Rooted in the shared conviction that hydrogen is an important complement to battery-electric vehicles in achieving the EU’s decarbonization targets, industry leaders are joining forces to overcome historical bottlenecks, particularly for truck operations requiring long range, high payload capacity, rapid refueling and operational flexibility. At Daimler Truck, customers have driven almost 600,000 kilometers with fuel cell trucks. As the next step, the company plans to deploy a small series of 100 next-generation fuel cell trucks into customer operations from the end of 2026 onwards. In parallel, the first hydrogen combustion engine trucks are being prepared for market launch next year. Overall, the company invests a mid-three-digit million euro amount in hydrogen trucks by the end of the decade. Volvo Group is similarly advancing its hydrogen portfolio and investing significant amounts into hydrogen power solutions such as both fuel cell and hydrogen-combustion trucks for market rollout towards 2030. Toyota will participate as a technology partner supporting the expansion of hydrogen mobility, leveraging more than 30 years of expertise gained through the development and supply of fuel cell systems, while Bosch is supplying key vehicle components for gaseous hydrogen – with its fuel cell system proven over more than 30 million kilometers on the road – alongside break-through refueling technologies for both liquid and gaseous hydrogen.

On the energy and infrastructure side, Volvo Group and Daimler Truck are closely cooperating with energy companies and hydrogen suppliers like Air Liquide, TotalEnergies and MB Energy, and retail operators such as MB Energy and TEAL Mobility (a 50/50 joint venture between TotalEnergies and Air Liquide, operating under TotalEnergies brand). These players are mobilizing their respective capacities to scale both liquid and gaseous hydrogen supply chains. Through their infrastructure investments, they are advancing toward large capacity, high-throughput refueling stations, able to refuel up to 100 trucks per day. They are also leveraging synergies with the fast-growing industrial renewable hydrogen production, driven by the implementation of the European RED III directive. Reaching competitive cost with diesel is essential for fleet operators to adopt hydrogen. Crucially, combining German government policies with industrial collaboration makes this possible through three key levers:

1. Lowering truck cost through incentives and series production.

2. Reaching diesel competitive hydrogen pump price through a more competitive hydrogen supply chain and Greenhouse Gas quota mechanisms.

3. Offering operating incentives like zero emission toll exemptions for fleet operators.

Market is rising to meet these conditions. Recent applications under Germany's NOW funding program were oversubscribed, with over 70 high-capacity stations and 800 heavy-duty trucks applied for by industrial companies, confirming strong commercial pull from the logistics sector.

While Germany serves as the operational launchpad, demonstrating how industry action and targeted public support can accelerate market development, the industry leaders are calling for strategic measures – supported by national governments and the European Commission – to replicate this model at a continental scale.

These measures include scaling infrastructure through synchronized funding calls for refueling stations and vehicles to meet Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) targets; strengthening the commercial viability of hydrogen through pragmatic, harmonized renewable fuel credit mechanisms and toll incentives; and jointly de-risking the overall value chain, from production and liquefaction to final distribution and vehicle operation.

This combination of industrial execution and a strong policy framework provides the foundation needed to scale zero-emission freight while reinforcing Europe’s industrial competitiveness, energy resilience and employment, and reducing emissions from freight transport.

HANNOVER, Germany, 14 September 2026 - At IAA Transportation 2026, Toyota Motor Europe has presented the next stage of its hydrogen strategy, showcasing new advances in fuel cell technology and partnerships with industry leaders to accelerate deployment in heavy-duty transport.

Hydrogen is an important pillar of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality. It has particular advantages where long range, high utilisation, fast refuelling, payload and operational flexibility are critical - especially in heavy-duty transport, where vehicles run demanding routes with limited downtime.

Toyota’s third-generation fuel cell system has been developed specifically for the specific demands of commercial applications. Compared with the previous generation, it delivers twice the output, twice the durability, 20% better fuel efficiency and significantly lower cost, bringing fuel cell trucks closer to the performance and operating expectations of diesel fleets while producing zero tailpipe emissions.

Forging partnerships with leading OEMS

With Scania, Toyota will supply third-generation fuel cell systems for 40 heavy-duty vehicles in Scania’s Pilot Partner programme. Equipped with Toyota’s latest 300 kW fuel cell system in a highly compact design for heavy-duty applications and other use cases, the first trucks are expected to start operating in the first quarter of 2027, generating real-world insights into performance, operational efficiency and total cost of ownership for demanding long-distance and high-utilisation transport.

Toyota is also working with IVECO through EMPOWER, the EU-funded Horizon Europe project for zero-emission heavy-duty transport. Toyota will provide the fuel cell system for IVECO’s new-generation fuel cell electric vehicles, while IVECO leads vehicle development, integration and validation. Powered by Toyota fuel cell systems with a total output of 300 kW , the IVECO S-eWay Fuel Cell is designed for a driving range beyond 900 km and durability of more than 25,000 operating hours. Validation starts in the fourth quarter of 2026, with on-road trials planned for the first half of 2027.

Motor racing – the ultimate test

In addition, Toyota continues to test hydrogen technologies in demanding environments. Since 2017, Toyota has been using motorsport to improve performance, efficiency and reliability of hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines. Toyota will take its hydrogen innovation in motorsport a step further in 2027, when Toyota GAZOO Racing plans to enter a fuel cell Hilux in the Dakar Rally’s Future Mission 1000 category; in 2028, the Hilux Fuel Cell, targeting a driving range of more than 400 kilometres and towing capacity of up to 2.5 tonnes, is set for launch.

Commitment to developing infrastructure

Toyota recognises that vehicles alone will not be enough to scale hydrogen mobility. Infrastructure, hydrogen supply, customer demand and policy frameworks must develop together, creating local hydrogen ecosystems that can gradually connect into broader networks. In Europe, initiatives in Germany and the Netherlands show how vehicle deployment and refuelling infrastructure can progress together, supported by frameworks such as the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation.

Toyota’s announcements at IAA follows earlier news in July this year that The Volvo Group, Daimler Truck AG, cellcentric and Toyota Motor Corporation signed a binding agreement for Toyota to join cellcentric as an equal partner and shareholder in cellcentric. Through the collaboration, the parties intend to strengthen cellcentric's position as a leading developer and manufacturer of fuel cell systems for heavy-duty commercial applications. The transaction is still subject to regulatory approval.

BRUSSELS, Belgium / TURIN, Italy, 10 September 2026 – Toyota and IVECO announce a new collaboration under EMPOWER – the EU-funded Horizon Europe project dedicated to advancing zero-emission heavy-duty transport – marking a significant milestone in the development of next-generation fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) for the heavy-duty transport sector.

Under the EMPOWER project, Toyota will provide the fuel cell system for IVECO's new-generation FCEVs. Leveraging the complementary strengths of the two companies, Toyota contributes its most advanced fuel cell technology, built on more than three decades of innovation, development and commercialization across mobility and industrial applications. IVECO leads the overall vehicle development, integration and validation activities, drawing on its pioneering role in sustainable transport and the experience gained through landmark hydrogen projects and real-world demonstrations.

The new FCEVs represent a major technological leap, delivering significant improvements across key performance indicators compared with IVECO's first-generation fuel cell trucks deployed as part of the H2Haul project. Building on the valuable operational insights gained through this programme, the new vehicle advances the maturity, efficiency and scalability of hydrogen-powered solutions.

Powered by Toyota fuel cell systems with a total output of 300 kW, the IVECO S-eWay Fuel Cell combines increased performance with improved efficiency, extending driving range beyond 900 km while significantly enhancing durability to more than 25,000 operating hours. In parallel, vehicle weight has been reduced, and the overall architecture has been simplified through a more efficient energy management strategy, requiring only half the battery capacity of the previous generation.

Together, these improvements bring fuel cell technology closer to the operational, economic and durability requirements of large-scale commercial transport. These advancements are aligned with the latest progress in Toyota fuel cell technology, which is increasingly focused on meeting the demanding requirements of commercial vehicle applications through higher reliability, improved efficiency and extended operational life.

Validation and testing activities are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. The project aims to demonstrate the technology under demanding real-world operating conditions, with on-road trials planned to start in the first half of 2027. The insights gained from these activities will contribute to the development of commercially viable hydrogen-powered solutions for long-haul and heavy-duty transport applications, serving as a pilot platform for a future industrial scale-up.

About IVECO

IVECO is a brand of Iveco Group designing, manufacturing and marketing a full range of light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles for a wide variety of applications.

Guided by its “Spirito in Movimento”, IVECO is evolving from a vehicle manufacturer into a true mobility partner, placing quality, customer experience and a human-centric approach to innovation at the core of everything it does. This vision is brought to life through three pillars: Motion by Design, expressing engineering excellence and distinctive Italian design; Motion through Experience, enabling a seamless and connected ecosystem of vehicles and services; and Motion as Family, reflecting IVECO’s commitment to staying close to customers, drivers and partners throughout their journey.

With a global network of over 2,300 service points, IVECO ensures consistent support, high service quality and uptime wherever its vehicles operate, standing by its customers and drivers at every step of their journey.

Rooted in its Italian heritage, IVECO combines engineering excellence with design, performance and attention to detail, shaping mobility solutions that are efficient, distinctive and built around people.

SÖDERTÄLJE, Sweden / BRUSSELS, Belgium, 7 September 2026 - Toyota and Scania today announced a partnership to advance hydrogen fuel cell solutions for heavy-duty mobility through real-world logistics operations.

In this collaboration, Toyota will supply fuel cell systems for 40 heavy-duty vehicles within Scania’s Pilot Partner programme. The programme brings Scania together with selected customers to evaluate a wide range of sustainable transport technologies, including hydrogen fuel cell system, under real operating conditions. As zero-emissions heavy-duty fuel cell applications continue to expand, this initiative is expected to deliver confirmation of technical performance, operational efficiency and total cost of ownership. By integrating Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell technology into this framework, the partnership will evaluate how fuel cell electric trucks can support demanding heavy-duty transport operations.

The vehicles will be equipped with Toyota’s latest third-generation fuel cell system, which delivers 300 kW of power in a highly compact design for heavy-duty applications and a wide range of other use cases.

The first Scania hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks will start operating during the first quarter of 2027.

Toyota will share more information at its IAA Transportation press conference on 14 September.

