Toyota

Babcock International and Supacat have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly bid for the British Army's Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programme, which aims to replace the aging Land Rover Defender fleet. The proposed solution is the General Logistics Vehicle family, based on the Toyota Land Cruiser LC70 platform, available in multiple variants. The UK Ministry of Defence issued a Request for Information in January 2025, with a tender expected in August 2026. The programme is budgeted at £750 million and aims to strengthen UK sovereign capability and supply chains.

7 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 3, 10:10 AM UTC

Toyota Motor's global sales fell for the fifth consecutive month in June 2026, declining 1.1% year-on-year to 926,688 units. The drop was attributed to turmoil in the Middle East, particularly Iran, and weaker demand in China. While sales in North America and Japan remained solid, they were insufficient to offset the declines in these key markets. The report, published by The Business Times Singapore on July 30, 2026, highlights ongoing challenges for the Japanese automaker amid geopolitical instability and shifting market dynamics in China.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 06:56 AM UTC

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has signed Toyota, Fanuc, Kioxia, and five other Japanese industrial giants into Nvidia's Physical AI coalition, aiming to lead the next frontier of AI in robotics and manufacturing. The company confirmed $1 trillion in confirmed demand for its Blackwell and Rubin chips through 2027, driven primarily by its data center segment, which reported $75 billion in quarterly revenue (up 92% year over year). While the edge computing segment (robotics, automotive, PCs) is smaller at $6.4 billion (up 29%), Huang is positioning Nvidia for long-term growth in physical AI. The stock is up 12% year-to-date and trades at 23 times forward earnings.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 09:59 AM UTC

Mitsubishi Motors plans to invest Bt16 billion ($473.23 million) in Thailand by 2030 to support the country's electric vehicle (EV) transition, according to a Thai government spokesperson. The investment will focus on EV technology, including the development of an electric variant of the Pajero SUV and potential manufacturing and export of pickup trucks, with Thailand as the production hub. Thailand, Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, already hosts major automakers like Toyota, Honda, and BYD. Japanese automakers face pressure from expanding Chinese EV brands. Mitsubishi announced in May that the Pajero nameplate will return globally in autumn 2026 after a five-year absence. The news follows Thailand's approval of a Bt15 billion investment from Isuzu in April and Xpeng's exploration of a manufacturing facility in the country.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 05:13 PM UTC

Fremont, California, is quietly becoming a major center for robotics and autonomous vehicle companies, according to a Business Insider report. The city, located in the East Bay, recently hosted a ribbon-cutting for Agility Robotics' new 60,000-square-foot engineering hub, where nearly 200 employees will work on the company's Digit bipedal robot. Fremont's rise is built on its preserved industrial land and manufacturing base, anchored by Tesla's acquisition of the former NUMMI plant in 2010. The city has streamlined regulations to attract hardware businesses. Other major players with a Fremont footprint include Meta, Zoox, Pony.ai, and DoorDash, which builds its delivery bot Dot there through a partnership with Sonic Manufacturing. The city's proximity to Palo Alto and Stanford allows companies to access top engineering talent while benefiting from large floor spaces and production expertise needed for robotics development and manufacturing.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 08:11 AM UTC

Honda Motor confirmed on July 23, 2026 that a next-generation Ridgeline pickup truck will be produced in the US following a temporary production stoppage later this year at its Alabama plant. The future of the midsize truck had been uncertain due to California emissions regulations. Production is expected to resume within two years, likely in 2028. Honda aims to increase the vehicle's ruggedness and capability, though executives declined to comment on whether it will shift to a traditional body-on-frame design. Ridgeline sales were down about 3% in the first half of 2026, with annual sales between 41,000 and 52,000 units since 2021, compared to over 270,000 Toyota Tacomas sold in 2025. Meanwhile, Honda's CR-V compact crossover led US auto sales for the first half of 2026 for the first time ever, with sales up roughly 6% year-over-year, as Ford F-Series and Toyota RAV4 faced production bottlenecks.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 04:00 PM UTC

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, addressing the Global CSR and Sustainability Summit 2026 organized by FKCCI on July 23, urged companies to prioritize Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending on primary education. He announced the state government will form a dedicated team to monitor approximately 10,000 CSR projects across Karnataka's districts. Calling primary education the government's immediate priority, he asked industries to adopt government schools, strengthen infrastructure, and contribute skilled professionals to improve learning outcomes. Citing Toyota as an example, he emphasized CSR should be viewed as investment in sustainable development, not charity. Shivakumar highlighted Karnataka's education ecosystem, including 38 international schools and 71 colleges producing nearly 13,900 doctors annually. He called for balanced regional development beyond Bengaluru and stressed the importance of investing in education amid rapid technological change driven by AI.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 09:45 AM UTC

