Latest news with #DavidChrist
Miami Herald
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Toyota Rumored To Be Working On Plug-In Hybrid Pickup Truck
Hybrid pickups have become increasingly popular in recent years, with Ford and Toyota leading the way in the U.S. However, these have been conventional hybrids that can't be plugged in. It seems that plug-in hybrid systems - which add a lot more weight and complexity - are not yet considered a good fit for pickups. That could be set to change over at Toyota, with a report from Japanese magazine Best Car indicating that a PHEV version of the Hilux pickup could be sold when the new one arrives in March next year. While America has the Tacoma, the Hilux is Toyota's mid-size pickup in other markets, so could a Tacoma PHEV be on its way here too? Based on a Drive report, Best Car suggests that the plug-in hybrid Hilux will appear alongside the diesel variant in March next year. No technical details were shared, so it's unknown what this hybrid pickup's battery capacity or all-electric range could be. It would be a far cry from any other Hilux, as Toyota has so far only gone as far as installing a 48-volt mild hybrid system in the pickup. In America, Toyota's midsize Tacoma can be ordered with a non-plug-in hybrid powertrain known as the i-Force Max. Producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, it has a lot of power, but its efficiency of 23 mpg is good rather than remarkable, and merely matches that of certain non-hybrid Tacomas. According to an article from CNBC in May, Toyota plans to increase PHEV sales volumes in the USA from 2.4% last year to 20% by 2030, as the brand continues prioritizing hybrids over EVs in this market. "We are going to grow our PHEV volume through the lineup over the next few years," David Christ, head of the Toyota brand in North America, told CNBC at the time. "We love the PHEV powertrain. We're working to increase, perpetually increase, the amount of miles you can drive on EV-only range." While that statement doesn't guarantee there'll be a Tacoma PHEV, Christ didn't rule out any particular segment of body style, either. Toyota has experience with smaller PHEVs like the RAV4 and Prius, but the Tacoma is a much larger, heavier vehicle, so may require an all-new engine. Then again, the 2026 RAV4 PHEV makes 320 hp, so it's not lacking in power. If the rumors hold and the Hilux PHEV succeeds in markets like Australia, this could encourage Toyota to work on getting a Tacoma PHEV developed. Ford already sells a Ranger PHEV elsewhere, so this could make for a spicy tussle at some point in the future, should both automakers release such models here. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
While Tariffs Loom, Toyota and Lexus Crank up First-Half Sales
'We're producing a record number of vehicles,' said Toyota executive David Christ. The automaker sees strong potential for the redesigned 2026 RAV4 and electric bZ crossover to boost sales later in the year. Lexus exec Dejuan Ross said younger luxury buyers are not as patient as older ones, and that Lexus 'runs the risk of losing those buyers' if it can't supply them with vehicles. Despite tariff hassles, a continued so-so electric-vehicle market, and sales declines from other automakers, both Toyota and Lexus had a good first half of 2025 in the US, with new highs predicted for the rest of the year. Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) reported US sales of 666,469 Lexus and Toyota brand vehicles for the second quarter, up 7.2% versus the same period last year. 'We've had a really solid year so far,' said David Christ, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota division. 'Our June sales were over plan. Two out of three of the vehicles that hit dealer lots were turned around and sold that same month. We have a 12-day supply, with 76,000 units on the ground in retail stock.' Christ said dealer lots have an average of 62 parked vehicles, but not counting pickup trucks it's only 37. 'We're producing a record number of vehicles,' he said. The Toyota division results were strong on their own. For the second quarter, the brand moved 570,546 cars and trucks, up 7.1% compared to 2024 Q2. Sales for the electrified lineup of 32 hybrid, plug-in hybrid or EV nameplates for the Lexus and Toyota brands cranked up 29.7% (320,817 units) for the quarter—nearly half of all TMNA sales. Toyota's biggest problem, Christ said, was getting even more of the popular models built and delivered to dealers. Number one, by a wide margin, was Toyota's RAV4 (31,000 sold in June), 'which is just incredible,' he said. The automaker sees strong potential for the redesigned 2026 RAV4 and electric bZ crossover (the latter, shared with the Subaru Solterra, now with 314 miles of range) to boost sales later in the year. Dejuan Ross, group vice president and general manager of the Lexus division, described the first half of the year as very strong. 