SHANGHAI MOTOR SHOW: Toyota BZ coming to Oz

Toyota is preparing to unveil its first mass-market battery-electric vehicle at the Shanghai motor show in China – and it’s odds-on to come to Australia following remarks by the company’s senior management this week.

Expected to be called the Toyota BZ following the trademarking of the name and promotional videos around the company’s Beyond Zero branding, the all-new electric car to be unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2021 on April 19 will be an SUV that’ll rival the Hyundai Kona Electric, MG ZS EV and the incoming Kia Niro EV, among others.

And the prospect that the all-new 2021 Toyota BZ will be sold in Australia is stronger than ever, following remarks by Toyota Australia’s sales and marketing chief Sean Hanley at the launch of the new-generation Toyota Mirai fuel-cell electric vehicle in Melbourne.

“You know, when we talk about being carbon neutral, a lot of people say, ‘All we have to do is use battery-electric vehicles, because they don’t emit any CO2.’ But the truth is it’s not that simple,” said Hanley.

“BEVs, or battery-electric vehicles, are just one part of the solution. And Toyota is developing our own, including the SUV that will be shown at Shanghai later this month.

“But we’re not putting all our eggs in just one basket.

“In addition to battery-electric vehicles we’re continuing to develop hybrids, plug-in hybrids and fuel-cell electric vehicles, confirming that Toyota is the absolutely leader in electrification.

“Ultimately, it’s the market that will decide. And our goal is to provide options to support those choices.

“We have the reputation here in Australia as leaders in electrification. Right now, low- and zero-emissions technology is expected to take longer in the heavy SUV segment than our passenger and light car segments, due to both [fitness] for purpose and cost considerations and customer requirements.

“We know this for a fact. Customers will not compromise on capability.

“That being said, we are moving towards greater electrification and continuing to deliver vehicles that use less fuel and produce fewer CO2 emissions with every new powertrain of every vehicle,” he said.

While Toyota’s hybrid product strategy has only recently begun to reap the rewards of the company’s long-term commitment to the fuel-saving and eco-friendly technology, the Toyota BZ will perform a brand-boosting role along similar lines to original Toyota Prius launched 20 years ago.

Hanley indicated that Toyota Australia’s pivot towards broad-based electrification of its product range was also related to commitments made under the voluntary CO2 code adopted by the local car industry.

“At Toyota, we are committed to continuing to work with the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries towards the 2030 stretch targets adopted voluntarily by the local industry,” he said.

“These 2030 targets are not easy targets to get, and are a long-term goal. And we will absolutely strive towards achieving these by 2030.”

While the Mirai’s fuel-cell technology is expensive and complex, the rollout of EVs can be expected to happen much sooner on Toyota’s watch, especially partnered with Subaru for the development of new products.