Laura Wheatman Hill, an independent journalist and mother of two, describes using the Kanban method—a workflow system developed by Toyota—to manage her family's summer schedule. Struggling with disrupted routines, she created a visual task board with color-coded sticky notes for her 10- and 12-year-old children, assigning chores and activities like reading, writing a novel, and playing with dogs. The system helped chunk tasks into manageable pieces, reducing resistance and maintaining order while she worked from home and at a summer theater job. The kids initially reluctant, accepted the system after seeing tasks took less time than expected, leaving ample time for screens. The author plans to possibly add her own tasks to the board later.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:07 PM UTC

Malaysia's new vehicle market surged 32% year-on-year in June 2026 to 69,785 units, rebounding from a 12% decline in May, according to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA). First-half 2026 sales rose 3% to 385,353 units, driven by a 4% increase in passenger vehicle sales, while commercial vehicle sales fell 11%. Domestic brand sales grew 9% to 256,304 units, led by Proton, while overseas brands declined 2%. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales soared 85% to 31,740 units, with Proton leading at 13,530 units, followed by BYD and Chery's iCaur. Perodua's sales dropped nearly 5% despite new model launches, while Proton's global sales jumped 38% to 100,346 units. Toyota's registrations fell 12%. The MAA raised its full-year forecast to 800,000 units, while GlobalData projects a 7% decline to 773,000 units.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 12:14 PM UTC

According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Automobile Study 2026, Chrysler is ranked as America's worst car brand among 16 mass market brands, scoring 67 out of 100, well below the average of 78. The brand, owned by Stellantis, has seen sales collapse by 80% over two decades, from nearly 600,000 vehicles in 2005 to fewer than 125,000 in 2024. Stellantis has underinvested in Chrysler, which now only sells two minivans (Pacifica and Voyager). Toyota topped the rankings with a score of 83, followed by Subaru at 81. The article notes that reviving Chrysler would require billions in investment and would pit new models against Stellantis' own Jeep and Ram brands, making a meaningful recovery nearly impossible.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 12:59 PM UTC

According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Automobile Study 2026, Chrysler has been ranked as America's worst car brand among mass market vehicles, scoring just 67 out of 100. The survey, based on 6,699 responses collected from July 2025 to June 2026, evaluated 16 brands on factors including comfort, safety, dependability, and technology. Toyota led the mass market segment with a score of 83, followed by Subaru at 81. Chrysler, owned by Stellantis, has seen its sales plummet by 80% over two decades, from nearly 600,000 vehicles in 2005 to fewer than 125,000 in 2024. The brand now only offers two minivan models—the Pacifica and Voyager. Analysts note that Stellantis has underinvested in Chrysler, and a turnaround would require billions of dollars and compete with the company's own Jeep and Ram brands, making recovery nearly impossible.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 12:59 PM UTC

China's passenger car market is on track for its worst performance since 2021, with first-half 2026 sales dropping 20.2% year-on-year. The China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) revised its full-year forecast to a 14% decline, projecting 20.4 million units sold, down from a record 23.7 million in 2025. Soaring fuel costs (up 15.3% in June) and Beijing's pullback of new energy vehicle (NEV) subsidies have stifled demand. Internal combustion engine vehicle sales fell 39% in June, while NEV sales are expected to decline 5-6%. Rising raw material and component costs have squeezed profit margins to 3.4%, with industry profits down 20%. Analysts expect a market shakeout, consolidating China's fragmented EV market to 7-8 major players by 2030, with American automakers unlikely to survive. Recovery is anticipated in 2027, driven by export growth.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:43 AM UTC

Two independent studies have solved a key mystery behind solid-state battery failures, identifying the physical processes causing internal short circuits. German researchers at the Max Planck Institute found that lithium deposits generate enormous internal pressure during charging, cracking the solid electrolyte. A separate MIT-led team reported that tiny electrical imbalances inside the electrolyte create conditions for unwanted lithium structures to grow. These findings transform a major scientific unknown into a defined engineering problem. Automakers and battery manufacturers, including Honda, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and QuantumScape, have invested billions in solid-state battery development despite previous failures. Honda has built a $280 million demonstration production line in Japan, while Mercedes-Benz tested a solid-state battery EQS that traveled 1,205 km on a single charge. The technology promises higher energy density, faster charging, improved safety, and longer driving ranges for EVs, aviation, defense, and grid storage.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 11:00 PM UTC

