Toyota Europe President and CEO, Yoshihiro Nakata, has expressed his concerns about the UK government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. Nakata believes that the mandate poses a significant challenge to the automotive industry as a whole. The mandate requires car manufacturers to ensure that electric vehicle (EV) sales make up at least 22% of their overall volumes, with fines for non-compliance. Nakata emphasizes the need for coordinated action and constructive communication between car companies and lawmakers to develop workable solutions to meet these targets.
While Nakata acknowledges that Toyota currently only has one pure EV in its range, the bZ4x, he assures that the company will offer a range of EVs to provide customer choice in the future. However, he believes that Toyota’s focus on selling pure and plug-in hybrids continues to contribute effectively to the goal of reducing CO2 levels. Nakata suggests that this is in line with customer demand, as hybrid models are currently more popular than EVs.
Toyota’s partnership with Mazda and Subaru further supports Nakata’s claims about customer demand. The alliance aims to optimize combustion engines with more efficient electric motors and batteries, as well as explore alternative fuels. The decision to focus on these areas instead of fully committing to EVs is driven by a deep understanding of customer lifestyles and a belief in the future of internal combustion engines.
Despite Toyota’s limited EV lineup, the company’s UK boss, Scott Thompson, is confident that they will meet the ZEV mandate targets this year. While Thompson does not provide details of next year’s strategy, he assures that the company has a workable plan in place. Reports suggest that Toyota plans to launch five new EVs by 2026, including the already revealed Urban Crossover concept.
Nakata also comments on the EU’s decision to increase import tariffs on Chinese-built EVs, stating that it could provide an advantage for Toyota. However, he believes that these tariffs will prompt Chinese companies to establish European factories, leading to increased competition. Nakata emphasizes the importance of building brand strength and producing more competitive products to maintain Toyota’s position in the market.
Throughout all these discussions, Nakata emphasizes Toyota’s commitment to its core values, including happiness and mobility for all. He also highlights the company’s dedication to producing Corolla hybrids in the UK, showcasing their contribution to UK society.
In conclusion, Toyota acknowledges the challenges posed by the ZEV mandate but remains confident in its ability to meet the targets. The company plans to expand its EV lineup while continuing to focus on hybrid models, which align with current customer demand. Toyota’s partnerships and commitment to innovation and brand strength position them well for the future of the automotive industry.
