Core Viewpoint - The once-reliable brand image of Toyota, known for its durability, is fading due to a significant recall event, with 236,630 vehicles recalled in August, accounting for nearly half of the total recalls in China for that month [1][2]. Group 1: Recall and Quality Issues - In August, Toyota's recalls were primarily due to insufficient strength in front suspension coil springs and issues with the vehicle's instrument panel [1][2]. - Consumers express doubts about Toyota's quality, questioning the reliability of its vehicles amid the recall crisis [2]. Group 2: Electric Vehicle Transition Challenges - Toyota's struggles in the electric vehicle (EV) market are evident, with a significant decline in sales from 1.94 million units in 2021 to an expected 1.78 million in 2024 [3][6]. - The bZ4X, Toyota's first mass-produced electric model, has seen poor sales, with only 6,045 units sold from January 2024 to August 2025 [6][8]. - Subsequent models like the bZ3 and bZ5 have also underperformed, with bZ3 sales down 55% year-on-year and bZ5 selling only 1,409 units in its first month [8][10]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Profitability - Toyota's net profit for April to June 2023 was 841.3 billion yen, a 37% decline year-on-year, prompting a downward revision of its annual profit forecast by 44% to 2.66 trillion yen [13][15]. - The company has been reliant on its traditional fuel vehicle sales, which provide stable cash flow but hinder its transition to electric vehicles [15][22]. Group 4: Market Position and Consumer Sentiment - The market share of traditional fuel vehicles in China has dropped significantly, with a decrease of over 37 percentage points compared to 2021 [22]. - Consumers are increasingly favoring electric vehicles for their advanced features and experiences, leading to a decline in Toyota's brand premium [29][30]. Group 5: Strategic Responses - In response to the challenges, Toyota has initiated the construction of a new factory in Shanghai for electric vehicles, expected to produce 100,000 units annually starting in 2027 [30][33]. - The company is also shifting decision-making authority for China-specific models to local teams and collaborating with Chinese tech firms for smart features [30][33].