The sluggishness of Japanese brand electric cars such as Toyota, which dominated the North American market with the recall hybrid of Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan, is alarming. Toyota recently carried out a large-scale recall of its electric vehicles due to problems with the quality of its cars, which was the best advantage. On the other hand, Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors have rapidly increased their share of the electric vehicle market, and even the nickname “the second Elon Musk” has begun to emerge in the U.S.
According to major foreign media on the 27th, Toyota decided to recall all of its electric SUV (multipurpose sports vehicle) bZ4X models. So far, a total of 2,700 units produced worldwide are subject to recall. It is reported that most of the vehicles have not yet been delivered to customers who purchase them.
Toyota decided to recall the bZ4X’s tire because it was found that it could fall out while driving. Toyota’s position is that there is a problem with the quality of the bolt connecting the vehicle and the tire. Toyota is considering whether to replace parts by tightening the bolts strongly.
The bZ4X is the first pure battery electric vehicle released by Toyota, which adhered to hybrid vehicles. It was officially released starting in Japan last month. The recall of the bZ4X has hurt Toyota’s ambition to challenge the global electric vehicle market led by Tesla, the Financial Times saidIndustry analysts say Toyota was able to become the world’s No. 1 finished car company thanks to its unique hybrid technology and quality that does not break down easily. However, the announcement of the electric plan was the latest because the hybrid could not be released.
Toyota belatedly released its vision for electrification in December last year. It said it will sell 3.5 million electric vehicles annually within 2030 and plans to invest 35 billion dollars to launch 30 electric vehicle models within 2030.
However, unlike other brands, Toyota did not reveal a clear 100% electrification and carbon neutrality point. Hybrid sales-oriented strategies are still valid. It plans to fill 4.5 million of its 8 million eco-friendly cars by 2030 with hybrid cars. Other Japanese brands that dominated the U.S. market such as Honda, Nissan, and Mazda also escaped consumer interest in the electric vehicle market.
MIKE CHOI
ASIA JOURNAL