About Scania
Scania is a world-leading provider of premium transport solutions. Together with our partners and customers, we are driving the shift towards a sustainable transport system. Founded in Sweden in 1891, Scania now operates in more than 100 countries and employs around 53,000 people.
Scania Pilot Partner is a close collaboration with customers to test and evaluate new sustainable transport solutions in real operating environments. Each pilot project provides valuable insights into how the technology performs in daily customer operations, including operational efficiency and total cost of ownership across applications from city distribution to long-haul transport.

The partnership is designed to support Uber drivers and fleet partners across major European countries, representing hundreds of thousands of active individual drivers and fleets. Reflecting differences in operating needs, costs and charging infrastructure across Europe, the partnership is built around Toyota’s multi‑pathway approach, offering drivers a choice between hybrid, battery‑electric and approved used Toyota and Lexus vehicles as entry points into electrified mobility.

The programme roll out will start in July in ten European countries, with a phased expansion to the rest of Europe.

The partnership brings together four Toyota entities to offer drivers a single, integrated mobility proposition covering new and used vehicles, financing, leasing and insurance:

• Toyota Motor Europe - Toyota’s European sales and product organisation, working with Uber to create an advantageous multi‑pathway vehicle offer, including hybrid and battery‑electric models, adapted to local market and infrastructure conditions.
• Toyota Financial Services - Toyota’s captive finance company, offering drivers flexible financing and leasing solutions to access Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
• Toyota Insurance Services - Toyota’s strategic insurance partner, providing Smart-Connected insurance capabilities to support the evolving needs of professional mobility drivers across Europe.
• KINTO Europe - European mobility services brand, focused on expanding access to approved used vehicles for drivers, providing a lower‑cost entry point.

The partnership comes as European cities and the automotive industry accelerate efforts to reduce emissions while drivers face increasing operating costs and changing regulatory requirements.

_{*An electrified car is one propelled by an electric motor to some extent. Some electrified cars are entirely electric. Others, including Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrids, also have a petrol engine.}

Electrified vehicles accounted for a record 87% of TME sales in the first half of 2026, an increase of 9 percentage points year-on-year. Battery electric vehicles made up 11% of all vehicle sales. TME sold 633,617 vehicles, of which 592,463 were Toyota brand. Toyota Professional sold 76,788 Hilux and Proace family vehicles across Europe. Lexus further increased its electrified sales mix to 96%.

Brands and model performance

Toyota sold 592,463 vehicles between January – June 2026, retaining the position of 2nd best-selling passenger car brand in Europe. Yaris Cross remains the best-selling car in Toyota line-up with 18% share. The brand’s other top sellers also included the Yaris range, Aygo X, Corolla range, Toyota C-HR and bZ4X. Toyota’s overall electrified sales mix is now at 86%, an increase of 10 percentage points year-on-year. Toyota's BEV line-up continued to gain momentum, with sales rising 125% year-on-year to 62,412 vehicles, led by strong customer demand for the Toyota bZ4X, Toyota C-HR+, the Urban Cruiser and recently introduced bZ4X Touring.

Toyota Professional recorded 76,788 sales across the Hilux and Proace family in the first half of 2026. The brand continued to strengthen its electrified commercial vehicle offering, with sales of the all-electric versions of Proace and Proace City rising by 37% and 47% respectively. The addition of the battery electric Proace Max and the newly introduced Hilux BEV further broadened customer choice across the range.

Lexus achieved 41,154 sales in the first half of 2026 and continued to lead in electrification, with electrified vehicles accounting for 96% of total sales. The LBX remained the brand's best-selling model with 13,236 vehicles sold, while the battery electric Lexus RZ and RX Plug-in Hybrid recorded growth of 43% and 25% respectively.

TME highlights January – June 2026:

• Total sales: 633,617 (-0.3% year-on-year)
• Total electrified sales: 549,332 (+12% year-on-year)
• Total electrified mix: West Europe: 92%, Central Europe: 84%, East Europe*: 61% - TTL: 87% (+9 pp year-on-year)

Toyota highlights January – June 2026:

• Toyota sales: 592,463 (+0.2% year-on-year)
• Top sellers (passenger): Yaris Cross Hybrid (107,251); Yaris Hybrid (86,820); Corolla range (77,998); Toyota C-HR (72,099); Aygo X Hybrid (55,330), bZ4X (20,145)
• Total electrified sales: 509,834 (+13% year-on-year)
• Top electrified (passenger): Yaris Cross Hybrid (107,251); Yaris Hybrid (86,820); Toyota C-HR Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (72,099); Corolla Hybrid (64,177); bZ4X (20,145), C-HR+ BEV (17,316)
• Toyota Professional sales (Hilux and Proace family): 76,788 (-5% year-on-year)
• Electrified mix: West Europe: 91%, Central Europe: 82%, East Europe*: 61% - TTL: 86% (+10 pp year-on-year) 

Lexus highlights January – June 2026:

• Total Lexus sales: 41,154 (-7% year-on-year)
• Top sellers: LBX Hybrid (13,236), NX (12,992); UX (4,159), RX (4,173), RZ (3,597)
• Total electrified sales: 39,498 (-6% year-on-year)
• Top electrified: LBX Hybrid (13,236), NX Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (12,864), UX Hybrid/BEV (4,159); RX Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (3,794), RZ (3,597)
• Electrified mix: West Europe: 100%, Central Europe: 100%, East Europe*: 61% - TTL: 96%

Sales for January – June 2026 are listed below:

_{(1) European sales excluding Russia.}

_{(2) Toyota Motor Europe is responsible for all Western, Central and Eastern European countries including Turkey as well as Israel and a number of Central Asian markets (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan). NB TME discontinued sales in Russia in 2022.}

_{*East Europe includes Kazakhstan, Caucasus, Ukraine, Turkey and Israel.}

_{Models listed in italics are produced locally at Toyota’s European manufacturing facilities.}

The initiative will deploy a fleet of around 20 Toyota and BMW vehicles, powered by Repsol’s 100% renewable gasoline (Nexa 95), and supported by Bosch’s advanced digital fuel tracking technology.

This pilot aims to provide tangible, real-world evidence that Vehicles Exclusively running on Eligible Fuels can be effectively deployed at scale, supporting Europe’s transition to decarbonise mobility through a complementary, technology-neutral approach while leaving no one behind.

The pilot will focus on three key objectives:

• Availability of renewable gasoline in the market – leveraging Repsol’s infrastructure, currently the only provider of 100% renewable gasoline at public fuel stations in Spain

• Readiness of digital tracking and certification technologies – enabled by Bosch’s “Digital Fuel Twin” system, which certifies renewable fuel usage across the full lifecycle

• Operational deployment of VEEF fleets – demonstrating that existing vehicles can run today on 100% renewable fuels using existing infrastructure

Bosch’s system will collect and validate refuelling data from multiple sources, including vehicle data, fuel stations and fuel card transactions, ensuring robust, transparent tracking of renewable fuel usage.

A scalable solution using existing vehicles and infrastructure

Unlike solutions that require new vehicle technologies or infrastructure investments, the pilot uses existing Toyota and Lexus passenger cars provided by Toyota España (TES), and BMW fleet vehicles. It highlights the immediate scalability of renewable fuels as a drop-in solution for decarbonising road transport.

Repsol’s Nexa 95 renewable gasoline is produced from RED-compliant feedstocks, offering significant greenhouse gas reductions compared to fossil fuels, while remaining fully compatible with today’s gasoline engines and infrastructure.

Spain has been selected as the optimal location for this demonstration due to the availability of renewable gasoline, strong partner collaboration, and Toyota España’s operational support.

Strengthening the case for technology neutrality in Europe

The pilot is designed to generate robust data and insights that will support ongoing European policy discussions on decarbonising the automotive sector.

With EU policy currently focused predominantly on electrification, the project aims to demonstrate that renewable fuels can play a complementary and scalable role in reducing CO₂ emissions.  

Data and intermediate findings from the pilot will be shared with EU policymakers, industry stakeholders and media audiences, contributing to discussions around technology neutrality and the potential inclusion of VEEF vehicles within future regulatory frameworks.

Driving measurable impact

A key success factor of the project will be promoting the effective use of renewable fuel across the fleet, supporting emissions reductions and advocacy impact.

The pilot will also provide valuable insights for R&D validation and monitoring methods, the scalability of existing approaches for tracking physical fueling, and fuel operator’s ability to link fuel consumption to individual vehicles.

_{* Eligible fuels: Refers to renewable and low-carbon fuels that comply with EU sustainability criteria under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and deliver significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions on a well-to-wheel basis compared to fossil fuels. This includes sustainably produced biofuels and renewable fuels derived from waste, residues or renewable energy sources, as recognised in ACEA and FuelsEurope positions supporting the deployment of Vehicles Exclusively running on Eligible Fuels (VEEF).}

Through the initiative, TMF will provide targeted support to promising European regions that have already begun developing regional hydrogen ecosystems but are currently facing challenges creating a sustainable energy system.

The initiative will focus on regions with strong potential to succeed once these barriers are overcome, helping them become self-sustaining without the need for ongoing support. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate significant local impact and offer strong potential for replication in other regions, thereby accelerating the development of resilient and scalable hydrogen ecosystems across Europe.

Supporting the development of Hydrogen Regions in Europe

The initiative will focus on identifying and supporting up to 5 European regions with strong potential to develop local Hydrogen Ecosystems that are integrated into the existing infrastructures and processes.

Through this work, TMF aims to contribute to the development of scalable, real-world solutions that support Europe’s energy transition toward a sustainable and resilient future.   

A collaborative, region-driven approach

The initiative is designed as a collaborative process, working closely with:

• Regional and local authorities
• Industry stakeholders
• Mobility operators
• Civil society and academia

Selected regions will benefit from structured assessment, technical support, and ecosystem development guidance, helping to build viable and integrated hydrogen value chains.

Role of Spilett GmbH.

Spilett GmbH has been appointed by the TMF to support the implementation of the initiative. This builds on a strong track record of previous collaboration between TMF and Spilett GmbH in hydrogen ecosystem development, including work involving tools such as H2Scout, which enable data-driven planning and optimisation of hydrogen value chains.