Finnish driver Sami Pajari, aged 24, won the Rally Estonia on Sunday, securing his first career victory in the World Rally Championship (WRC). Driving a Toyota Yaris with co-driver Marko Salminen, Pajari completed the 18 stages in 2:31:16.5 hours, finishing 19.5 seconds ahead of Swedish driver Oliver Solberg. Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux took third place. Pajari dominated the rally by winning all seven stages on Friday and maintaining his lead through Saturday and Sunday. He became the sixth different winner in nine rounds this season, and all Toyota drivers have now won in the 2026 WRC season. In the championship standings, Elfyn Evans increased his lead to 25 points over Takamoto Katsuta, while Pajari moved to third place. The next round is Rally Finland from July 30 to August 2.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 02:12 PM UTC

Finnish driver Sami Pajari (Toyota Yaris) is on the verge of his first career World Rally Championship victory after building a 25-second lead heading into the final day of Rally Estonia. Co-driven by Marko Salminen, Pajari won all seven stages on Friday and dominated much of Saturday, despite a scare when he hit a stone on stage 14. Swedish driver Oliver Solberg, last year's winner, sits second, acknowledging that second place may be the maximum given Pajari's pace. Adrien Fourmaux holds third but is under pressure from teammate Thierry Neuville, just 1.9 seconds behind. Championship leader Elfyn Evans climbed to sixth after benefiting from rivals' issues. The rally concludes Sunday with two passes through the 24.39 km Kääriku stage, the second serving as the power stage.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 09:37 PM UTC

Finnish driver Sami Pajari, co-driven by Marko Salminen, took a commanding lead on the first day of Rally Estonia, the ninth round of the WRC. Driving a Toyota Yaris, Pajari won all seven stages, completing the 103 timed kilometers in 49 minutes and 43.5 seconds. He leads Swedish driver Oliver Solberg by 14.7 seconds, with Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux in third, 16.5 seconds behind. Pajari, 24, expressed satisfaction with his performance and aims to maintain the pace over the next two days. Championship leader Elfyn Evans struggled with road position and finished ninth, 49.8 seconds back. Japanese driver Takamoto Katsuta, second in the championship, retired after a puncture on the penultimate stage. The rally continues Saturday with nine stages totaling 149.6 kilometers.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:47 PM UTC

In July 2026, approximately 35,000 Hyundai workers in South Korea initiated a rolling strike—the first-ever strike explicitly triggered by plans to deploy humanoid robots. Hyundai Motor Group plans to install over 25,000 Boston Dynamics Atlas humanoid robots in its Hyundai and Kia plants, starting in the U.S. The union's key demand is that no robot enters the workplace without a prior labor-management agreement. The strike impacts plants producing roughly half of Hyundai's global output. The article notes that Atlas robots, currently costing $130,000-$140,000, are projected to drop to $30,000 per unit after 50,000 units are produced, making them economically attractive for three-shift operation without labor costs. This strike sets a precedent for other automakers like Tesla, BMW, and Toyota who are also investing heavily in humanoid automation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 06:39 PM UTC

Starting July 7, 2026, the European Union's General Safety Regulation will require all new cars and vans to include advanced driver distraction warning (ADDW) systems using infrared cameras mounted on or near the steering column. These cameras monitor drivers' heads and eyes for signs of drowsiness or inattention and sound alerts when problems are detected. The regulation claims systems will not continuously record or retain data beyond what is necessary, and will not identify individual drivers. However, critics warn the hardware could easily be repurposed for continuous recording via software changes, especially since modern cars already transmit driving data to manufacturers and insurers. A 2024 UK survey found 54% of drivers had deactivated at least one ADAS feature. Drivers can only disable ADDW per driving session, as the system resets each time the car restarts. The article compares this to past resistance to seat belt interlocks and data-sharing systems.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 11:00 AM UTC

The European Union's General Safety Regulation will require all new cars and vans registered from July 7, 2026, to include advanced driver distraction warning (ADDW) systems using infrared cameras mounted on the steering column. These cameras constantly monitor drivers' head and eye movements for signs of drowsiness or distraction, sounding alerts when problems are detected. While regulators claim the systems do not continuously record or retain data beyond what is necessary, critics warn the hardware could easily be repurposed for broader surveillance by insurers or governments. The mandate follows existing requirements for other safety systems since 2024. Surveys show over half of UK drivers already disable similar advanced driver-assistance features due to annoyance. The new rules allow drivers to disable ADDW only per driving session, with the system resetting each time the car restarts. The article, published by Reason.com, frames the regulation as government overreach and a threat to privacy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 11:00 AM UTC

