The current president and former CEO, Akio Toyoda, has been expressing many doubts about the path towards electric mobility being made solely through 100% electric models by the majority of the industry.
Toyoda, who advocates for a multi-front approach to reduce CO2 emissions and achieve carbon neutrality, revealed that the decline in demand for electric models, particularly in the US, is the reason why other paths should not be ignored.
Quoted by the “Wall Street Journal“, Toyoda made it clear that “there are many paths to climb the mountain in order to achieve carbon neutrality in the world”. This reaction comes at a time when the global economic slowdown, as well as high interest rates and high prices of 100% electric vehicles, are behind the reduction in demand for electric battery-powered cars, considering the financial results of American brands like Tesla, Ford, and General Motors in the third quarter.
According to the American publication specialized in economic affairs, General Motors revealed last week that the opening of an electric pickup factory in Michigan is delayed, and Ford is considering reducing one shift in the production of the new F-150 Lightning, considering the decline in demand.
In addition, these news come at a time when sales of hybrids in the US have skyrocketed, leading manufacturers to reinforce the promotion of their hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.
Therefore, Akio Toyoda reminded that forcing the transition to electric mobility by decree is not the correct path. “I will continue to warn about what I consider to be reality. Someone needs to convey to the automotive industry that if regulations are created based on ideals, it will be normal users who will suffer.”
Despite Toyoda’s skepticism towards a path to electric mobility with 100% electric vehicles, the truth is that Toyota recently announced the launch of 10 new electric models by 2026, and at the recent Tokyo Motor Show (Japan Mobility Show 2023), it unveiled some prototypes that anticipate future electric battery-powered models, including the Land Cruiser Se, and a sports car FT-SE prepared by Gazoo Racing.