In this role, Spilett GmbH will support TMF by:

• Identifying and assessing candidate regions
• Supporting a transparent and structured selection process
• Contributing to the design of integrated hydrogen ecosystems
• Engaging regional stakeholders and strengthening connections within the European hydrogen ecosystem

This continued collaboration reflects a TMF commitment to developing scalable, human-driven solutions that deliver both environmental impact and long-term regional value.

Call for applications now open

TMF invites regions, cities, and stakeholders across Europe to express their interest in participating in the first phase of the initiative.

Applications are open until 31st of July 2026 at: https://www.h2regions.eu/TMF

Toyota Motor Europe (TME)

• Mr Ronald Hoedemakers will be appointed Vice President of Quality, replacing Mr Peter Rade who is retiring.

National Marketing and Sales Companies (NMSCs)

Toyota Austria (TAT)

• Mr. Mesut Aslan will be appointed as Managing Director of Toyota Austria (TAT), taking over from Mr. Cedric Borremans who will take up a Head of position in the Sales Business Unit at TME in Brussels.

Overview [effective 1^st September 2026]

While Venice is globally renowned for its historic canals, it is also a major transportation hub powered by a vast network of roads, rail links, and an international airport. The city has invested heavily in sustainable infrastructure, establishing almost 200 km of bike lanes and launching Italy’s first integrated hybrid car, bike, and e-scooter-sharing services. Venice is also rapidly improving the sustainability of its public transit system, deploying 30 new electric buses (with 44 more on the way), planning 90 fuel-cell buses by the end of 2026, and introducing more than 32 hybrid waterbuses to its canals by 2029.

Yet, these low- and zero-carbon options remain underutilized as residents habitually rely on car-based, long-standing transit routines. To bridge this gap, the Challenge called on innovators to create solutions tailored to the mainland and motorized islands, where the vast majority of citizens live and work. Ultimately, the goal was to inspire a shift toward sustainable travel, whether through public transit, active mobility–particularly through cycling and walking–or shared transit.

The Challenge winners are working to move local residents towards more sustainable mobility alternatives through smart, intuitive innovations that make travel more accessible and rewarding. Alongside helping riders plan and book seamless journeys on their phones, these innovators are using games, quizzes, incentives, and rewards to nudge users towards long-term use of the city’s sustainable mobility network. They also attended in-person community events to understand Venice residents’ needs, allowing those to be reflected in their solutions.

By facilitating residents’ and visitors’ access to Venice’s historic and modern transit links, ranging from waterbuses to land-based buses to scooter-sharing tools, the Challenge’s winning innovators are helping to build a less congested, sustainable city where transit systems are used to their full potential. The Toyota Mobility Foundation and the City of Venice are proud to announce this year’s winners:

BetterPoints Ltd, based in Surrey, England, works with businesses, public organizations, and universities to change the way people think about how they move. The team is using their app, Bella Mossa, to reward citizens for switching to more active and sustainable modes of travel. Over 40 techniques, ranging from gamification to local rewards programs, are built into the app and program to support successful behavioral change. From October 2025 to February 2026, Bella Mossa replaced 45,000 car journeys and resulted in 1,570 kilometers traveled by bicycle by non-typical bicyclists.

In partnership with OpenMove, Factual Consulting SL is an innovation and strategy consulting firm based in Barcelona, Spain committed to transforming mobility. The company’s winning digital platform, Andemo, promotes sustainable mobility habits through innovative approaches, such as micro-incentives, which use small rewards or tokens to drive behavioral change. Andemo achieved 1,750 downloads during its pilot period, with 87 percent of users accessing the app an average of three times per day. In-app surveys found that 77 percent of users felt Andemo improved their overall travel experience in Venice, and 56 percent reported an increased awareness of sustainable mobility topics.

The Sustainable Cities Challenge has funded and enabled the trialing of both winners’ solutions. Each winner previously received a total of $180,000 in implementation funding and will now utilize an additional $500,000 to scale their solutions in Venice. This implementation funding holds potential benefits not just for the winning innovators, but also for the city as a whole: as riders gain new tools to facilitate their use of public transit links, they could find themselves taking easier journeys leading to lower environmental impacts, with the potential to ease congestion on roads and highways.

The only European city selected to participate in the Challenge, Venice is one of three global cities participating in the Sustainable Cities Challenge, alongside U.S. host city, Detroit, Michigan,  and Varanasi, India.

All three locations share common goals: to catalyze solutions that advance equitable, sustainable, and inclusive systems of movement.

The Sustainable Cities Challenge is funded by the Toyota Mobility Foundation and conducted in collaboration with Challenge Works and World Resources Institute. Venice’s winners illustrate how supporting local innovators can create meaningful impact in communities, with the potential to scale solutions across cities and beyond.

For more information, visit sustainablecitieschallenge.org

Mr Nakata underlined that Toyota Motor Europe’s strategy is built on local contribution through its manufacturing base which represents a major industrial footprint in the region:

• 877,000 cars & LCVs – in ‘25, 80% of Toyota vehicles sold in Europe were made in the region
• 8 Toyota plants in Europe, plus Toyota vehicles built by partners in another 5 European plants
• 25,000 direct and many more indirect employees
• A network of over 450 suppliers supporting Toyota and other European OEMs

Reaffirming Toyota’s commitment to Europe, he noted that TME “can be regarded as a European OEM”, reflecting Toyota’s core principle “to build where we sell and source where we build”.

Inclusive policy needed to secure EU automotive industry competitiveness

While stating that Toyota supports the intent of the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act, he also highlighted that Europe’s automotive industry is strengthened by the contributions of selected international partners - among them Japan, the UK and Turkiye.

He expressed Toyota’s fears that excluding key international partners in the automotive sector could undermine future investment, employment and technology transfer, while reducing the regional scale considered necessary to effectively compete globally.

Furthermore, at a time of intensifying global competition, he cautioned that delays and restrictive eligibility criteria risk undermining the EU’s position, while competing regions continue to advance.

A flexible pathway to 2035

Regarding the EU’s Automotive Package proposal, Toyota called for a technology-neutral multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation, reflecting true customer demand whilst keeping the environment in focus.

This includes:

• Continued rollout of battery electric vehicles (BEV) and fuel cell vehicles (FCEV)
• Strategic role of plug-in hybrids (PHEV) as a pragmatic and advantageous technology
• Swift confirmation of the wider use of renewable fuels to decarbonise new vehicles
• Flexibility built into the CO2 reduction pathway to reflect uncertain consumer demand whilst keeping true to the shared goal of decarbonisation

Furthermore, Nakata san highlighted renewable fuels as a key contributor to decarbonisation, capable of significantly reducing carbon emissions, contributing to European technology expertise and delivering energy resilience against fossil fuel supply challenges.

He also called for strong implementation of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) to deliver on hydrogen refuelling infrastructure commitments, particularly for heavy-duty transport.

Cross-industry alignment on renewable fuels

The topic of wider use of renewable fuels was echoed elsewhere at the ANE Congress in a panel of industry leaders, including Luis Cabra (President - Fuels Europe/Deputy CEO - Repsol), Frank Breust (Senior Director, Government Affairs, BMW Group), Michael Krueger (SVP Engineering Systems - Bosch) and Pascal Ruch (VP Corporate & Government Affairs - Toyota Motor Europe),

The discussion highlighted:

• The significant contribution that renewable fuels can make in the decarbonisation of new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles
• Further opportunity to decarbonise existing vehicles in operation with sufficient production
• The need for policy frameworks and the legislative certainty to support investment
• The importance of availability and affordability and the need to scale production
• The availability of certification and traceability systems to ensure credibility and impact
• Support of European combustion technology leadership and potential for energy resilience against fossil fuel challenges

In addition, seven retailers were honoured with the Going Beyond Award, recognising exceptional achievements across strategic, customer, employee, sustainability and mobility domains.

A special highlight of this year’s ceremony was the Ichiban Excellence Award, presented to GOTA CAR DOO (Serbia) in recognition of an outstanding milestone as a 12-time Ichiban winner, a testament to long-term consistency and commitment to excellence.

Celebrating excellence in the Algarve

The 2026 Ichiban event took place from 2 to 4 June at the Viceroy at Ombria, Algarve, bringing together top-performing retailers in a setting that reflects both innovation and sustainability.

The gathering provided an opportunity to recognise achievements, exchange best practices and reinforce the shared ambition of delivering ever-better mobility experiences.

2026 Ichiban Award winners

A total of 47 retailers from 34 countries received the 2026 Ichiban Award. The full list of winners is available below:

Going Beyond Award winners:

This year’s Going Beyond Award were presented to retailers who have demonstrated outstanding performance in the following key areas:

Since 2021, TMF has supported Sociability’s work to expand accessibility data beyond venues alone. The completed platform brings venue accessibility and public transport routing together in a single experience allowing users to personalise accessibility requirements across their entire journey.

As part of the project, accessibility data for Derby’s transport infrastructure was integrated into Sociability’s platform, with an enhanced API enabling partners and third‑party developers to access and apply it within their own services.

The pilot was delivered together with Derby City Council, University of Derby and other local stakeholders, with disabled transport users involved throughout the development. The project generated practical insight into what it takes to design and deploy accessible routing across multiple user journeys, both within existing platforms and new features. Continuous input from disabled users and iterative testing were central to delivery, ensuring the solution supports independent travel and real‑world use.

Project insights will guide further development, including additional accessibility filters, expanded transport modes and exploration of real‑time updates. The routing feature is currently in closed beta, with Sociability engaging cities and regions interested in collaboration.

This aligns closely with TMF’s mission to support mobility innovations that deliver real, lasting benefit to society.

Find more information on Toyota Mobility Foundation Press Room.

As part of its future mobility initiatives, the event also featured demonstrations that included helicopter-based transportation tests and disaster preparedness drills held with local governments and communities.

Read the full press release on global.toyota

Brands and model performance

Toyota sold 297,581 vehicles between January – March 2026, retaining the position of 2nd best-selling passenger car brand in Europe. Yaris Cross was best-selling car in the B-SUV segment with 19% share. The brand’s top sellers also included the Yaris range, Corolla range, Toyota C-HR and bZ4X. Toyota’s overall electrified sales mix is now at 85%, increasing 9% year-on-year. Sales of battery electric vehicles were up by 85% year-on-year at 25,640 vehicles, driven by the launch of the three Toyota BEVs – the updated bZ4X, the all-new Toyota C-HR+ and the Urban Cruiser.

