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Tag: Toyota bZ4X

  • Salt Lake City dealership increases the price of the Toyota bZ4X by $15,000

    Salt Lake City dealership increases the price of the Toyota bZ4X by $15,000

    Utah dealership Toyota Bountiful is currently attempting to sell an Elemental Silver Metallic bZ4X for a staggering $70,507, per its official website. Interestingly, that amount is exactly $15,000 more than the EV’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $53,013 plus the optional $2,494 extra for the Performance Package.

    https://twitter.com/jar_rosenholtz/status/1630297689488338944

    Why would Toyota Bountiful add $15,000 for the bZ4X?

    Toyota Bountiful explained via InsideEVs that it raised the price for the bZ4X model by exactly $15,000 due to its “limited availability” in the Denver area.

    “This one is currently priced at 15k over because of its limited availability in the Denver region.”

    Toyota Bountiful

    However, it is interesting to note that Bountiful, Utah, is north of Salt Lake City, which is over 500 miles away from Denver.

    Can the bZ4X be sold at that high price?

    The Toyota bZ4X is undoubtedly unpopular among US customers compared to its rival automakers. The report even noted that Toyota only reported 634 sales for the bZ4X in December 2022.

    For comparison, the American EV giant’s Tesla Model Y ranked 6th in the US top electric cars, recording more than 250,000 sales.

    Furthermore, the bZ4X received criticism for having a range that lags behind its class by 242 miles. Early on, it also implemented a shameful recall due to wheels issues.

    All that said, it might be hard for the Toyota Bountiful to sell the bZ4X for exactly $15,000 more than the car’s MSRP.

  • Chery to introduce the Omoda 5 SUV with EV, ICE options in UK next year

    Chery to introduce the Omoda 5 SUV with EV, ICE options in UK next year

    The Omoda 5 is the first vehicle from Chery’s new fashion-focused export brand; BEV, ICE, and PHEV models will follow.

    According to Autocar, the new Omoda 5 crossover from Chinese automaker Chery will be launched in the UK in early 2024 as the first of several models from a new ‘fashion’-focused and EV-biased brand at the forefront of the company’s worldwide expansion.

    Last year, Chery was China’s most successful automotive export brand, selling 450,000 vehicles in Asia, Australia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. 

    It is best known in the UK as Jaguar Land Rover‘s Chinese joint-venture partner, producing the Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Jaguar XF, and Jaguar XE for the domestic market.

    It is now one of many Chinese companies expanding into Europe. As rival Great Wall Motor has done with Ora, it will release a new brand designed with style, technology, and sustainability in mind here.

    Bio element and fashion focus

    It’s called Omoda, with the ‘O’ representing “the bio element we need” and the’moda’ indicating the brand’s fashion focus. It’ll release in the UK in 2022 after first hitting the Chinese, Indonesian, Australian, and New Zealand markets.

    The first model in the UK will be the Omoda 5, a mid-sized crossover with a choice of pure-electric or petrol power. 

    Chery says Omoda will be a BEV-focused brand in the UK, but Autocar acknowledges that the ICE car will be available first.

    The fuel-burning choices for the UK have yet to be confirmed. Still, in Australia, the Omoda 5 is available with either a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter mild-hybridized four-cylinder unit driving the front axle or a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder producing 195bhp and 214 lb-ft.

    The EV’s specifications are also unknown, but reports suggest it has a front-mounted motor with 198bhp and 295 lb-ft of torque, a 64kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 280 miles – figures that would put it in direct competition with the Toyota bZ4X and Nissan Ariya.

    While precise specifications have yet to be confirmed, the brand highlights standard features such as dual-zone climate control, improved driver assistance features, wireless charging, and ‘atmospheric’ interior lighting.

    Affordable and competitive pricing

    A brand representative told Autocar that the Omoda 5 would be “affordable and competitive” when asked for a price. Based on the cars it will inevitably be compared to, a fee of around £45,000 seems reasonable.

    Omoda expects 10,000 annual sales in the UK for the five and promises “several new models” with a choice of ICE, PHEV, and BEV powertrains to follow – though BEVs will be the primary focus.

    How the Omoda brand will be sold and advertised in the United Kingdom is still being determined. “Chery has close and furthered collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover in China as a joint-venture business with a successful sales record, so the UK is not a market unknown to Chery,” the company stated. 

    However, the company needed to provide more information about its retail footprint or sales model strategies.

