Toyota
Toyota Research Institute uses behavioral science to optimize EV charging
On September 16, the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) released new research showing that behavioral science-based interventions can significantly improve EV charging habits, helping reduce carbon emissions. The studies, conducted in the U.S. and Japan, tested ChargeMinder, a prototype app developed by TRI’s Human-Cent

U.S. Transportation Department unveils plan to fast-track eVTOL taxis
On September 12, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced a new pilot program within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish pre-certification operating environments for air taxis to accelerate the deployment of advanced air mobility (AAM) in the U.S.
Establishment of the eVTOL Integ

GAC Toyota releases official images of bZ7 electric sedan
On September 11, GAC Toyota released official images of the bZ7 mid-to-large-size battery electric sedan.
According to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the bZ7 measures 5,130mm long, 1,965mm wide, and 1,491mm, 1,500mm, or 1,506mm high, with a wheelbase of 3,020mm. The model is powered b

Three Japanese OEMs release August 2025 new car sales figures in China, with Toyota seeing growth y/y for seven consecutive months
Three Japanese OEMs recently announced their August 2025 new car sales results in China.
Toyota sold 153,400 units in August, up 0.9% year-over-year (y/y) and achieving y/y growth for 7 consecutive months. FAW Toyota and GAC Toyota accounted for 70,125 units and 66,060 units, down 2.7% y/y and up 4.8% y/y, respective
Toyota launches Corolla Gli Hybrid model in Brazil
On September 8, Toyota Brazil announced the launch of the Corolla GLi Hybrid.
The Corolla GLi Hybrid combines a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle flex-fuel engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 122 hp. According to INMETRO, the model achieves up to 17.5 km/l in city driving and 15.2 km/l on highways

Toyota reportedly plans two electric SUVs for Kentucky plant
Toyota Motor Corp. plans to build two battery-powered SUVs at its Georgetown, Kentucky, plant as it ends production the Lexus ES model at the site, according to a person familiar with the matter.
On September 9, Nikkei Asia reported Toyota would consolidate production of Lexus brand cars in the U.S. to a single locat
Toyota Vietnam phases out Innova amid shifting consumer preferences; Innova Cross continues
Reported on September 9, 2025, Toyota Vietnam has removed the Innova from its website, marking the end of almost 20 years in the local market. The final version, the Innova 2.0E MT, was discontinued due to a shift in the company’s product strategy, while the Innova Cross, launched in October 2023, continues as a cros
Toyota to end Lexus ES production in U.S., import next-gen from Japan
Toyota Motor Corp. plans to consolidate production of its Lexus brand cars in the U.S. into a single location from two in the face of high tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and resultant pressure of cost increases. A Nikkei Asia report on September 9 said the move is aimed at strengthening U.S. production o
Lexus, world premieres new midsize sedan IS
Lexus world premiered the new IS on September 9. It will go on sale in various markets starting in early 2026.
This model is available in two versions: IS350 and IS300h (only the FR IS300h will be released in Japan). The IS350 is available with an 8-speed automatic transmission, FR, or a 6-speed automatic transmissio

Toyota joins TOKYO H2 project aiming to make Tokyo global leader in hydrogen
On September 3, Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced that it has joined "TOKYO H2," a new project launched by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government on the same day aiming to make Tokyo a global leader in hydrogen.
The TOKYO H2 project aims to accelerate public―private efforts to use hydrogen, with a focus on comme

Toyota to produce first European-built BEV at Kolin plant, Czech Republic
On September 3, Toyota Motor Europe announced the production of a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) at its Kolin, Czech plant (TMMCZ). It will be the first BEV to be made in one of Toyota’s European factories.
Toyota will invest about EUR 680 million to expand its Kolín plant for BEV production, including new paint

Toyota Philippines teases arrival of Ativ Hybrid, may replace or coexist with Vios
Reported on September 1, 2025, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has hinted at the upcoming introduction of a HEV to its lineup. In a recent social media post, TMP revealed a headlight image accompanied by the caption, “Achieve the Electrified Vision.” Notably, the highlighted blue letters within the caption spell out “
Toyota Argentina starts Hiace exports to Brazil
On September 1, Toyota Argentina announced the start of Hiace exports to Brazil, marking Toyota do Brasil’s entry into the regional van market.
Production of Hiace in Argentina began in 2024 at the new facility in Toyota’s Zarate plant that complements Hilux and SW4 manufacturing, sharing the same 2.8-liter engine an

BMW to begin fuel cell system production at Steyr plant, Austria in 2028
On September 2, BMW announced that its Steyr plant, Austria will start series production of fuel cell systems in 2028. Prototypes are already being built in Munich, Germany and Steyr, with key components supplied by the Landshut technology hub, Germany.
BMW and Toyota are jointly developing the powertrain for passeng

Joby completes acquisition of Blade’s passenger VTOL business
On August 29, Joby Aviation announced it has completed its acquisition of Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business. The acquisition provides Blade’s established network of terminals and customers in key markets like New York and in Southern Europe, positioning Joby for a faster entry into commercial service with its q
