Toyota Debuts All-Electric SUV Concept

Rhea-AI Summary

Toyota unveiled the bZ4X Concept on April 18, 2021, marking a significant step in its commitment to carbon neutrality through alternative-fuel technologies. The bZ4X is the first in a global series of battery-electric vehicles under the 'bZ' brand, part of Toyota's plan to introduce around 70 electrified models by 2025, including 15 dedicated BEVs. This concept vehicle, developed with Subaru, showcases Toyota's renowned quality and an engaging driving experience. Production will begin in Japan and China, with a global sales launch expected by mid-2022.

Positive

• Introduction of the bZ4X Concept supports Toyota's carbon neutrality goal.
• Expands Toyota's lineup to around 70 electrified models by 2025.
• First dedicated BEV under the Toyota bZ brand with strong collaboration with Subaru.

Negative

• No immediate details on U.S. product offerings.
• Uncertainty around competitive landscape as other automakers rapidly advance in electric vehicles.

PLANO, Texas, April 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota envisions a future in which carbon neutrality is achieved through the practical marketization of a portfolio of products with advanced, alternative-fuel and zero-emission powertrain technologies. Already a leader in electrification, the company took a major step forward today with the introduction of the Toyota bZ4X Concept, a vision for the first of a global series of battery-electric vehicles to be introduced under the "Toyota bZ" brand umbrella.

The Toyota bZ4X Concept joins a full lineup of electrified vehicles – a lineup that, in total, accounts for more than 40% of all alternative powertrain vehicles sold in the U.S. These alternative powertrains include battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell electrics, hybrids and plug-in hybrids.  

Toyota plans to expand to around 70 electrified models globally by 2025. This future lineup will feature 15 dedicated BEVs, including seven carrying the bZ (Beyond Zero) brand moniker. In addition, Toyota intends to bring electrification to its pickup truck lineup in the near future, including hybrid and BEV powertrains. This diverse portfolio of electrified products will help propel Toyota toward its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

"The Toyota bZ4X concept points to yet another option in our already robust electrified portfolio" said Bob Carter, TMNA executive vice president of sales. "At Toyota, we are a human-centered company – the customer is our CEO and will ultimately decide which technologies will carry us toward a carbon neutral future. With investments and product offerings across the spectrum of electrification, we intend to be there with products and technologies that meet the diverse needs of customers around the world." 

Jointly developed with Subaru, the Toyota bZ4X SUV Concept is built on the new e-TNGA BEV- dedicated platform. The concept conveys Toyota's legendary quality, durability and long-term reliability (QDR) in combination with Subaru's AWD capabilities to achieve a driving experience that is both comfortable and engaging.

The Toyota bZ4X SUV concept features a long wheelbase with short overhangs, resulting in a distinctive design with ample interior space. The open-concept interior is designed to enhance driver comfort and confidence on the road. With every detail purposefully engineered, the low position of the instrument panel and the location of the meters above the steering wheel not only help expand the vehicle's sense of space, but also help increase visibility to aid in safe and secure driving.

Toyota plans to produce the Toyota bZ4X in Japan and China; it hopes to begin worldwide sales of the model by the middle of 2022. U.S. product details will be shared at a later date. 

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands plus our 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly employs more than 47,000 in North America. The company has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 40 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama that begins production in 2021.

Through its Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society's most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

Media Contacts

Nicky Hamila
Toyota
469-292-3596
Nicky.hamila@toyota.com  

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SOURCE Toyota

FAQ

What is the Toyota bZ4X Concept and its significance for TM?

The Toyota bZ4X Concept, unveiled on April 18, 2021, represents Toyota's commitment to carbon neutrality and is the first in a series of battery-electric vehicles under the bZ brand.

When will the Toyota bZ4X start sales worldwide?

Toyota plans to begin worldwide sales of the bZ4X model by mid-2022.

How many electrified models does Toyota plan to introduce by 2025?

Toyota aims to introduce around 70 electrified models globally by 2025, including 15 dedicated battery electric vehicles.

What is Toyota's goal for carbon neutrality?

Toyota's goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 through a diverse portfolio of electrified products.

Who collaborated with Toyota on the bZ4X SUV Concept?

The bZ4X SUV Concept was jointly developed with Subaru, leveraging both companies' expertise in vehicle design.