  • The first electric Lexus RZ 450e SUV costs more than a Tesla Model Y

    The first electric Lexus RZ 450e SUV costs more than a Tesla Model Y

    The RZ 450e, the first fully electric Lexus SUV in the United States, is now available for pre-order. 

    Lexus needs to catch up in the race to incorporate a fully electric luxury vehicle under the command of parent company Toyota.

    According to Electrek, Lexus invites customers to “experience the difference between an electric vehicle and an electric Lexus,” to see if the RZ 450e is more valuable than a Tesla Model Y.

    Lexus will go fully electric by 2030

    After years of ignoring fully electric technology in favor of hybrid and fuel cell technology, Toyota finally came around, announcing that its luxury Lexus brand will go fully electric with an entire range of zero-emission EVs by 2030.

    In 2021, Lexus unveiled a slew of early-stage concepts meant to be “symbolic” of the brand’s evolution before revealing its first production version based on the Toyota BZ4x.

    https://twitter.com/ngengimagana/status/1622822399019212805

    As such, the RZ 450e is built on the e-TNGA platform and features a 71.4 kWh battery pack with a driving range of up to 220 miles and 313 total system horsepower. 

    Furthermore, its DIRECT 4 all-wheel-drive system and new steering control allow a more dynamic driving experience.

    The Lexus EV, unlike the BZ4x, will have a luxury feel with an intelligent 14-inch touchscreen interface, a 13-speaker surround sound, warmed and ventilated front seats, a wireless charger, a scenic sunroof, and more.

    The Lexus RZ 450e is available in two trim levels: Premium and Luxury. However, we have yet to learn what the price point will be.

    The Lexus RZ 450e costs more than the Tesla Model Y

    According to Lexus’ website, the Premium RZ 450e trim starts at $59,650, while the Luxury model costs $65,150.

    The RZ 450e luxury has additional safety features, such as a high-tech park, a 10-inch head-up display, acoustic front and rear side glass, and ambient lighting. 

    The RZ Premium has 18- and 20-inch rims, while the Luxury has 20-inch split 10-spoke alloy wheels with a dark metallic finish.

    The exterior of the electric SUV is typical Lexus, with advanced EV-looking upgrades. 

    The Lexus spindle grille, for example, is modified by a spindle body that optimizes aerodynamics.

    The Lexus RZ 450e will contend with stiff competition, especially from more existing players like Tesla, which offers its Model Y with a 330-mile range for $54,990.

  • Toyota plans to develop EV-only platform, CEO replaced by Lexus chief

    Toyota plans to develop EV-only platform, CEO replaced by Lexus chief

    Toyota may soon introduce its first electric vehicle-only platform, as the Japanese automaker is reportedly developing one to accelerate its EV production efforts. The news originally emerged from Japan‘s major news platform Asahi Shimbun.

    Toyota fell behind Auto majors in offering EVs

    Toyota, which is at risk of falling behind its rivals in the EV industry, now aims to accelerate its electrification efforts. Per the report, the automaker aims to boost its EVs’ competitiveness and efficiency. This new platform is also expected to cut the automaker’s production costs.

    Unlike Toyota’s current e-TNGA platform, the new structure would be flat as the automaker does not intend to directly put an engine or battery on it. Compared to the e-TNGA platform of the bZ4X, a flat surface allows designers more options for where to install the batteries. That said, it will be more suitable for mass production, which also reduces costs.

    Apparently, this move is crucial to Toyota’s plan to ramp up EV production to prepare for the anticipated surge in demand, given the rising gas price. Furthermore, the report also claims that Toyota aims to compete with the leading electric maker Tesla.

    Leadership changes in Toyota

    The new EV-only platform’s development would signify a remarkable leap in Toyota’s electrification efforts.

    However, another interesting news that marks another leap for the automaker is the changes in its management. Toyota announced on January 26 that its former Toyota President/CEO Akio Toyoda is stepping down. Nonetheless, the Toyota founder’s grandson will remain chairman of the board of directors.

    “To advance change at Toyota, I have reached the decision that it is best for me to support a new president while I become chairman.”

    Toyota President/CEO Akio Toyoda

    Former CEO Toyoda will pass the position to Toyota COO and Lexus International President Koji Sato. He believes his COO can “promote change in an era in which the future is unpredictable.”

    Amid Toyota’s intense electrification efforts, Koji Sato is set to claim the highest position on April 1, 2023.

