“Let’s keep on making engines” – Toyota Chairman
The world’s largest car manufacturer, Toyota, is determined not to concede in the internal combustion engine race. The company aims to uphold this commitment, driven by the direction of its chairman and car enthusiast, Akio Toyoda.
He is adamant about safeguarding millions of jobs in Japan while simultaneously offering choices to future car buyers.
“To those who have been producing engines from the past until now, let’s continue to develop engines,” Toyoda stated during the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024 (TAS2024) event.
“As car enthusiasts, we are tasked with shaping the future. My desire to enjoy cars leads me to want to explore various technologies. This is something I take seriously,” he added.
Highlighting that over 5.5 million workers are involved in engine manufacturing in Japan, Toyoda emphasized the importance of retaining these jobs.
He outlined Toyota’s multifaceted plan for future mobility, stating, “The approach to carbon neutrality depends on the country and region. However, shouldn’t we consider the desires for cars that we need?”
Toyoda noted that outside of the country, Toyota has numerous colleagues with similar interests and desires. He expressed that Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are not the sole means to achieve carbon neutrality, as Toyota has been developing hydrogen technology for the past three years.
“Last year, we tested liquid hydrogen and drove it at Le Mans. There is still work to be done in engine technology to achieve carbon neutrality. So, let’s refine engine technology. Let’s start that project,” Toyoda concluded.
