Marque backs electric roll-out
Toyota NZ says it has an opportunity to achieve its objective of “leaving no customer behind” in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
It follows Toyota Motor Corporation’s announcement that it intends to have 30 battery electric vehicle (BEV) models available globally by 2030.
The company’s global president, Akio Toyoda, last week revealed a new line-up of hybrid and BEVs. They included sub-compact hatches, saloons, SUVs, high-performance sports cars, a ute and a bus.
At the same time, he announced a NZ$100 billion investment into development and production of hybrids and BEVs.
Neeraj Lala, chief executive of Toyota NZ, says the company has been consistent with its message over the past three years that a full range of powertrains will be critical to achieving a low-carbon economy in this country.
This strategy includes a full line-up of BEVs and these models will be globally available, including New Zealand.
“The announcement by Akio Toyoda supports these messages and recommendations we have been proposing to key government officials,” says Lala, pictured. “We have maintained hybrids will continue to spearhead our transition in the short term.
“However, the announcement last week also demonstrates how serious we are in the expansion of BEVs – most importantly, the investment and direction state our commitment to achieving carbon neutrality.
“We will work hard to identify when supply will be available, ensure the models we introduce are affordable for Kiwis and, most critically, achieve the safety standards our customers have come to expect.”
The transition to full electrification will take time from an availability perspective. In the past month, Toyota has announced considerable investment in battery technology and production.
However, 3.5 million BEVs by 2030 is “a baseline target and signals just how serious Toyota is about electrification”. Global availability will be dependent on emissions and energy policies.
“There have been concerns regarding our commitment to electrification,” adds Lala. “However, we’ve been working on BEVs for more than 30 years, and I’m confident we’re heading in the right direction and this announcement supports that.
“The BZ series will lead the shift to BEVs for Toyota and New Zealand, and Lexus will provide compact cars, such as the new UX300e, for daily use.
“We will complete 2021 as market leaders for 34 consecutive years in New Zealand as Kiwis continue to support the broad range of models we offer. What is more pleasing to me is that we will deliver more than 11,000 hybrids to customers – a new record.”
