[RahulNagaraj]

According to media reports, amidst the ongoing leadership changes at Toyota, the company is also said to be reshuffling its business strategy to accelerate the development of battery electric vehicles. Toyota will, going forward, take a new "EV-first" approach, starting with its luxury brand Lexus.

Akio Toyoda, the 66-year-old grandson of the company's founder, recently announced his resignation amidst mounting pressure to accelerate EV development. Koji Sato will take over the reins from Akio Toyoda on April 1, 2023. Addressing the situation, Sato stated that Toyota is committed to making cars better and will take concrete actions, such as accelerating the shift to electrification.



The incoming company president is looking to ramp up Toyota's EV efforts with a new approach and business structure, starting in April. Sato was previously the Chief Branding Officer at Lexus.

As per the new plans, Toyota plans to use Lexus (its luxury brand) to spearhead the approach and have a fully-electric model lineup by 2030. Toyota also plans to make more EV-specific parts, such as batteries and a dedicated platform to expand its lineup and streamline production.

Source: Electrek

Link to Team-BHP news

[Contrapunto]

Its called "der aye, durust aye" aka better-late-than-never. However I hope they dont throw the baby along with the bathwater. There will be space for hybrids in the emerging economies who can not afford to decarbonize that fast for at least a couple of more decades.

[DicKy]

Not sure what is new here.

Lexus has already announced it would be BEV only in North America, Europe and China a couple of years ago.

And the 'electrification' in Toyota speak includes everything from mild hybrids to BEVs and everything in between.

Usual expected article from Electrek.

[vredesbyrd]

It is a sad day indeed. They have won. Enthusiasts have lost. That's it.

[The Rationalist]

Akio Toyoda was 'fired' to the post of chairman because of his views about future of EV's. Toyota is a decade behind others when it comes to EV's. If he was continue in the post, it would have been a disaster. They are yet to have a dedicated EV platform, forget about a successful EV. At 53, Koji Sato is relatively young and is at pivotal cross roads in the history of automobiles.

[bullitt1]

With too much focus on hydrogen cars, may be they didnt think that EV's would gather so much pace.

[redeff]

yes indeed! Electrification in some form or the other is the way forward. But such is the nature of things. Cars have evolved over the years, much like other utilities which were cutting edge when they were introduced. At some point of time, something better, more efficient and more environmental friendly will come out and future enthusiasts will have something to mourn.

We have indeed come a long way from the era of the Prius and the Reva. Electrification has made performance accessible for a lager audience, the Nexon EV in its segment gives great performance, same ting with the MG ZS. We have personally booked the Volva XC40 EV, which promises to give 400 HP on tap and be cheaper than a C class!!

I'd say bring it on! Enthusiasts rant done yet. The electrical platforms and investment in R&D shall make sure something comes up for everyone. The news from Toyota is welcome though it isn't new. They shall bring further progress in the 'sensible' spectrum of electrical cars.

[Air_Suspension]

I too had doubts about the issue of Akio Toyoda being cynical about BEV platforms. Almost to the point where I thought he might be onto something with hydrogen. Guess not huh

Today with increasingly decentralising energy production and advancements in energy storage solutions, the tide sure looks to be in favour of an electric future.