'We had the goal of 350,000 Lexus vehicles this year, building on the momentum of sales a bit north of 343,000 last year. But so far through June we are up 7% year-to-date, and are well on our way of exceeding 350,000 units.' Ross said every month except June ended with a single-digit days' supply of vehicles (and June was 11 days). This situation has led to waiting lists of as long as two years for certain models at some dealerships. In one of the few negative notes sounded during the call, he said younger luxury buyers are not as patient as older ones, and that Lexus 'runs the risk of losing those buyers' if it can't supply them with vehicles. Toyota execs didn't seem eager to talk about the effect of President Trump's tariffs. But in response to a question, Christ said that from late March into early May dealerships did see 'a lot of pull-forward business' with buyers trying to get ahead of anticipated tariff-related price hikes and the potential loss of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. 'Consumers are struggling with high auto prices and interest rates, and affordability is the buzzword among dealers now,' he added. Recent modest price hikes were business as usual, not a specific response to the tariffs, Christ said. Toyota's RAV4 is now built for North America in both Kentucky and Ontario, Canada, which 'gives us different costs, depending on where the individual car is built,' Christ said. For cars coming from Japan, 'the tariff is actually 27.5%, 25% plus the 2.5% that was already in place. We just hope the tariffs come down to a manageable level.' The speakers said they hope the Trump administration and Japanese government get back to the bargaining table (negotiations are currently stalled), and work out a trade deal. Is Toyota well positioned for the tariff turmoil expected to hit the auto industry in the second half? Please comment below.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
While Tariffs Loom, Toyota and Lexus Crank up First-Half Sales
'We're producing a record number of vehicles,' said Toyota executive David Christ. The automaker sees strong potential for the redesigned 2026 RAV4 and electric bZ crossover to boost sales later in the year. Lexus exec Dejuan Ross said younger luxury buyers are not as patient as older ones, and that Lexus 'runs the risk of losing those buyers' if it can't supply them with vehicles. Despite tariff hassles, a continued so-so electric-vehicle market, and sales declines from other automakers, both Toyota and Lexus had a good first half of 2025 in the US, with new highs predicted for the rest of the year. Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) reported US sales of 666,469 Lexus and Toyota brand vehicles for the second quarter, up 7.2% versus the same period last year. 'We've had a really solid year so far,' said David Christ, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota division. 'Our June sales were over plan. Two out of three of the vehicles that hit dealer lots were turned around and sold that same month. We have a 12-day supply, with 76,000 units on the ground in retail stock.' Christ said dealer lots have an average of 62 parked vehicles, but not counting pickup trucks it's only 37. 'We're producing a record number of vehicles,' he said. The Toyota division results were strong on their own. For the second quarter, the brand moved 570,546 cars and trucks, up 7.1% compared to 2024 Q2. Sales for the electrified lineup of 32 hybrid, plug-in hybrid or EV nameplates for the Lexus and Toyota brands cranked up 29.7% (320,817 units) for the quarter—nearly half of all TMNA sales. Toyota's biggest problem, Christ said, was getting even more of the popular models built and delivered to dealers. Number one, by a wide margin, was Toyota's RAV4 (31,000 sold in June), 'which is just incredible,' he said. The automaker sees strong potential for the redesigned 2026 RAV4 and electric bZ crossover (the latter, shared with the Subaru Solterra, now with 314 miles of range) to boost sales later in the year. Dejuan Ross, group vice president and general manager of the Lexus division, described the first half of the year as very strong. 'We had the goal of 350,000 Lexus vehicles this year, building on the momentum of sales a bit north of 343,000 last year. But so far through June we are up 7% year-to-date, and are well on our way of exceeding 350,000 units.' Ross said every month except June ended with a single-digit days' supply of vehicles (and June was 11 days). This situation has led to waiting lists of as long as two years for certain models at some dealerships. In one of the few negative notes sounded during the call, he said younger luxury buyers are not as patient as older ones, and that Lexus 'runs the risk of losing those buyers' if it can't supply them with vehicles. Toyota execs didn't seem eager to talk about the effect of President Trump's tariffs. But in response to a question, Christ said that from late March into early May dealerships did see 'a lot of pull-forward business' with buyers trying to get ahead of anticipated tariff-related price hikes and the potential loss of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. 