Toyota to focus on intelligent cars, services and society

Toyota has previously acknowledged a desire to transform its organisation from an established automotive industry business model into a future-oriented mobility company. During a “Toyota Technical Workshop” held on June 13, 2023, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Hiroki Nakajima, announced Toyota’s latest technological advancements that the company says will “change the future of cars.” 

Nakajima discussed a variety of new technologies that will support Toyota’s transformation into a mobility company, including three strategic areas of focus—electrification, intelligence and diversification. 

Toyota will continue to pursue a multi-pathway approach. Electrification will continue to be promoted to suit each region, with hybrid electric vehicles introduced in emerging countries and other countries where electricity is tight, says Nakajima.

The automaker outlined a focus on “intelligence” with the company looking to expand its scope from “cars” to “society.” Nakajima highlighted the development of intelligent cars, intelligent services and intelligent society—to ensure freedom of mobility and diverse energy options. Examples of intelligent vehicles include updates and ride customisation using the Arene OS, whereas intelligent services include logistics optimisation based on real-time data. The technical workshop provided an opportunity for attendees to experience vehicle intelligence in vehicle demonstrations, according to reports.

Toyota is also expanding its connection with society. Nakajima discussed a demonstration project with CP Group in Thailand and Woven City, a prototype town of the future, as mobility test cases. 

Nakajima spoke on diversifying mobility and energy. The unpredictability of our world requires active investment in a variety of fuels and a future-oriented mindset, he says. The Toyota representative emphasised the diversification of Toyota’s vehicle fleet, which offers a global full line-up through product-based management. Nakajima also emphasised the acceleration of localisation as customers’ needs differ in each region and noted that Toyota will accelerate development nearer their customers at R&D bases around the world.

The technical workshop also included an update on strategies for battery electric vehicles and Toyota’s hydrogen businesses from Takero Kato, president of the newly established battery electric  vehicle (BEV) Factory, and Mitsumasa Yamagata, who was recently appointed president of the Hydrogen Factory to be launched in July.