Toyota will recall 12,205 bZ3 electric vehicles to address a defect that could result in the rear doors opening while driving or remaining closed in extreme cases, marking the latest setback for the Japanese automaker as it enters the Chinese electric vehicle market. The recall applies to the battery electric sedans co-produced by Toyota’s manufacturing partner FAW Group from March 13 to July 5. Toyota’s Chinese joint venture will be responsible for replacing the rear door locks, according to a statement released by the State Administration for Market Regulation on Wednesday. On April 16, Toyota introduced its first electric sedan and the second model in its new Beyond Zero (bZ) all-electric series in China. The sedan is priced between RMB 169,800 and RMB 199,800 ($23,495-$27,646) and features BYD’s combustion-proof “blade batteries” along with an electric motor sourced from FinDreams Powertrain, a subsidiary of BYD. [State Administration for Market Regulation, in Chinese]