Toyota Professional continued to grow volume with 40,039 vehicles in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 8% year-on-year. Strong demand for Hilux continues with a 7% growth year-on-year with 11,615 vehicles sold. The Proace Family range of commercial vans also experienced 9% volume growth year-on-year, with the demand for its battery electric versions up by 47%.

Lexus posted sales of 20,522 for the first three months of 2026. Lexus has a 100% electrified sales mix in West Europe and 97% across the entire region. Key performers are the luxury crossover Lexus RX range, which increased sales by 60% year-on-year, and the compact Lexus LBX with 6,215 cars sold.

TME highlights January – March 2026:

• Total sales: 318,103 (-0.9% year-on-year)
• Total electrified sales: 272,928 (+10% year-on-year)
• Total electrified mix: West Europe: 91%, Central Europe: 83%, East Europe*: 62% - TTL: 86% (+8pp year-on-year)

Toyota highlights January – March 2026:

• Toyota sales: 297,581 (-0.5% year-on-year)
• Top sellers (passenger): Yaris Cross (55,733); Yaris (43,964); Corolla range (39,699); Toyota C-HR (39,688); Corolla Cross (14,884); bZ4X (12,432)
• Total electrified sales: 253,026 (+11% year-on-year)
• Top electrified (passenger): Yaris Cross Hybrid (55,733); Yaris Hybrid (43,963); Toyota C-HR Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (39,688); Corolla Hybrid (32,411); bZ4X (12,432)
• Toyota Professional sales (Hilux and Proace family): 40,039 (+8% year-on-year)
• Electrified mix: West Europe: 90%, Central Europe: 81%, East Europe*: 62% - TTL: 85%

Lexus highlights January – March 2026:

• Total Lexus sales: 20,522 (-7.1% year-on-year)
• Top sellers: NX (6,720); LBX Hybrid (6,215), UX (2,307), RX (2,258), RZ (1,520)
• Total electrified sales: 19,902 (-6% year-on-year)
• Top electrified: LBX Hybrid (6,215), NX Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (6,600), UX Hybrid/BEV (2,307); RX Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (2,101), RZ (1,520)
• Electrified mix: West Europe: 100%, Central Europe: 100%, East Europe*: 68% - TTL: 97%

Sales for January – March 2026

(1) European sales excluding Russia.

(2) Toyota Motor Europe is responsible for all Western, Central and Eastern European countries including Turkey as well as Israel and a number of Central Asian markets (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan). NB TME discontinued sales in Russia in 2022.

*East Europe includes Kazakhstan, Caucasus, Ukraine, Turkey and Israel.

Models listed in italics are produced locally at Toyota’s European manufacturing facilities.

Wrocław, 14 April 2026 - Toyota Motor Europe announces the opening of a Toyota Digital Hub in Wrocław. The centre will focus on developing applications using advanced technologies for Toyota and Lexus vehicles across Europe. The hub is expected to employ around 200 highly qualified technical specialists. 

The Toyota Digital Hub experts will be responsible for enhancing the MyToyota and LexusLink+ applications, which are used by more than 2 million European customers to access remote vehicle functions, battery‑charge monitoring, and a wide range of ownership‑convenience services. The team will also contribute to the development of the cloud infrastructure that enables connected services for Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Europe, while additionally providing cybersecurity support. 

The establishment of the Toyota Digital Hub marks a further investment by Toyota in Wrocław. Since 2015, the Shared Services Centre has operated in the city, providing accounting and tax advisory services for all Toyota units in Europe. 
 

Read the full press release on global.toyota

In Europe, Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK’s (TMUK) Burnaston plant in Derbyshire is home to the first Toyota Circular Factory, a first‑of‑its‑kind project establishing methods and standards for a future network of circular facilities across the region. Building on this progress, a second TCF will open in Poland this year.

At Burnaston, aluminium recovered from alloy wheels at TCF-UK is processed and prepared for re‑use, then supplied to Toyota’s Deeside plant where it is incorporated into engine component production. These hybrid power units then return to Burnaston for installation in new Toyota Corolla vehicles, effectively closing the loop from old wheel to new engine. The first vehicle benefiting from this circular process came off the line on 19^th March, marking a significant step forward in Toyota’s ambition to expand the use of recovered, recycled and re‑used materials and parts.

Using Toyota Production System (TPS) principles, the TCF goes beyond optimising the recovery of parts and materials from end‑of‑life vehicles. It evaluates how circular approaches can support more efficient vehicle design, manufacturing and lifecycle management in the future.

The importance of circularity today 

The TCF directly supports the goals of the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, a series of environmentally focused targets announced in 2015 to provide Toyota with a framework for achieving carbon neutrality in all its global products and operations - a status it aims to reach in Europe by 2040. In particular, it aligns with the fifth challenge, the building of a recycling-based society and systems.  

The importance of circularity in Europe is increasing with new regulations requiring more efficient recycling and materials recovery, reshaping the landscape of end-of-life vehicle disposal. Toyota sees this as an opportunity to create new industrial models that can deliver greater materials traceability and anticipate future requirements rather than simply meeting them.  

Circularity provides a clear, practical approach to keep resources in use for as long as possible, as the highest value.  

In practice, the key benefits are:  

• Reduced dependence on and use of virgin materials
• Design of vehicles for easier dismantling, re-use and repair
• Extending vehicle lifecycles through safe and standardised refurbishment techniques
• Efficient recovery of materials at vehicle end-of-life
• Returning recovered materials back into manufacturing processes 

Choosing TMUK Burnaston 

TMUK Burnaston was chosen as an ideal location to initiate the circular factory concept as the UK has one of Europe’s largest end-of-life vehicle markets. As it is one of very few right-hand drive nations in Europe, most of the vehicles sold here remain in the country through to the end of their lifecycle. This has led to the development of a mature and highly experienced dismantling sector and learning ecosystem. 

Moreover, TMUK was the first Toyota operation in Europe to manufacture hybrid vehicles, putting in place a strong foundation of manufacturing expertise and technical know-how. Since the start of operations in 1992, Burnaston has produced more than five million cars and has already embedded a number of circular processes within its drive for environmental excellence, including recycling streams and the use of recovered materials. For example, aluminium recovered from car wheels at TCF-UK is recycled into new engine casting at TMUK’s Deeside plant in North Wales before being reintroduced on the assembly line at the Burnaston plant. 

Step-by-step process 

TCF Burnaston operates a step-by-step process for handling end-of-life vehicles which covers not just their dismantling but also analysis of how recovered parts and materials can be reintroduced into the circular manufacturing concept. And it isn’t just Toyota and Lexus vehicles that are handled: models from multiple brands are processed, giving broader insights into dismantling methods, the composition of different materials and different real-world vehicle experiences. 

It differs from established dismantling operations in that it benefits from the same Toyota Production System methodologies that have transformed global manufacturing efficiency. Effectively these are being applied “in reverse” to maximise circularity efficiency and results. 

The first stage involves the controlled deployment of airbags to ensure safe handling before dismantling begins. Throughout the dismantling process, all fluids and gases are then carefully removed using compliant, monitored procedures.

Next comes standardised dismantling, carried out by trained technicians who bring their Toyota manufacturing experience to the task, applying familiar assembly methodologies in reverse.

The recovered materials are then sorted and classified, with careful separation of metals, plastics and mixed items for efficient downstream processing. 

This enables early-stage research into how these can be repurposed and identification of pathways to bring them back into the manufacturing value chain. Learnings are also gained into how materials behave, their durability and how easy or difficult they are to access in the dismantling and recovery process.  

In the longer term, this will help inform the design of vehicles that are easier to repair, dismantle and manage at the end of their lifecycle. TCF’s structured reverse manufacturing provides a feedback loop into Toyota’s product designing, helping the company progress towards establishing systems in which resources can be re-used with maximum efficiency. 

Alongside dismantling, the Burnaston site has also introduced vehicle refurbishment to safely and consistently extend a car’s lifecycle. Each refurbished vehicle is assessed, graded, and validated to Toyota standards, drawing on the plant’s established manufacturing and quality-control expertise.

Future plans 

Following the launch of the first TCF at TMUK Burnaston in summer 2025, Toyota has already announced a second location in Europe at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland’s Wałbrzych plant, the next step in building a regional network of circular operations with the potential to go beyond Toyota’s own activities and contribute to the wider manufacturing ecosystem. 

 The new factory in Poland will apply a comprehensive approach to End-Of-Life vehicle processing. It will recover components that can be used again as well as valuable raw materials. Items such as batteries and wheels will be evaluated for their potential to be remanufactured, repurposed or recycled. Toyota also intends to recover materials including copper, steel, aluminium and plastics for use in the production of new vehicles.

The Circular Factory will expand the activities of the existing Walbrzych plant, which already produces key components  for Toyota’s hybrid and conventional powertrains. 

“This is our second Circular Factory in Europe. The first was launched in 2025 in Burnaston in the United Kingdom and has become our benchmark for the development of circular economy operations,” said Leon van der Merwe, Vice President of Circular Economy at Toyota Motor Europe.

“We selected Poland due to the strong market potential to source End-Of-Life vehicles, recycling upstream & downstream and the presence of our established manufacturing infrastructure. In the coming years we plan to introduce similar investments in other European markets,” he added.

Circularity is both a pathway to and an enabler of carbon neutrality. It lowers the demand for carbon intensive raw materials and strengthens supply chains. By designing vehicles for reuse, remanufacturing, recycling and material efficiency, circularity can help cut emissions across the entire value chain.

 Carbon Neutrality | Toyota Europe

Brussels, 14^th January 2026 – Toyota Motor Europe (TME) ₍₂₎ sold a record 1,229,038 Toyota and Lexus vehicles in 2025. TME’s mix of electrified vehicles grew to 77%, an increase of 5% with sales of battery electric vehicle sales up 46%, plug-in hybrids up 76% and hybrids up 3%. Toyota Professional’s range of commercial vehicles also achieved an all-time sales record of 158,270 vehicles, an increase of 19% year-on-year.