The European Union's General Safety Regulation will require all new cars and vans registered from July 7, 2026, to include advanced driver distraction warning (ADDW) systems using infrared cameras mounted on the steering column to monitor drivers' heads and eyes for signs of drowsiness or distraction. The regulation states these systems should not continuously record or retain data beyond what is necessary, and must not identify the driver. However, critics warn the hardware could be repurposed for broader surveillance, including insurance data collection, as modern cars already transmit driving data. A 2024 UK survey found 54% of drivers had deactivated at least one ADAS feature, and the new mandate allows disabling only per driving session. The article, from Reason.com, frames the regulation as government overreach and a threat to privacy and liberty.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 11:00 AM UTC

Nvidia and Toyota are deepening their partnership to advance physical AI across automotive and robotics sectors. The collaboration focuses on real-world applications including smart cities and factories. Toyota will integrate Nvidia's AI platforms into Woven City, an experimental prototype community built on a former factory site in Shizuoka prefecture. This expansion signals a significant commitment to deploying AI technologies in physical infrastructure and industrial automation.

1 reports · 1 sources

Toyota Motor Corporation announced plans to build a new $3.6 billion auto plant in Texas, shifting some truck production from Mexico to the United States. The 2.5-million-square-foot facility will be located on its San Antonio manufacturing campus and is set to open by 2030, creating 2,000 jobs. Once completed, production of the mid-size Tacoma pickup truck will move from Toyota's Baja California plant in Mexico to Texas, though Tacoma production will continue at the Guanajuato plant in Mexico. Toyota already produces Tundra trucks and SUVs at its existing San Antonio assembly plant on the same site, and a new 500,000-square-foot rear axle plant is set to open in autumn 2026. The article also notes Toyota's Q4 profit miss and positions the investment within the context of onshoring trends.

1 reports · 1 sources

Toyota has unveiled the sixth generation of its RAV4 SUV in the Peruvian market, capitalizing on a global trend where SUVs now account for nearly half of all new vehicle sales. David Caro, Toyota Peru's Commercial Strategy Manager, highlighted that consumers are increasingly prioritizing spaciousness, security, and fuel efficiency, driving significant growth potential in Peru's relatively low-penetration automotive sector. The new RAV4 model introduces advanced connectivity, technology, and safety features, including the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 package. Notably, this launch marks the debut of the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) in Peru. This variant offers up to 324 horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with an electric-only range of 100 kilometers and a combined range of 1,040 kilometers. The interior features a sophisticated digital cockpit with screens up to 12.9 inches. This release underscores Toyota's commitment to electrification and meeting the evolving demands of Peruvian drivers for high-performance, energy-efficient vehicles.

1 reports · 1 sources

Alpine Formula 1 team has announced the hiring of Jason Somerville as its new deputy technical director, a newly created role within the organization. Somerville, a British engineer, previously served as the head of aerodynamics for the FIA from 2022 until late 2025, where he played a key role in supervising recent regulatory changes. His appointment follows a mandatory six-month cooling-off period required for personnel moving between teams and the governing body. Somerville returns to Alpine's Enstone factory, where he previously worked between 2010 and 2011, bringing experience from stints at Williams and Toyota. He will report to executive technical director David Sánchez and aims to help the team challenge for podiums. Currently sitting fifth in the constructors' championship, Alpine hopes Somerville's expertise in aerodynamics and regulations will provide a decisive advantage, allowing them to close the gap to the sport's leading teams. The move underscores Alpine's strategy to leverage insider regulatory knowledge to enhance their competitive performance during the current season.

1 reports · 1 sources

BMW has launched a new preferred pricing program offering a 20% discount on electric vehicle charging sessions at IONNA stations across the United States. This promotion is available to BMW and MINI drivers from May 15, 2026, through September 30, 2026. To qualify, users must utilize the Plug & Charge feature or the My BMW App with a linked payment method; the discount is automatically applied and does not require subscriptions or credit card swipes at the stall. IONNA, a joint venture involving major automakers like BMW, GM, Honda, and Toyota, currently operates over 1,000 charging bays with plans for significant expansion. The network supports both NACS and CCS connectors, with rates typically at $0.39/kWh or less. This initiative coincides with rising national gas prices averaging over $4.50 per gallon and BMW's preparation for the upcoming 2027 iX3 Neue Klasse model. The move aims to enhance the appeal of electric vehicle ownership by reducing operational costs and leveraging reliable high-speed charging infrastructure.

