Toyota is set to launch its first electric car model equipped with an advanced autonomous driving system next year.
The move is part of a joint venture with state-owned Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) aimed at catching up with Chinese rivals in hybrid, battery, and intelligent vehicle technologies.
The venture announced its innovation targets at an event in Guangzhou on Friday, including the launch of the Bozhi 3X SUV next year.
This would ensure Toyota’s leadership in autonomous driving technology offerings among all foreign brands in China.
GAC Toyota is developing the system with Momenta Global, a startup that develops autonomous driving software for automakers including Mercedes-Benz.
Additionally, Toyota would work with Huawei to use its in-vehicle operating software starting with an electric sedan to be launched in 2025 for China.
The automaker also announced plans to roll out an iron phosphate lithium battery during 2026 and 2027, which could reduce the production cost of its bZ4X EV by 40%.
Toyota’s move came as it faced declining sales in China, ranking fifth among all brands by car sales in the first four months of this year, with a 22% drop from the same period in 2023, according to data from China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
By launching its first electric car with advanced autonomous driving capabilities, Toyota aims to regain its footing in the competitive Chinese market and stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.
Boluwatife Enome
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