TOYOTA

Brand wants to sell cars cheaper and environmentally friendly
The Japanese manufacturer has developed technology that reduces the use of rare materials in the next electric motor. In March, the construction of a new R & D center for vehicles that respect the environment starts.Toyota has unveiled the construction of a new research and development center for vehicles that comply with environmental preservation regulations. The site was chosen in Shimoyama, Japan, and works start in March for a total investment of 2,300 million euros.The project is part of a plan to reduce the environmental impact in the construction of automobiles and a major investment in the production of electric models. One of the measures was to reduce the use of 50% of Earth's rare materials in the manufacture of electric motors. According to Bloomberg, an engine magnet has been developed that reduces neodymium material by half, replacing terbium and dysprosium with lanthanum and cerium, which cost 20 times less than neodymium.The new magneto-based motors can be used on any electric power transmission vehicle. In 2025, Toyota intends to offer an electric version of each vehicle in its alignment, responding to increased production of electric and hybrid cars in the coming years.
The company plans to open the new center in 2019, but it is only in 2023 that large-scale work begins. According to Lusa, the new facilities will have about 650 hectares, divided into three areas, offices and test circuits that seek to simulate the real asphalt conditions, such as roads, motorways and a mountainous road.

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