Toyota's Chairman Is Having His 'I Told You So Moment' About EVs
Everyone came for Akio Toyoda and Toyota's stance on EVs. Then the
market changed.
Akio Toyoda, chairman of the world's largest automaker, Toyota, took a
stubborn stance on EVs. While other automakers have been pouring
billions into developing EVs, Toyota was still betting on hybrids and
PHEVs while selling just one EV in the bZ4X. After a relatively hot
last couple of years, EV sales have cooled off. A lot of American
buyers don't want them and things like un-affordability and high
interest rates haven't helped things. And it looks as if Akio Toyoda
may have been right to take the stance he did.
Speaking as head of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association,
the Wall Street Journal reports that Toyoda said automakers should
have continued investment in hybrids instead of going all-in on EVs.
He said the auto industry is realizing that EVs aren't the only way to
reduce carbon emissions. "There are many ways to climb the mountain
that is achieving carbon neutrality," Toyoda said.
Toyota has taken a "wait and see" approach with EVs deciding to invest
in hybrid models like the new Prius, Corolla Cross Hybrid, even full
size hybrids like the Sequoia SUV and Tundra pickup. Now automakers
are coming around to Toyota's point of view: pulling back on EV
targets and investing in more hybrids.
https://jalopnik.com/toyota-s-chairman-is-having-his-i-told-you-so-moment-1850958887
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