    “We would like to demonstrate this commitment [to make cars better] through concrete actions and products, such as accelerating the shift to electrification and engaging in car-making that responds to diverse values and local needs.”

    Toyota COO and Lexus International President Koji Sato

    It is worth remembering that former CEO Toyoda has been one of the most vocal EV opponents while the rest of the industry is heading toward EVs. His persistent hybrid approach caused the company to be listed among oil tycoons like ExxonMobil as one of the world’s most “obstructive” businesses.

    Meanwhile, Toyota’s first EV offering, the bZ4X, also faced safety issues, leading to its recall. After ensuring the issues about the wheels that could detach while driving was fixed, the sales resumed in October last year. However, Toyota is still behind its rivals in the EV industry, with just less than 1% of total US ZEV sales.

    Unfortunately, there are no specific details about the development of the new platform. However, the anticipated surge in demand suggests that it will occur between 2027 and 2028, per the publication.

    Indeed, Toyota would be better able to optimize production and thrive in the rapidly growing EV industry with a new dedicated EV platform. The change in management may also aid the automaker in looking at a different perspective away from its former hybrid approach.

  • US: Toyota plug-in car sales down by a third in 2022

    US: Toyota plug-in car sales down by a third in 2022

    Japanese automaker Toyota sold 536,744 vehicles in Q4 2022 from its Toyota and Lexus brands in the United States, according to InsideEVs. Notably, that number represents a 13% growth from the same period in 2021.

    However, Toyota Motor North America’s overall 2022 sales indicated a year-on-year decline of 14%.

    Q4 results

    BrandSalesGrowth/Decline
    Toyota476,652up 17%
    Lexus60,092down 8%
    Total536,744up 13%

    Electrified vehicles xEV: HEV, PHEV, BEV, FCEV

    2022 had been a difficult year for Toyota and other automakers as well. As per the report, the Japanese automaker’s xEV sales declined despite launching 20 electric vehicles on the market. It includes HEV, PHEV, BEV, and FCEV models.

    xEVSalesGrowth/Decline
    Toyota xEV110,6099%
    Lexus xEV15,05020%
    Total xEV125,6596%

    Plug-ins results

    Sales of plug-in electric vehicles slightly rose in Q4 by 1.5% YoY to 10,546 units. It is important to note that this growth rate is quite low as the market is rapidly developing.

    Notably, 988 electric cars and 9,558 hybrid plug-in vehicles are included in the total (down 8 percent).

    Plug-insSalesGrowth/DeclineVolume Share
    Toyota9,821down 5%2.1%
    Lexus725up from 18 a year ago1.2%
    Total10,546up 1.5%2.0%
    *FCEVs657up 82%–

    Toyota and Lexus plug-in electric car sales in the US

    Toyota’s entire 2022 results reported a more significant decline than its Q4 sales.

    For reference, Toyota had 35,151 plug-in electric car sales last year. That number represents a YoY decline of 33% and 1.7% of its entire sales volume.

    2022 results:

    BrandSalesGrowth/Decline
    Toyota1,849,754down 9%
    Lexus258,704down 15%
    Total2,108,458down 10%

    Electrified vehicles xEV (HEV, PHEV, BEV, FCEV):

    xEVSalesGrowth/Decline
    Toyota xEV448,854down 15%
    Lexus xEV55,162up 0.4%
    Total xEV504,016down 14% & 23.9% of the overall volume

    Plug-ins results :

    Plug-insSalesGrowth/DeclineShare
    Toyota31,644down 40%1.7%
    Lexus3,507up from 18 a year ago1.4%
    Total35,151down 33%1.7%
    *FCEVs2,094down 20%–

    Nonetheless, the Japanese automaker still has room for progress in the coming years as it plans to launch more PEV models.

    Models

    The Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV was once again the most popular plug-in model of the automaker in Q4. However, its sales saw a YoY drop of 43%.

    Meanwhile, the Toyota bZ4X returned as the automaker fixed the heel hub bolts safety concerns. It sold about 1,000 units in the 4th quarter. Likewise, the Toyota Prius Prime also made a noticeable comeback after seeing five poor quarters.

