Toyota is set to introduce its first electric car model equipped with an advanced autonomous driving system in 2025.
This initiative is part of a joint venture with state-owned Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) to catch up with Chinese competitors in hybrid, battery, and intelligent vehicle technologies.
At an event in Guangzhou on Friday, the venture announced its innovation targets, including the launch of the Bozhi 3X SUV next year, positioning Toyota as a leader in autonomous driving technology among foreign brands in China.
GAC Toyota is developing the autonomous driving system in collaboration with Momenta Global, a startup that provides autonomous driving software for automakers including Mercedes-Benz.
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Additionally, Toyota will partner with Huawei to utilize its in-vehicle operating software, starting with an electric sedan to be launched in 2025 for the Chinese market.
The automaker also announced plans to introduce an iron phosphate lithium battery between 2026 and 2027, potentially reducing the production cost of its bZ4X EV by 40%.
Toyota’s move comes amid declining sales in China, where it ranked fifth among all brands by car sales in the first four months of this year, experiencing a 22% drop from the same period in 2023, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
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By launching its first electric car with advanced autonomous driving capabilities, Toyota aims to regain its footing in the competitive Chinese market and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.