Brands and model performance

Toyota sold 1,143,963 vehicles between January – December 2025 retaining the position of 2nd best selling passenger car brand in Europe. Yaris Cross was best selling car in the B-SUV segment with 11% share.  The brand’s top sellers also included the Yaris range, Corolla range, Toyota C-HR, RAV4 and Aygo X. Toyota’s overall electrified sales mix is now at 76%, with volume increasing 5% year-on-year. Sales of battery electric vehicles were up +53% year-on-year at 51,919 vehicles while plug-in hybrid sales increased 91% year-on-year to 71,845,  accelerated by strong demand for the new Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid.

Toyota Professional continued to grow volume with 158,270 vehicles sold across 2025, an increase of 19% year-on-year. Strong demand for Hilux fueled growth of 20% year-on-year with 46,101 vehicles sold. The Proace Family range of commercial vans with the addition of PROACE Max in the Heavy Duty Segment, also experienced 19% volume growth year-on-year, with strong demand its battery electric versions.

Lexus posted sales of 85,075 for 2025. Lexus has a 100% electrified sales mix in West Europe and 94% across the entire region. Key performers are the compact Lexus LBX Hybrid which increased sales by 19% year-on-year and Lexus NX (available in plug-in hybrid and hybrid variants).

TME highlights January – December 2025:

• Total sales: 1,229,038 (+1% year-on-year)
• Total electrified sales: 948,042 (+5% year-on-year)
• Total electrified mix: West Europe: 80% - East Europe*: 59% - TTL: 77%

Toyota highlights January - December 2025:

• Toyota sales: 1,143,963 (+1.0% year-on-year)
• Top sellers: Yaris Cross (200,477); Yaris (167,019); Corolla range (155,643); Toyota C-HR (143,166); Aygo X (98,838); RAV4 (91,277)
• Total electrified sales:868,080 (+5% year-on-year)
• Top electrified: Yaris Cross Hybrid (200,471); Yaris Hybrid (166,535); Toyota C-HR Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (143,166); Corolla Hybrid (128,544); RAV4 Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (89,420)
• Toyota Professional  sales: 158,270 (+19% year-on-year)
• Electrified mix: West Europe: 78%, East Europe*: 60% - TTL: 76%

Lexus highlights January - December 2025:

• Total Lexus sales: 85,075 (-3.5% year-on-year)
• Top sellers: LBX Hybrid (27,447), NX (25,041); UX (9,242)
• Total electrified sales: 79,962 (0% year-on-year)
• Top electrified: LBX Hybrid (27,447), NX Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (24,739), UX Hybrid/BEV (9,242); RX Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (8,260)
• Electrified mix: West Europe: 100%, East Europe*:49% - TTL: 94%

Sales for January – December 2025 are listed below:

(1) European sales excluding Russia.

(2) Toyota Motor Europe is responsible for all Western, Central and Eastern European countries including Turkey as well as Israel and a number of Central Asian markets (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan). NB TME discontinued sales in Russia in 2022.

(3) ​Emissions may be associated with other aspects of the car’s life cycle (including its manufacture, maintenance, end-of-life), from the production of electricity and from day-to-day usage, such as abrasion of tyres and brakes.

*East Europe includes Kazakhstan, Caucasus, Ukraine, Turkey and Israel.

Models listed in italics are produced locally at Toyota’s European manufacturing facilities.

The GR GT and GR GT3 are positioned as flagships in the footsteps of the Toyota 2000GT of the 1960s and the Lexus LFA. One of their development goals was to preserve and pass on “the secret sauce of car-making” to the next generation following Toyota’s “Shikinen Sengu^*” principle. The two models are the result of the veterans who developed the Lexus LFA passing on their skills and techniques to a younger generation of members; the active adoption of new, Toyota-first technologies for enhanced vehicle performance; and the taking on of numerous and unprecedented challenges.

Main features

Three key elements

The GR GT was conceptualised and developed as a road-legal race car. Demonstrating the commitment to a driver-first approach, development strived to not only endow the car with a high level of dynamic performance but also to achieve a sense of car-driver unity, enabling the driver to interact with their vehicle at all times. The GR GT is equipped with a hybrid system that pairs a newly developed 4.0-litre, V8 twin-turbo engine and a single electric motor. In addition to maximum system output of 650 DIN hp or greater and maximum system torque of 850 Nm or greater (development target values) for exceptional performance, an unrelenting focus was placed on three key elements: a low centre of gravity, low weight with high rigidity and the pursuit of aerodynamic performance.

Vehicle packaging for an ultimate low centre of gravity

Development of the GR GT, which is ongoing, began with the aim of achieving an exceptionally low centre of gravity by considering how to lower both overall vehicle height and the driver’s position as much as possible. Attention was then paid to adopting a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive powertrain layout for ease of handling when driving the vehicle to its limit. Optimised positioning of heavy components, such as the engine, rear-mounted transaxle, and other major mechanisms, significantly lowered their centre of gravity. Furthermore, the centres of gravity of both driver and car have been made roughly identical by pursuit of an ideal driving position that enhances the sense of car-driver unity and ease of handling.

Adoption of Toyota’s first all-aluminium body frame

The key element of low weight with high rigidity is addressed by the GR GT using Toyota’s first all-aluminium body frame. Using carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and other materials in the panels has produced a strong yet light body.

A reverse approach to create styling that pursues aerodynamic performance

The process to create exterior styling in pursuit of aerodynamic performance was distinct from that previously used in Toyota car-making. Conventionally, attention is turned to aerodynamics once exterior styling has been finalised; in the case of the GR GT, ideal aero performance was established first. Aerodynamics engineers and exterior designers worked together to achieve styling that supports aerodynamic and cooling performance.

Interior styling was also crafted meticulously and without compromise, based on ergonomics aimed at achieving the optimal driving position from a professional driver’s perspective and the visibility needed for on-the-limit driving. Naturally, in addition to circuit driving, care has been taken to ensure suitability for everyday use.

Aimed at being an FIA GT3-spec race car chosen by people who want to win

The GR GT3 features the same three elements of a low centre of gravity, low weight with high rigidity and the pursuit of aerodynamic performance found in the GR GT, on which it is based. It meets the specifications of the Federation Internationale d’Automobile (FIA) GT3, the top category of production vehicle-based customer motorsports, and aims to be a car chosen by people who want to win, yet easy to drive for anyone.

TGR believes that its driver-first principle is just as important in GT3 race car category as it is for the GR GT, as both professional and gentleman drivers will be behind the wheel. At the same time, as well as raising the competitiveness of the GR GT3 as a car, TGR is also preparing to establish an optimal support system for customers who race to help them fully enjoy their motorsports experience.

For making ever-better cars

The TGR flagship models GR GT and GR GT3 are defined not only by their adoption of new technologies but also by having been created using new development and manufacturing methods. In developing the GR GT and GR GT3, TGR employed multiple methodologies that leverage insights gained from competing in motorsports. The use of driving simulator-assisted vehicle research and development, which is now common in race car development, is an example of this. Introducing driving simulator use early in the development process enabled fundamental vehicle characteristics to be efficiently refined from the outset. As well as using simulators in the creation of each component, extensive real-world testing was undertaken not only on test courses, such as at Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, but also at circuits around the world, including Fuji Speedway and the Nürburgring, enabling verification of at-the-limit driving performance and durability. GT GR testing also took place on public roads to ensure the car can provide exhilaration, ease of handling, and peace of mind in everyday use.

Like other GR models, the GR GT and GR GT3 have been repeatedly honed, driven to failure, and repaired to make them into models that will live up to all drivers’ expectations. As it accelerates its efforts to make ever-better cars, TGR is continuing development of the GR GT and GR GT3 toward launching them around 2027. Further details will be released as they become available.

GR GT main specifications (prototype development targets, in-house measurements)

GR GT3 main specifications (prototype development targets, in-house measurements)

As the GR GT and GR GT3 announced today are still under development, various details may be subject to change without notice.

More information (in Japanese) on the GR GT can be found here:

https://toyotagazooracing.com/gr/grgt/wp/

More information (in Japanese) on the GR GT3 can be found here:

https://toyotagazooracing.com/gt3/grgt3/

Technologies incorporated in the GR GT

Exterior styling for aerodynamic and cooling performance

The GR GT’s styling was developed under an “aerodynamics first” concept in which aerodynamics engineers and exterior designers worked as a single team. With the GR GT boasting a top speed in excess of 320 km/h, aerodynamic performance was one of the most vital concerns. As the GR GT is envisioned as a road-legal race car, the conventional production vehicle development process of considering aerodynamic efficiency and cooling performance after the exterior styling has been set needed to be rethought. Aerodynamics engineers experienced in FIA WEC competition vehicle development joined the GR GT development team and engaged in thorough discussions with vehicle designers. This led to overall vehicle packaging being based on an “aerodynamic model” representing the aerodynamic design team’s proposal for the ideal form. It was only after this that the exterior designers prepared design sketches with mass production in mind, eventually leading to finalisation of vehicle styling in a process that was the reverse of the normal approach.

Interior styling that prioritises functionality and operability

The GR GT’s interior styling centred on prioritising the driving position and visibility above all else in an effort to achieve an optimal design that would be suitable for both professional and gentleman drivers, as well as for both circuit and daily use.

Pursuit of the ideal driving position, coupled with consideration of interior styling, renewed awareness of the importance of sufficient visibility, as well as a sense of being protected. Particular attention was paid to excellent operability, with driving-related switches placed near the steering wheel and positioned and shaped for intuitive operation.

For ease of visual recognition, even during circuit driving, special attention was paid to the gauges, with the width, height and position of information displays, such as the shift-up and gear selection indicators, determined through a process of trial and error.

Newly developed 4-liter, V8 twin-turbo engine and rear transaxle

The GR GT’s 4.0-litre, V8 twin-turbo engine, which is TMC’s first to be fitted in a production vehicle, was developed on a “thoroughly compact and light” design concept to help achieve the GR GT’s “packaging of low overall height and a low centre of gravity”. The engine has a87.5 x 83.1 bore and stroke, the short stroke reducing overall engine height. The hot V configuration positions a turbos in each engine bank. The unit also features dry-sump lubrication and an oil pan with a thinner than usual design.

