Toyota boosts intelligent and electrification technology in China

Toyota Motor Corporation is making significant strides in the Chinese market, a region witnessing a surge in the popularity of electrified vehicles. The Japanese automaker is intensifying its local development of intelligent and electrification technology to deliver competitive and customer-centric electrified vehicles.

Toyota is implementing several initiatives, including a name change for its largest R&D facility in China, “Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (China) Co., Ltd.” The new name, “Intelligent ElectroMobility R&D Center by TOYOTA (China) Co., Ltd. (IEM by TOYOTA),” will take effect from August 1, 2023.

The IEM by TOYOTA-led development project will incorporate engineers from three R&D facilities within China, including FAW Toyota Research & Development Co., Ltd., GAC Toyota Motor Co., Ltd., and BYD TOYOTA EV TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

Toyota is focusing on the local development of all electrified vehicles (BEV, PHEV, HEV, FCEV) to achieve carbon neutrality through multiple pathways. The company is accelerating electric powertrain development in collaboration with Denso and Aisin, transcending organisational boundaries to join forces with IEM by TOYOTA.

In terms of intelligence, Toyota is promoting and accelerating local design and development of smart cockpits for a better user experience. This includes interior space design, use of artificial intelligence (AI), and autonomous driving systems/advanced safety features that better fit the actual conditions in China.

Toyota is also taking on the challenge of significantly reducing manufacturing costs through initiatives in three areas: developing a local supplier base, reviewing parts designs, and production engineering/manufacturing reform to strengthen competitiveness.

Tatsuro Ueda, chief executive officer of the China Region, stated, “The Chinese market is growing at an unprecedented pace. Toyota will reform how we work and think to survive in China. By promoting local development with IEM by TOYOTA at its core, we aim to develop and provide competitive products that can satisfy Chinese customers at a fast pace. We will also share development results and lessons learned in China, globally.”

Toyota remains committed to creating ever-better cars that cater to the needs of customers in every region.