'Consumers are struggling with high auto prices and interest rates, and affordability is the buzzword among dealers now,' he added. Recent modest price hikes were business as usual, not a specific response to the tariffs, Christ said. Toyota's RAV4 is now built for North America in both Kentucky and Ontario, Canada, which 'gives us different costs, depending on where the individual car is built,' Christ said. For cars coming from Japan, 'the tariff is actually 27.5%, 25% plus the 2.5% that was already in place. We just hope the tariffs come down to a manageable level.' The speakers said they hope the Trump administration and Japanese government get back to the bargaining table (negotiations are currently stalled), and work out a trade deal. Is Toyota well positioned for the tariff turmoil expected to hit the auto industry in the second half? Please comment below.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota delays US electric vehicle production
Toyota has announced a delay in its electric vehicle (EV) production plans in the US, opting to prioritise manufacturing capacity for the in-demand Grand Highlander SUV. The Japanese automaker will now begin producing a new electric SUV in Georgetown, Kentucky, in 2028, a shift from the original plan to start in 2027 at its Princeton, Indiana, facility. The strategic move will enable Toyota to increase the production of the Grand Highlander, available as a petrol-only or hybrid petrol-electric model. The delay in EV production also aligns with a potential decrease in US EV demand following the Senate's legislation to end tax credits for electric vehicle purchases. Despite the overall rise in EV sales in the US, Toyota's all-electric sales lagged in 2024, with fewer than 30,000 units sold, contrasting with the surge in hybrid petrol-electric sales. The Grand Highlander has proven especially popular, with Toyota selling over 11,500 units in the last month and dealers maintaining only a three-day supply. David Christ, the head of Toyota brand sales in the US, emphasised the success of the Grand Highlander, calling it the "fastest-turning product in the lineup,' as reported by Bloomberg. The company remains committed to its electric future, with plans to offer seven EVs in the US market by mid-2027, including two SUVs to be produced at the Georgetown plant. Last month, Toyota Motor suggested it is willing to sell US-made vehicles in Japan through its domestic dealer networks to help the Japanese government in its trade negotiations with the US government. "Toyota delays US electric vehicle production" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Business Times
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Times
Toyota delays EV plans to boost petrol-fuelled SUV output
[DETROIT] Toyota Motor is tapping the brakes on plans to build electric vehicles (EVs) in the US to free up manufacturing capacity for a popular petrol-powered SUV. The Japanese automaker plans to begin producing a new electric SUV at its plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, starting in 2028, more than a year later than planned, according to the company. The unnamed plug-in model was slated to be produced at Toyota's plant in Princeton, Indiana, but instead will be built in Kentucky. The move will allow the company to boost the output of its hot-selling Grand Highlander SUV, which is offered as a petrol-only or hybrid petrol-electric model. The new battery-powered model will join another as-yet unnamed three-row electric SUV that Toyota now plans to begin producing at the Georgetown plant in late 2026, rather than early next year, a company spokesperson said. The EV production shift from the Princeton plant to Kentucky was reported earlier by Automotive News. The latest delays comes as demand for EVs has softened in the US and may weaken further after the Senate passed legislation that would end popular tax credits that have helped buyers afford those vehicles. Toyota said as recently as May that it plans to offer seven EVs for sale in the US by mid-2027, including the pair of US-made SUVs. Total EV sales rose 7.3 per cent in the US last year to some 1.3 million vehicles, according to Cox Automotive. But Toyota delivered fewer than 30,000 all-electric in the US in 2024, even as its sales of hybrid petrol-electrics skyrocketed. At the same time, hybrid-electric and petrol-powered SUVs are in high demand. Toyota sold 11,577 Grand Highlander mid-sized SUVs last month, ending June with just a three-day supply of them at its dealers. 'That vehicle has actually been our fastest-turning product in the lineup,' David Christ, the head of Toyota brand sales in the US, told reporters on Tuesday (Jul 1) in a briefing. BLOOMBERG