The engine’s power is transmitted to the rear transaxle via a CFRP torque tube. In addition to a motor-generator, the transaxle integrates a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission, which uses a wet-start clutch in place of a torque converter, and a mechanical limited-slip differential. The motor-generator, which is positioned in front of the transmission, is used to help make up for the momentary lag in torque response that occurs during acceleration and gear changes. While providing a direct feel that surpasses that of the GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission used in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, the GR GT’s eight-speed automatic transmission is being developed with the aim of achieving world-class shift speed, as well as shift control that allows shift manipulation at will, even when in D-range automatic shift mode. To minimise the wheelbase in consideration of the overall vehicle packaging, the rear transaxle, after relaying to its far end the power that has been conveyed from the engine and through the electric motor and automatic transmission, uses a conical gear to reverse the direction of that power. This then turns the driveshaft through the mechanical limited-slip differential. This structure is unique among front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles and represents the optimisation of the mechanism used in all-wheel-drive vehicles for use in the GR GT.

For exceptional performance, the development target for maximum system output is 650 DIN hp or greater, and the development target for maximum system torque is 850 Nm or greater. Also, the adoption of a rear transaxle and the optimal placement of the drive battery, fuel tank, and other heavy components have resulted in a 45:55 front-to-rear weight distribution, contributing to ease of vehicle handling.

Powertrain development involved advancing studies through the use of race development driving simulators and system benches onto which entire powertrain systems could be mounted. Consideration was also given to thermal management, mounting position and serviceability. To ensure continued sales, development is being undertaken to comply with increasingly stringent emissions regulations. The GR GT3 also uses a 4.0-litre, V8 twin-turbo engine with many structural components shared with those in the GR GT.

An enjoyable sound at all times, from engine start to acceleration and deceleration

The GR GT delivers not only high-level performance but also the distinctive racing sound of a V8 twin-turbo engine. Sound development centred on two pillars: creating sound that enables interaction with the car and sound that conveys changes in thermal energy. The structure of the exhaust pipe has been meticulously crafted to produce sound that synchronises with the state of the vehicle.

An all-aluminium body frame and a chassis that prioritises ease of at-the-limit handling

The mainstay of the GR GT’s low weight with high rigidity is Toyota’s first all-aluminum body frame. A high level of rigidity has been achieved by positioning large aluminium castings in the frame’s main structure, as well as through optimal placement of aluminium extrusions and other components, and the use of advanced joining technologies. Additionally, the model’s body panels are made of aluminum and CFRP.

The suspension features a new, low-mounted double-wishbone system with forged aluminum arms front and rear. Its characteristics were developed from scratch, with a focus on linear response and a high level of controllability, from everyday use to at-the-limit driving. The tyres are Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, developed exclusively for the GR GT. Since the early stages of development, the design of both the suspension and the tyres has involved working with professional drivers in the use of simulators and conducting test runs and simulator evaluations in pursuit of optimal performance so the driver can interact seamlessly with the car on circuits, as well as on winding roads and other public highways.

Brembo carbon brake discs are used, and vehicle behaviour control during braking was developed together with professional drivers. The GR GT’s Vehicle Stability Control system allows multi-stage adjustment of driving force and braking control, enabling driver selection of the vehicle control difficulty level based on driving skill and weather conditions, for an enjoyable and secure driving experience. This setup is also used in TGR’s Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race vehicles and is an example of technology honed through competing in motorsports.

Additionally, the basic structures of the aluminum space-frame chassis and front-and-rear double-wishbone suspension system have been developed so that many of their components can be shared with the GR GT3.

^*A ritual in which a Shinto shrine is periodically rebuilt

Toyota Motor Europe (TME)

• Mr Leonardo Carluccio will be appointed Vice President of Sales Strategy & Performance.
   
• Mr. Thierry Boitel, will be appointed Vice President of R&D4 TME, replacing Mr Gerald Killmann who is retiring.

National Marketing and Sales Companies (NMSCs) [all effective 1^st January 2026]

Toyota Spain (TES)

• Mr. Francisco Berrocal will be appointed as President & CEO of Toyota Spain (TES), taking over from Mr. Miguel Carsi who will take up a senior role in The Hydrogen Factory, TME, Brussels.

European Manufacturing Companies (EMCs) [all effective 1^st January 2026]

• Mr. Murat Bülbül (TMMT) will be appointed as President & CEO of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey, taking over from Mr. Erdogan Sahin who is retiring.

Overview

The event will be live-streamed (with English interpretation) on this webpage : https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/43567793.html

Following the premiere, a video of the presentation will be archived and the full text of the presentation and official photos will also be posted on this page.

In addition to this site, the live stream can also be watched on an official YouTube channel. A reminder can be set by logging in to your YouTube account and accessing the URL below.

YouTube: 　　https://youtube.com/live/vavduEEE85k
 

Live stream details

Date/Time:

Friday, December 5, 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. JST / 03:00 am – 03:30 am CET

* The time may be subject to change depending on circumstances.

Language:

Japanese /English (English interpretation provided)

Toyota Motor Corporation Attendees:

Akio Toyoda, Chairman of the Board of Directors (Representative Director)

Simon Humphries, Operating Officer, Chief Branding Officer

To deliver this, Toyota has initiated strategic partnerships with leading energy providers across Europe. These collaborations aim to create a unique value proposition by combining Toyota’s mobility expertise with the energy sector’s capabilities in grid flexibility, renewable integration, and digital energy services.

The first tangible outcomes of these partnerships will be seen in 2026, with the launch of Demand Side Response (DSR) solutions in:

• United Kingdom, in collaboration with British Gas
• Germany, in collaboration with The Mobility House Energy

These DSR services will bring a range of direct benefits to customers, including:

• Lower energy bills through smart charging that automatically shifts charging to off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper.
• Enhanced convenience with intelligent scheduling and remote control via mobile apps.
• Access to renewable energy, enabling vehicle charging when green energy is most available.
• Incentives and rewards for participating in grid-balancing programs.

Beyond individual benefits, these solutions also support wider grid sustainability by helping to balance electricity demand, reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-based peaking power plants, enable greater integration of intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar and reducing grid extension costs.

Looking ahead, TME plans to expand its energy collaborations to additional countries and introduce more advanced solutions, including Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) integration. This will allow EVs to not only draw energy from the grid but also return it when needed - turning vehicles into mobile energy assets and unlocking new value streams for customers.

The Golden Steering Wheel was established in 1976 and is amongst the European automotive industry’s most revered awards. Those most prized are the honorary awards (established in 1983) to key industry figures that have made a significant contribution to the automotive industry.

Akio Toyoda became President of Toyota Motor Corporation in 2009 amid difficult market conditions and challenging times for the company. During the following years the financial and business results significantly improved in key markets, including Europe. In 2023, Akio Toyoda became Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, and many of his strategies endure. For instance, the key philosophies of ‘Mobility For All’ and ‘Leave No One Behind’ continue to form the basis of Toyota’s direction and success.

In making the announcement, the jury recognised Akio Toyoda’s unique capability by highlighting the “Golden Steering Wheel for the Driver”, a clever play on words that not only recognises Akio Toyoda’s ability to guide the Toyota organisation but also highlights his role as a passionate car enthusiast and Master Driver.

Referring to the Nürburgring as playing a very special role in his personal development, Akio Toyoda fondly recalls the challenge given to him by his mentor Hiromu Naruse: 

Receiving this direct challenge motivated Akio Toyoda to steadily improve and refine his driving capability under the direction and guidance of Hiromu Naruse.  Later he took on the persona of ‘Morizo’ to compete many times at the Nürburgring, including in the famous 24 hours race and is now recognised as Master Driver for both Toyota and Lexus.

Robin Hornig, Editor-in-Chief, Auto Bild explained the recognition of Akio Toyoda by saying:

Receiving the award is a very special moment for Akio Toyoda:

But there was also a serious note when Akio Toyoda took the opportunity to call for increased levels of collaboration as the industry tackles a once in a lifetime period of change:

Akio Toyoda closed his acceptance speech by thanking the jury and Toyota teams and customers for the award: 

Production of the Aygo began 20 years ago, in February 2005. The Aygo X, introduced in 2021, marked a shift to a crossover-inspired design, now with over 365,000 units produced.

The new Aygo X Hybrid is produced at TMMCZ in Kolin, Czech Republic, where new materials, streamlined processes and logistics further reduce the plant’s environmental impact**. TMMCZ, with a workforce of around 3,200 and 65% of parts sourced locally, has produced over 2.3 million Toyota vehicles since its foundation in 2002 – including Aygo, Aygo X and Yaris. The plant is also preparing for future battery electric vehicle (BEV) production, reinforcing Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy toward carbon neutrality.

Toyota is committed to achieving carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040, and in all European manufacturing facilities by 2030. TMMCZ continues to advance this goal through energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and process innovation.

* 86 g CO₂/km -  Provisional WLTP data, all values subject to final homologation.

** Toyota estimates a reduced lifetime carbon footprint of the new hybrid Aygo X by 18 % compared to the previous generation, according to JATO WLTP Combined CO2, May 2025.

The following press materials are now available:

• Replay of the Toyota, Lexus and Century press conferences
• Toyota Group press conference script
• Lexus press conference script
• Century press conference script
• Pictures of Century, Lexus and Toyota displayed vehicles and press conferences

Serve the City mobilizes volunteers to show kindness through simple, practical acts - supporting vulnerable people by helping them with errands, offering company to the isolated, and more.

It’s a movement which enables compassion to to be put into action. Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has supported Serve the City Brussels since 2005, with employees contributing through donations and hands-on volunteering. In 2024 alone, almost 300 TME employees took part in the Lunch 4 All initiative, distributing more than 10,000 meals. Toyota’s support also includes logistics: a Proace van donated in 2015 was upgraded to a Proace BEV in 2023, helping deliver thousands of meals to those in need. 

Now, Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) - a non-profit organisation established by Toyota Motor Corporation in 2014 to advance mobility for all through innovation, collaboration, and social impact -

has expanded the support of the Serve the City Brussels on the occasion of Serve the City’s anniversary celebration in Brussels. As part of  action its commitment to inclusive mobility and community empowerment, TMF supports Serve the City expanding its reach across Europe demonstrating that the spirit of service knows no borders. 