    Q4 results

    ModelSalesGrowth/Decline
    Toyota bZ4X988 (new)–
    Toyota Prius Prime4,388up 67%
    Toyota RAV4 Prime4,445down 43%
    Lexus NX 450h+725up from 18 a year ago

    Meanwhile, the FCEV Toyota Mirai grew 82% to 657 units.

    https://twitter.com/R90T_SP/status/1612040483462840325

    2022 results

    ModelSalesGrowth/Decline
    Toyota bZ4X1,220 (new)–
    Toyota Prius Prime11,857down 53%
    Toyota RAV4 Prime18,567down 33%
    Lexus NX 450h+3,507up from 18 a year ago

    Notably, the automaker sold 2,094 hydrogen Toyota Mirai models throughout the year, a 20% decrease from the previous year.

    Generally speaking, 2022 was a challenging year for Toyota, even after the debut of the all-electric Toyota bZ4X and the ramp-up of the Lexus NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid.

    Toyota electrified car sales in the US in 2022:

    It is well known that Toyota has slowed down in terms of EV uptake. Therefore, it is no surprise that the company’s growth in the PEV sector is likewise sluggish. It might need to change its approaches and strategies to attract more customers and deliver better results.

  • Toyota Europe provides further information regarding the bZ Compact SUV Concept

    Toyota Europe provides further information regarding the bZ Compact SUV Concept

    Japanese automaker Toyota has been playing a long game with its approach of developing hybrid vehicles instead of all-electric vehicles. Finally, it entered the BEV segment with its bZ4X, its first mass-market electric vehicle introduced in early 2022.

    Meanwhile, Toyota’s latest concept unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November only disclosed limited details about the bZ Compact SUV.

    At that time, the automaker claimed that the second model from its all-electric bZ sub-brand “represents a vehicle with zero emissions, utilizing eco-conscious interior materials, that also brings dynamic performance, leading technology and a stylish appearance.”

    Latest updates on the bZ Compact SUV

    AutoBlog reported that new details are now available as Toyota launched the concept in the European market for the C-SUV market.

    Toyota specified the concept’s exterior dimensions and wheel size as follows:

    Exterior dimensions
    Length178.6-inch
    Width74.3-inch
    Height61.4-inch
    Wheels
    Size21-inch

    However, the production model may still have an updated wheel size and design. The automaker may deliver smaller wheels or larger variants, given that the tire-wheel combination is crucial to attaining the advertised range in EVs.

    Compared to the RAV4 hybrid vehicle, the bZ Concept is noticeably smaller. Meanwhile, it appears to be bigger than the compact hybrid C-HR, unveiled at the European event with a daring new model.

    All that said, Toyota’s second electric vehicle is now being carefully planned before releasing it to the market. Although the latest concept offers us little details again, it is still better than nothing.

    The highly-anticipated launch of Toyota’s second model on its all-electric bZ sub-brand will boost the automaker’s strategy to release 30 BEVs by 2030, advancing the company toward its 2040 carbon neutrality target in Europe.

  • Lexus reveals its first EV- RZ, to be built on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform

    Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus has unveiled its first-ever battery electric vehicle. 

    The 2023 RZ 450e is the first-ever battery electric vehicle from Lexus. This is the first to launch in the automaker’s “Lexus Electrified” vision for more upcoming all-electric models. Lexus has set a goal to become a complete battery-electric brand by 2035.

    Lexus’ RZ will also show off its new active four-wheel-drive system called DIRECT4, which can automatically calibrate weight distribution on all four wheels, leading to “improved start-up acceleration, handling stability, and low power consumption.” Inside the vehicle is a sleek interior, with a 14-inch touchscreen and a panoramic sunroof. According to Lexus, there is a choice of five exterior colours that includes a shade called Ether that “evokes the nimble driving performance of BEVs,” according to Lexus.

    The RZ is a five-seater SUV with a 71.4kWh battery and can travel up to 225-miles if fully charged. However, it is said that the RZ’s battery setup may bring even fewer miles when equipped with a larger set of tires, which may put it at a disadvantage. If they keep the price below that of other luxury EV SUVs, they might gain an advantage, as there are more EV cars that can go more than 225-miles. It can also compete with Toyota’s bZ4X crossover, which also looks similar to the RZ.

    The RZ is built on Toyota’s e-TNGA dedicated platform. The RZ 450e is also equipped with the latest Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 set of driving aids. Lexus has not yet revealed the price for the unit. It says that the unit will be on sale later this year. 

    I’m so sorry that I cannot keep up with whatever you are expecting me to do, and I will do my best again tomorrow. However, I assure you that I’m constantly doing whatever I can, and I am sorry since I am still learning and these are all new to me. Have a great night, and I apologize again.