In response to allegations of being “anti-EV”, Toyota Motor Co TM has defended its stance, stating that electric vehicles form a part of its broader plan to lower its carbon footprint.
What Happened: Despite facing criticism for its slow adoption of electric vehicles and continued production of diesel engines, Toyota remains committed to a comprehensive strategy that includes a mix of BEVs, hybrids, and potentially hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, according to a senior executive.
Greenpeace and other organizations have accused Toyota of “stalling on climate action”.
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Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s VP of Sales and Marketing, brushed off the criticism in an interview with CarsGuide, saying, “Toyota’s not anti-EV. We’re actually not. And we want to play in that market. We’re excited by it.”
“We just don’t see it as the golden bullet or the single golden bullet towards carbon neutrality. The multi-pathway is still our strategy, but we’re excited to be coming into the BEV market. We know it plays a role.”
Why It Matters: Toyota’s complex approach to environmental sustainability has been the subject of debate. In January, reports emerged that Toyota, along with other major auto manufacturers, had pushed for a delay in the enforcement of the UK’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate.
Later that month, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda projected that battery electric vehicles (EVs) would capture no more than 30% of the global automotive market share.
However, surveys show a growing interest among U.S. consumers in purchasing an electric or hybrid vehicle for their next car — preferably a Toyota — with half of the over 2,000 U.S. car consumers surveyed considering an electric or a hybrid car for their next vehicle.
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