A key element of this milestone is the newly enhanced ServeNow app. TMF has helped upgrade the platform’s digital infrastructure, making it easier for volunteers to discover, organise, and coordinate service opportunities. The app now supports multiple languages and features a browser-based interface, ensuring accessibility for all - regardless of location or device.

Voices from the partnership:

This anniversary isn’t just a celebration of the past - it’s a call to action. As Serve the City looks ahead, the partnership with Toyota is a powerful example of how innovation and compassion can come together to build stronger, more connected communities. 

Do you want to make a change? Join the Serve the City's volunteer movement and discover how your time, skills or small acts of kindness can create real impact in your own community.

• If you are in one of the following countries, contact Serve the City Serve the City International – Showing Kindness in Personal Ways: Germany, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Australia, Ethiopia, Haiti, Kenya, Kosovo, Malawi, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States, Zambia
• If you are in Belgium, France or Ireland, download ServeNow app:

Link to the app for Android: ServeNow - Volunteering – Apps on Google Play

Link to the app for iOS: ServeNow - Volunteering on the App Store

Luca’ brings a wealth of experience both from Toyota Motor Europe (TME) and national marketing and sales companies across multiple business areas. He joined TGB in September this year as Executive Advisor, having previously served as Vice President, Customer Experience and Business Transformation at TME and, prior to that, CEO/Managing Director of Toyota Motor Italia. 

He will take up his new position on 1 January 2026, succeeding Scott Thompson, current TGB President and Managing Director, who will be returning to Toyota Australia.

Luca’ said: 

Brands and model performance

Toyota sold 865,401 vehicles between January-September retaining the position of 2nd best selling  brand in Europe. Yaris Cross was best selling car in the B-SUV segment with 11% share.  The brand’s top sellers also included the Yaris range, Corolla range, Toyota C-HR, RAV4 and Aygo X. TME’s overall electrified sales mix is now at 76%, with volume increasing +5% year-on-year. Sales of battery electric vehicles were up +46% year-on-year at 39,098 vehicles while plug-in hybrid sales increased +100% year-on-year to 56,671,  accelerated by strong demand for the new Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid.

Toyota Professional continued to grow volume with 117,410 vehicles sold in the first nine months, an increase of 21% year-on-year. Strong demand for Hilux fueled growth of 20% year-on-year with 36,652 vehicles sold. The Proace Family range of commercial vans with the addition of PROACE Max in the Heavy Duty Segment, also experienced 21% volume growth year-on-year, with strong demand its battery electric versions.

Lexus posted record sales of 65,051 an increase of +2% year-on-year, while sales of its electrified models increased +7% year-on-year. Lexus has a 100% electrified sales mix in West Europe and 94% across the entire region. Key performers are the compact Lexus LBX Hybrid which increased sales by +31% year-on-year and Lexus NX (available in plug-in hybrid and hybrid variants).

TME highlights January - September 2025:

• Total sales: 930,452 (+2% year-on-year)
• Total electrified sales: 716,990 (+5% year-on-year)
• Total electrified mix: West Europe: 80% - East Europe*: 58% - TTL: 77%

Toyota highlights January - September 2025:

• Toyota sales: 865,401 (+2.0% year-on-year)
• Top sellers: Yaris Cross (151,494); Yaris (129,085); Corolla range (116,406); Toyota C-HR (109,143); Aygo X (76,057); RAV4 (68,799)
• Total electrified sales: 655,556 (+5% year-on-year)
• Top electrified: Yaris Cross Hybrid (151,488); Yaris Hybrid (128,603); Toyota C-HR Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (109,143); Corolla Hybrid (66,316); RAV4 Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (67,724)
• Toyota Professional  sales: 117,410 (+20% year-on-year)
• Electrified mix: West Europe: 78%, East Europe*: 59% - TTL: 76%

Lexus highlights January - September 2025:

• Total Lexus sales: 65,051 (+2% year-on-year)
• Top sellers: LBX Hybrid (21,162),  NX (19,336); UX (7,067)
• Total electrified sales: 61,434 (+7% year-on-year)
• Top electrified: LBX Hybrid (21,162), NX Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (19,103), UX Hybrid/BEV (7,067); RX Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (6,064)
• Electrified mix: West Europe: 100%, East Europe*:51% - TTL: 94%

Sales for January – September 2025 are listed below:

(1) European sales excluding Russia.

(2) Toyota Motor Europe is responsible for all Western, Central and Eastern European countries including Turkey as well as Israel and a number of Central Asian markets (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan). NB TME discontinued sales in Russia in 2022.

*East Europe includes Kazakhstan, Caucasus, Ukraine, Turkey and Israel.

Models listed in italics are produced locally at Toyota’s European manufacturing facilities.

As many European cities reimagine their infrastructure to support low-carbon environments, this feasibility study illustrates Toyota’s ongoing commitment to exploring next-generation mobility solutions. The project aims to improve understanding of the evolving needs of urban populations while accelerating the shift to zero tailpipe emission transport. 

The new vehicle study will be undertaken at TMUK’s facility in Derby, with its outcomes to be tested at the University of Derby - a consortium member supporting this research project as part of its net-zero carbon ambitions. The feasibility study will encompass a range of innovative areas, including an integrated solar roof - designed and developed by Savcor - and enhanced digital connectivity. The study will also evaluate solutions to optimise circularity through the use of recycled lightweight, sustainable materials. It will also explore the potential for component commonisation with ELM’s lightweight last-mile solution. 

Drawing inspiration from the FT-Me concept, unveiled in March 2025 as Toyota’s vision for future micromobility in Europe, the study builds on the positive public response to the concept’s design and purpose. The study also aims to explore and validate how Toyota’s vision can be translated into a viable proposition that is aligned with the company’s environmental and mobility goals.

 The consortium includes:

• ELM Mobility Limited –   designer and producer of a purpose-built urban last mile delivery vehicle.
• Savcor - to lead the solar PV lightweight roof design and integration.
• University of Derby – providing expertise in studying micromobility user behaviour and the viability of solar energy.
• Toyota Motor Europe - supporting the skills development of TMUK team members.

Together, the consortium partners are studying how to shape a smarter and more sustainable future for urban mobility across Europe.

About the Advanced Propulsion Centre

The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) collaborates with UK government, the automotive industry, and academia to facilitate driving research and investment in zero-emission vehicle manufacturing. Established in 2013 and jointly funded by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the automotive industry, the APC accelerates the technologies that support the transition to zero-emission vehicle manufacturing and towards a net-zero automotive supply chain in the UK.  

About the consortium members

Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) produces Corolla Hatchback, Touring Sports and Commercial models at its production centre in Burnaston, Derbyshire, and hybrid engines at its facility in Deeside North Wales. TMUK began production in 1992 as Toyota’s first fully owned manufacturing business in Europe and went on to become the company’s first location for hybrid electric vehicle manufacturing outside Japan. To date, Toyota has invested more than £2.82 billion in its UK manufacturing operations; TMUK currently employs more than 3,000 people and supports many further jobs in its extensive UK supplier network.

ELM Mobility Limited will study the platform and components for commonisation, aiming to reduce dual development and creating economies-of-scale. The collaboration will support ELM’s strategy of utilising high-quality components whilst minimising their overall capital requirements.

The University of Derby will combine academic research with public sector strategy and private sector innovation to address how integrated mobility solutions can align with existing and planned transport strategies. Applying innovations in data centric engineering, market demand opportunities along with user engagement and experience, the University of Derby will explore how novel technologies will be adopted and accepted such that micromobility reaches the most appropriate users and locations, maximising accessibility and effectiveness.

Savcor will study a PV lightweight integrated roof solution, using their expertise in PV technology and vehicle integration.  As partner of TME, Savcor will design, develop and validate a solar roof for the L6e vehicle with the aim to extend the range of the vehicle by 20% creating a solution that supports average daily use without charging.

As a landmark model in the C-SUV segment with its stand-out design, fun-to-drive character and high-tech features, the Toyota C-HR has proved popular with customers. Since its 2017 debut, the Toyota C-HR has sold over one million units across Europe.

The Toyota C-HR was developed specifically for the expectations of European customers via local design, engineering and production. True to the vision of a 'concept car for the road', it features an iconic coupe silhouette and sophisticated design execution. It also benefits from an engaging driving experience, as well as ultra-efficient plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrain options.

Expressing a dual DNA, the 2.0-litre Plug-in Hybrid delivers the smooth driving of a true electric vehicle with a range sufficient for most customers' daily driving needs, up to 66 km (WLTP combined) and increasing to around 100 km in urban driving conditions (WLTP EAER City). On longer journeys, Toyota’s class-leading hybrid technology ensures continuous efficiency, providing customers with reassurance and flexibility whatever the destination.

Predictive Efficient Drive helps the Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid optimise battery usage and range, using an innovative geo-fencing function which automatically switches between hybrid and electric modes. This ensures sufficient EV range to navigate upcoming low emission or BEV-mandatory zones.

The Mid+ grade has now been updated to add further sophistication. New 18-inch matt black machined alloy wheels are exclusive to this grade and feature a striking black centre ornament. The elegant new Samara fabric, which is introduced to the front and rear seats, increases the portion of recycled materials used compared to the previous Mid+ grade by extending across the seat’s full central element. Samara has a grey appearance with subtle background hints of mixed colours and is complemented by dark grey and black fabric on the seat sides. Grey stitching on the front seats adds a stylish touch to the cabin, complemented by a sleek gunmetal gear shift knob decoration.

The GR SPORT grade, which is inspired by Toyota’s World Championship-winning motorsports teams, is now accessible to a wider range of customers thanks to addition of the 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain, with 140 DIN hp. In common with the existing 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid (223 DIN hp) and hybrid (180 DIN hp) options, it includes a head-up display as standard, as well as optional panorama roof, bi-tone+ colouring – which consists of a contrasting black colour across the roof and rear body panels – and premium JBL sound system. In 1.8-litre specification, 19-inch alloy wheels are included as standard, while the 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid and hybrid variants feature 20-inch wheels.

All grades now offer the newly introduced Storm Grey and Lunar Sky Blue colours, which bring a fresh, modern look. Meanwhile, a Driver Monitor Camera – which detects signs of distraction or fatigue and is linked to the vehicle’s Emergency Driving Stop System – is included as standard.

     The updated Toyota C-HR range is available to order across Europe now.

