Toyota drives toward more mobility solutions

TOKYO – Toyota yesterday reiterated its commitment to a multi-pathway approach to providing and customizing electrification solutions to the specific needs of its customers in the Asian region, where diverse factors influence the journey toward carbon neutrality.

In a media briefing, Toyota Motors Asia Pacific (TMAP) president Masahiko Maeda reiterated that Toyota considers economic, energy mix, infrastructure and usage needs of its diverse regional market clientele to offer a comprehensive approach that also recognizes the scale and speed required.

Furthermore, Maeda acknowledged that Asia is an incredibly varied region and therefore diversification is crucial to meet the needs of different types of customers, from low end to high end, from passenger vehicles to commercial vehicles.

However, one specific concern that TMAP acknowledged in its electrification journey is the “critical limitation” of batteries which may experience a shortage in production due to issues with the rare earth metals needed for its production.

It is well known that China produces more than 90 percent of the global supply of rare earth elements, and geopolitical frictions have been increasing that have already began to cast a shadow over the production of batteries for electric vehicles which would, in turn, affect the cost and sustainability of e-vehicle production.

Precisely because of its concern over limitations of battery production, TMAP is pursuing the multi-pathway approach to its electrification solutions, with Maeda stressing particularly that the company will prioritize the customers’ choice in providing the solutions they want in attaining the global goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

Hand in hand with its multi-pathway approach, TMAP is also pursuing in Asia the innovative international multipurpose vehicle (IMV) project to meet the region’s diversification. Since its launch in 2004, the IMV has served private and business users’ mobility needs that has led to employment, supply chain development or exports, thereby contributing to the quality of life of residents and many countries’ national objectives.

Toyota now plans to introduce the new IMV O, which is designed for lower income customers, with greater customizability which would enhance accessibility to mobility and improve the standard of living for a different segment of customers.

The TMAP briefing was a prelude to the opening of the Japan Mobility Show this week in Tokyo, replacing the previous Tokyo Motor Show which focused primarily on the automotive sector.

This year JMS is encompasses a much wider goal of mobility solutions for all and for the future which, according to Toyota, “we all cannot wait to navigate.”