Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda has once again spoken strongly in support of combustion engines, saying he feels “very alone” as the global car industry moves quickly toward electric vehicles.
In a recent interview, Toyoda admitted that his biggest fear is seeing “everybody shifting to EVs” while fewer people talk about the value of traditional petrol-powered cars.
Toyoda said he still loves the smell, sound, and driving feel of combustion engines and wants to protect jobs linked to engine manufacturing.
Toyoda said he still loves the smell, sound, and driving feel of combustion engines and wants to protect jobs linked to engine manufacturing.
He believes the industry is focusing too much on battery-electric vehicles while ignoring other options like hybrids and hydrogen-powered engines.
Under Toyoda’s leadership, Toyota became one of the biggest supporters of hybrid technology, starting with the iconic Prius. Even today, Toyota continues to believe hybrids are a practical solution for many markets where charging infrastructure is still weak or unreliable.
Toyoda also played a big role in bringing excitement back to Toyota’s performance lineup. Cars like the GR86, Supra, GR Yaris, and GR Corolla were developed with his strong passion for driving and motorsport. He even raced cars under the name “Morizo.”
While Toyota has recently expanded its EV lineup with models like the C-HR EV, Urban Cruiser EV, and Highlander EV, the company is also investing heavily in new petrol engines, hybrid systems, and hydrogen technology.
Toyota’s current CEO, Koji Sato, has announced record spending on research and development to support all types of powertrains.
Under Toyoda’s leadership, Toyota became one of the biggest supporters of hybrid technology, starting with the iconic Prius. Even today, Toyota continues to believe hybrids are a practical solution for many markets where charging infrastructure is still weak or unreliable.
Toyoda also played a big role in bringing excitement back to Toyota’s performance lineup. Cars like the GR86, Supra, GR Yaris, and GR Corolla were developed with his strong passion for driving and motorsport. He even raced cars under the name “Morizo.”
While Toyota has recently expanded its EV lineup with models like the C-HR EV, Urban Cruiser EV, and Highlander EV, the company is also investing heavily in new petrol engines, hybrid systems, and hydrogen technology.
Toyota’s current CEO, Koji Sato, has announced record spending on research and development to support all types of powertrains.
This shows Toyota’s strategy remains different from many rivals, balancing EVs with hybrids and combustion engines instead of fully going electric.