1 reports · 1 sources

US lawmakers and domestic automakers are intensifying efforts to block the import of cheap Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), citing national security threats and unfair economic competition. Michigan Representatives John Moolenaar and Debbie Dingell recently introduced legislation to expand existing bans on vehicles with Chinese-made software, fearing data espionage similar to concerns surrounding TikTok. Industry leaders argue that Beijing-backed manufacturers like BYD, Nio, and Geely benefit from state subsidies and monopolized raw materials, allowing them to undercut US prices significantly. While Chinese EVs are gaining market share in Europe and Mexico, they remain largely banned in the US. However, analysts note that Chinese vehicles are increasingly visible in border towns, suggesting pressure on the ban is growing. Despite some suggestions that Chinese firms could enter the US market if they hire American labor and store data locally, Congress remains resistant. The debate highlights tensions between protecting the US auto industry, addressing security risks, and responding to consumer demand for affordable EVs amidst a global shift in automotive manufacturing dominance.

1 reports · 1 sources

Chinese automakers significantly expanded their presence in the South African passenger car market in 2025, increasing their share to 16.8% from 11.2% the previous year. According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), this growth is driven by competitively priced, technology-rich SUVs and extended warranties offered by brands like BYD, Chery, and GWM. The industry describes this shift as a structural reset rather than a temporary surge, noting that consumers are increasingly prioritizing affordability over traditional brand prestige due to tighter household budgets. While Toyota remains the market leader with a 24.8% share, the number of Chinese brands operating in the country rose to 15. Conversely, the report highlights a sharp decline in automotive exports to the USMCA region, which dropped by 26.1% to 10,042 units. This decrease is attributed to steep U.S. import tariffs and strategic decisions by major producers, particularly affecting Mercedes-Benz, which relies heavily on the U.S. market. Meanwhile, India remains the top source of imported light vehicles, though China’s share of imports also increased.

1 reports · 1 sources

Kioxia, a Tokyo-based memory chip manufacturer, has announced plans to list American depositary shares in the United States, capitalizing on its status as the world's best-performing major stock this year. The company is benefiting significantly from a global shortage of memory chips, which has driven up prices for these essential components used in AI infrastructure. Kioxia forecasted an operating profit of ¥1.3 trillion ($8.2 billion) for the quarter ending in June, a figure that substantially exceeds average analyst estimates. Additionally, the firm reported record earnings of ¥596.8 billion for the quarter ending in March, surpassing automotive giant Toyota to become one of Japan's most profitable businesses. This financial meteoric rise, with shares increasing by approximately 300% year-to-date, reflects the booming demand for memory storage as hyperscalers aggressively expand their AI capabilities. The move to list in the U.S. marks a strategic step for Kioxia to further leverage its strong market position and attract international investment amidst the ongoing technology boom.

1 reports · 1 sources

Toyota Motor Corporation reported a significant miss in operational income for fiscal 2026, earning approximately $24 billion against Wall Street estimates of $26 billion. The automaker attributed nearly $9 billion of this shortfall to tariffs, alongside geopolitical turmoil and reduced demand. Looking ahead, Toyota projected fiscal 2027 operating profit at around $19 billion, roughly 37% below consensus forecasts of $30 billion. Despite selling 11.3 million vehicles, a 2.5% year-over-year increase, the company expects sales to dip slightly in the coming year. In contrast, Tesla shares rose 4% to $428.35, underscoring investor preference for its software-driven growth narrative, automation, and AI potential over traditional manufacturing volume. While Toyota dominates in production scale with six to seven times the volume of Tesla, its struggles highlight that size alone no longer guarantees market confidence. The diverging performances suggest a complex relationship where Tesla offers the technological story investors crave, while Toyota provides the operational discipline and scale Tesla lacks. This dynamic reveals a broader industry truth: future value in the auto sector is increasingly driven by technology and margins rather than vehicle unit sales alone.

1 reports · 1 sources

Toyota Motor has officially filed for approval to construct a new manufacturing facility in Bexar County, Texas, marking a significant expansion of its operations in the United States. According to documents submitted to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, the project involves a total investment of $2 billion. The new assembly plant is expected to create approximately 2,000 new jobs, further strengthening Toyota's manufacturing presence in its largest global market. This strategic move aligns with broader industry trends as the world's largest automaker seeks to bolster domestic production capabilities. The decision comes amidst political pressure from President Donald Trump, who has urged carmakers to increase manufacturing within the U.S. borders. By establishing this new assembly line alongside its existing truck factory in the state, Toyota aims to capitalize on current momentum in the American automotive sector. This development underscores the company's commitment to localizing production and responding to both market demands and regulatory expectations in North America.

1 reports · 1 sources