Toyoda Boss Worries the Automotive World Is Too Fast to Switch to Electric Cars

JAKARTA - At a time when many automotive manufacturers are starting to reduce or even cancel a number of multibillion-dollar electric vehicle (EV) projects, the direction of the industry in general still considers electric cars to be the future.

The debate is no longer about whether electric vehicles will dominate, but rather when the transition actually happens. However, Toyota remains one of the most persistent manufacturers to maintain the existence of internal combustion engines.

Unlike most of its competitors, Toyota chose to develop various driving technologies at once. In addition to battery-based electric vehicles, the Japanese company is also continuing to develop hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) to internal combustion engines that use hydrogen as fuel.

This attitude is inseparable from the influence of Toyota Board of Directors Chairman Akio Toyoda, who is known as a true automotive lover. He has been one of the most vocal figures who assess that the future of the industry does not have to depend entirely on battery-based electric vehicles.

In a recent interview quoted by Carscoops, Thursday, June 11, Toyoda revealed his biggest concern regarding the direction of the automotive industry. According to him, the trend that is pushing all manufacturers towards electric vehicles is actually the thing he is most worried about.

"Everyone is moving to battery electric vehicles (BEV), this is my biggest concern," he said.

"Three or four years ago, I was the only one who told the media that I liked the smell, I liked the sound, and I liked the engine, and I wanted to keep jobs for engine suppliers. But it seems I'm the only one. I feel very lonely," he continued.

Toyoda also revealed that within Toyota itself, discussions are still ongoing regarding how quickly the company should adopt electric vehicles. He said that many car enthusiasts in the company were still fighting for various alternatives other than a future that is entirely dependent on BEVs.

However, Toyota is aware of the demands of the industry that require manufacturers to present vehicles that are more environmentally friendly. Therefore, the company continues to develop electric cars and other low-emission technologies, even though Toyoda personally has a different view.

"Cars are my toys. I want to make a car that I want to keep in my garage. If I only have to make a carbon-neutral car, it's not interesting," he said.

He also assessed that the automotive industry should not only focus on profit. According to Toyoda, building a car must involve passion and provide a pleasant driving experience, not just chasing financial results.

Even though it still maintains a conventional engine, Toyota is still moving towards the electrification era. One example is the next generation GR Yaris which is rumored to adopt a high-performance hybrid system.

The model is said to have the potential to combine the latest 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with an electric motor and a small-sized battery, producing up to around 394 hp. For car enthusiasts who still want the sensation of a conventional engine, Toyota also prepares a number of interesting models.

One of them is the latest GR GT which will be equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine without electrification support. In addition, Toyota is also rumored to be preparing the revival of two legendary names, namely MR2 and Celica, in the form of the latest generation.