towards a more integrated supply chain [17].

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].

Core Viewpoint - Toyota is strategically cautious about launching low-priced electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe, focusing instead on a broader range of models and maintaining its sales targets despite market competition [1][2][3]. Group 1: New Electric Vehicle Launches - Toyota plans to introduce 15 new pure electric vehicles in Europe by 2026, with the aim of increasing the share of EVs in new car sales from 5% to 20% [1]. - The company has unveiled three new models for the European market, including the small SUV "C-HR+" with a range of 600 kilometers, the Suzuki-branded "Urban Cruiser," and the new "bZ4X," which is Toyota's first mass-produced electric vehicle [1][2]. Group 2: Market Strategy and Sales Projections - Toyota's electric vehicle sales in Europe are projected to reach 139,000 units in 2024, representing only 1.3% of total new car sales [2]. - Despite the competitive landscape with European and Chinese manufacturers launching low-priced EVs under €20,000, Toyota's European president, Akio Nakata, believes there is no need to rush into the low-cost segment [2][3]. - The company maintains its target of selling 250,000 electric vehicles in Europe by 2026, although Nakata suggests a more cautious approach may be necessary based on current demand [2]. Group 3: Production and Localization - Currently, 77% of the new vehicles sold by Toyota in Europe are produced within the EU, primarily focusing on hybrid vehicles [3]. - Nakata indicated that local production of electric vehicles may be considered if sales reach a certain threshold, but he believes it is not the right time for such a move [3].

以下文章来源于晚点Auto ，作者晚点团队 晚点Auto . 从制造到创造，从不可能到可能。《晚点LatePost》旗下汽车品牌。 编辑丨 宋玮 3 月 21 日，一汽丰田泰达工厂第三生产线进入休假状态，原因是工厂有工事计划。这次假期持续一 个月，多位工厂员工称，三线工厂计划在 4 月 23 日前后复工。 超过一个月的假期，在泰达工厂很少见。成立 21 年的泰达工厂，是天津一汽丰田规模最大的生产基 地，威驰、皇冠、锐志、卡罗拉等一汽丰田最为畅销的车型先后在此投产。 2022 年，泰达基地整车产能 62 万辆，占一汽丰田整车总产能的 66%。但转入 2023 年，泰达工厂 全年产能约 20.4 万辆，仅为上一年的 1/3。 大背景是燃油车在中国汽车市场的份额下滑。 2023 年初，泰达工厂第 2 生产线被传将出售给比亚迪。此前，比亚迪与丰田成立合资公司，计划共 同开发纯电动车型。一汽丰田虽予以否认，但确认第 2 生产线会在同年 5 月暂时关停，关停期将持 续一年半。 于是过去一年，泰达第 2 生产线人员陆续向泰达工厂第 3 生产线、新一工厂、新能源工厂及成都工 厂转移。2023 年 4 月，一汽丰田威驰正式停产 ...