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Toyota and its commitment to the combustion engine

It seems like a provocation to Europe. Toyota has once again chosen the city of Brussels, the centre of all decisions in Europe, to present its vision for the future at the Kenshiki Forum 2025. A strategy very much based on electrification, but without abandoning combustion engines.

Toyota's executives have assured that this is not a provocation. "We are a global brand, we have to think and offer solutions for everyone", said Shinichi Yasui, vice-president of Toyota Motor Europel, recalling that in the brand "77% of Toyota vehicles sold in Europe are 'made in Europe'".

That is why it was based on this global presence and on "mobility for all" - perhaps the phrase most repeated by Japanese executives - that Toyota presented its strategy. In this video, we show the main new features:

Over the next two years, Toyota will launch six 100% electric models, with the first trio being shown at this Kenshiki Forum: Toyota Urban Cruiser, bZ4X and CH-R+. More models will arrive next year, shared by Toyota and Lexus — the Japanese giant's luxury brand.

Among these models, however, the one that stole the most attention was the CH-R+, which boasts a range of over 600 km. In turn, the Urban Cruiser was presented as the brand's most affordable electric model. Prices have not yet been announced, but they should not exceed 32 thousand euros (with VAT) for the entry-level versions.

Combustion, yes, but... The message is not new: Toyota considers that the “enemy of the planet” is not combustion engines, but greenhouse gases. “The most important thing is to achieve carbon neutrality” and, to that end, “we are counting on all the technologies”, stated Shinichi Yasui, vice-president of Toyota Motor Europe to Razão Automóvel.

It was based on this premise that the Japanese brand once again spoke about the developments in its new family of combustion engines, as well as all the advances in the development of synthetic fuels. All the details in the highlighted video.

A bet on hydrogen...It is one of the technologies where doubts outweigh certainties. The problems of production, storage and transportation of hydrogen have not yet been overcome. But Toyota continues to affirm its commitment to this technology.

At this Kenshiki forum, a new generation of hydrogen fuel cell was presented, 50% cheaper, 25% more efficient and more powerful. The Japanese brand claims a durability, without maintenance, of more than one million kilometers.

In Europe, Toyota hopes that the AFIR plan, which envisages the creation of supply corridors on European soil, every 150 km, can contribute to a faster adoption of this technology, especially in the transport of goods.

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