This partnership brings together complementary expertise and a shared vision to expand the reach of accessible mobility solutions across urban environments.

After a first experimentation in Marseille, Tourisme & Handicaps, the French national association dedicated to inclusive tourism will play a central role in developing the platform in new cities, ensuring the platform’s quality, reliability, and alignment with the needs of people with disabilities. The association will continue the development of the application, coordinate data validation, user testing, and partnerships with local stakeholders, ensuring that the platform develops more globally reflecting real-world accessibility and supporting sustainable urban development.

The Toyota Mobility Foundation provides solutions developed through a successful project including an indoor/outdoor wayfinding app tailored for people with disabilities, and a pedestrian and multimodal trip planner that adapts routes based on individual mobility profiles—whether for wheelchair users, seniors, or families with strollers.

The Michelin Corporate Foundation supports a digital service that helps users identify accessible locations and routes in real time. The platform includes a mobile app, website, and GPS-based mapping, offering verified information on accessible venues, public transport, and events. It empowers users to navigate cities with confidence and autonomy.

As a first step, the three partners are combining their solutions to create a unified, user-centered mobility experience in Marseille and two other pilot cities. These cities will serve as testing grounds for the integrated platform in real-world conditions. The goal is to refine the service and evaluate its impact before scaling to additional regions.

This three-way collaboration exemplifies social innovative partnership targeted to public interest and a commitment to inclusivity, aiming to enhance quality of life for millions of people with limited mobility. By unifying for accessibility, the partners are setting a benchmark for future-ready mobility solutions that are scalable, user-centered, and socially impactful.

About Tourisme & Handicaps:
Tourisme & Handicaps is a national association that promotes accessible tourism in France. It manages the official “Tourisme & Handicap” label and works with public and private partners to ensure inclusive travel experiences for all.

About Toyota Mobility Foundation:
Established in 2014, the Toyota Mobility Foundation supports the development of a more mobile society by investing in inclusive, sustainable, and innovative mobility solutions.

About Michelin Corporate Foundation:
The Michelin Corporate Foundation supports innovative solutions for safer and more accessible mobility for all. 

Read the full press release on global.toyota

As a key partner, Toyota supported the event with a dedicated fleet of over 30 vehicles, a lounge where athletes could rest and recharge, and a showcase of mobility innovations including Yosh-e, C+ Walk T, and C+ Walk S. Thirteen Toyota volunteers also lent their time and energy to help ensure a smooth experience for all. These contributions reflected Toyota’s broader belief that mobility should empower everyone, regardless of ability.

Toyota currently produces Aygo X⁽²⁾ and Yaris Hybrid at TMMCZ at a capacity of approximately 220,000 vehicles per year. The introduction of BEV production increases potential of the plant capacity of multi-pathway production and will lead to incremental direct employment with similar benefits for the supply chain as the majority of parts volume will be sourced in the Czech Republic. 

TMMCZ has a rich history in the Czech Republic, with a manufacturing presence going back over two decades and producing over 4.5 million vehicles across that period. Toyota first started producing Aygo in 2002 when the plant was a joint-venture. Toyota acquired full ownership in 2021 and has continued to expand its activities so that TMMCZ is one of the largest employers in the Central Bohemia region, with a workforce of around 3,200 members and 65% of its supply parts sourced in the Czech Republic. TMMCZ is also the location of the Toyota’s first logistics European mega hub established in 2024 to supply vehicles to Toyota and Lexus dealerships in Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic across six Central European markets. 

Historical Toyota investments in TMMCZ: 

• 2002-2005 – Start of new plant and production €1,069 million, 
• 2020-2024 plant capacity extension for Yaris and Aygo X TNGA production, other investments €251 million. 

Total 2002-2024 €1,320 million. 

______

(1) Toyota BEVs currently manufactured in Europe at non-TME plants: Proace City, Proace City Verso, Proace, Proace Verso, Proace Max 
(2) Aygo X to be 100% hybrid from November 2025. 
 

BOSTON (Aug. 20, 2025) – Today, Boston Dynamics and Toyota Research Institute (TRI) announced a big step forward in robotics and artificial intelligence research: demonstrating a Large Behavior Model (LBM) powering the Atlas humanoid robot. In a video jointly released today by the two organizations, Atlas performs a long, continuous sequence of complex tasks that require combining object manipulation with locomotion. By adopting LBMs, new capabilities that previously would have been laboriously hand-programmed can now be added quickly and without writing a single new line of code.

_____

Read the full press release: 

AI-Powered Robot by Boston Dynamics and Toyota Research Institute Takes a Key Step Towards General-Purpose Humanoids | Toyota Research Institute

Media Contacts

Boston Dynamics
media@bostondynamics.com

Toyota Research Institute
comms@tri.global

Read the entire press release: 12 New Companies Join Toyota Woven City as Inventors - Woven by Toyota

Brands and model performance

Toyota sold 591,115 vehicles between January-June retaining the position of 2nd best selling passenger car brand in Europe.  The brand’s top sellers included the Yaris range, Corolla range, Toyota C-HR, RAV4 and Aygo X. Toyota’s overall electrified sales mix is now at 76%, with volume increasing +6% year-on-year. Sales of battery electric vehicles were up +46% year-on-year at 27,773 vehicles. Plug-in hybrid sales increased +272% year-on-year to 42,200,  the growth accelerated by strong demand for the new Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid.

Lexus posted sales of 44,213, an increase of +7% year-on-year, outperforming the premium market in Europe, while sales of its electrified models increased +13% year-on-year. Across this period, Lexus maintained a market share of 2.5%.  Lexus has a 100% electrified sales mix in West Europe and 95% across the entire region. Key performers are the compact Lexus LBX Hybrid and Lexus NX (available in plug-in hybrid and hybrid variants).

TME highlights January - June 2025:

• Total sales: 635,328 (+1.4% year-on-year)
• Total electrified sales: 491,197 (+6% year-on-year)
• Total electrified mix: West Europe: 80% - East Europe*: 58% - TTL: 77%

Toyota highlights January - June 2025:

• Toyota sales: 591,115 (+1.0% year-on-year)
• Top sellers: Yaris Cross (103,580); Yaris (90,549); Corolla range (78,920); Toyota C-HR (76,432); Aygo X (50,083); RAV4 (43,558)
• Total electrified sales: 449,374 (+6% year-on-year)
• Top electrified: Yaris Cross Hybrid (103,574); Yaris Hybrid (90,074); Toyota C-HR Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (76,432); Corolla Hybrid (64,812); RAV4 Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (43,024)
• Toyota Professional  sales: 80,448 (+12.0% year-on-year)
• Electrified mix: West Europe: 79%, East Europe*: 59% - TTL: 76%

Lexus highlights January - June 2025:

• Total Lexus sales: 44,213 (+7% year-on-year)
• Top sellers: LBX Hybrid (14,757),  NX (13,607); UX (4,703)
• Total electrified sales: 41,823 (+13% year-on-year)
• Top electrified: LBX Hybrid (14,757), NX Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (13,469);), UX Hybrid/BEV (4,703); RX Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (3,679)
• Electrified mix: West Europe: 100%, East Europe*:52% - TTL: 95%

Sales for January – June 2025 are listed below:

(1) European sales excluding Russia.

(2) Toyota Motor Europe is responsible for all Western, Central and Eastern European countries including Turkey as well as Israel and a number of Central Asian markets (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan). NB TME discontinued sales in Russia in 2022.

*East Europe includes Kazakhstan, Caucasus, Ukraine, Turkey and Israel.

Models listed in italics are produced locally at Toyota’s European manufacturing facilities.

The award ceremony, held from 24 to 26 of June in Bologna, Italy, brought the winners together in the heart of Motor Valley, a region steeped in automotive heritage. This year’s theme drew inspiration from the track, where precision, discipline and teamwork define success. The high-performing teams recognised today have shown an exceptional ability to work together and excel under pressure. It is this collective effort that has enabled these retailers to earn the prestigious Ichiban award.

The Ichiban award is more than a trophy. It is a mark of trust earned through action. For Toyota, it reflects a simple truth: when retailers succeed, customers stay.

Toyota has joined forces with its logistics providers - Vos Transport Group, CEVA Logistics, Groupe CAT, and Yusen Logistics - to introduce the zero tailpipe emission* heavy duty trucks to its logistics operations. Toyota, together with these logistics providers, will continuously evaluate the performance of the fuel cell trucks in the daily operations of Toyota Parts Centre Europe, which processes more than 500,000 parts and accessories every day.

The 40-tonne fuel cell truck delivers similar performance as a diesel truck, but with zero tailpipe emissions on similar routes, as its motor is powered by electricity generated from hydrogen combined with oxygen. With one single refuelling, the vehicle can travel up to 400 km under real-world driving conditions. Additionally, the vibration-free electric motor reduces disturbance to the community the truck passes through, while significantly improving driving comfort.

* ^{’Zero tailpipe emissions’ refers to the powertrain where no greenhouse gases or harmful particles are emitted by the tailpipe while driving. Only H₂O is emitted by the tailpipe. Emissions may still exist at other stages of the product lifecycle (extraction, manufacturing, logistics, maintenance, recycling/scrapping…) but also during use (tyres, brakes...) and the production of hydrogen, depending on its source.}

The H2GP-led programme includes:

• Supplying practical classroom materials to support the teaching of renewable energy and hydrogen, including model car kits powered by hydrogen.
• Guiding teachers and students on how to use and apply these materials.
• Hosting a racing series where school teams compete with the model cars that they build further refining them for better performance and efficiency.

The partnership with H2GP will be part of TME’s ’Girls STEAM the Future’ programme, which addresses the underrepresentation of women in STEAM fields in Europe with a goal to improve workforce diversity within Toyota technical functions.

The activities will start in September 2025, with the delivery of hardware to schools and the start of practice races scheduled for early 2026. The program will culminate in the H2GP Finals in May 2026.

Read the entire press release here.

The nine-year journey, titled ‘In Search of Carbon Neutrality,’ will further explore and develop a range of technical solutions for sustainable and decarbonised marine transport.

From 2025 to 2026, the first Energy Observer laboratory vessel will continue its missions in Europe. The Toyota Fuel Cell System has been playing a key role in the vessel’s carbon-free energy chain, generating zero-emission* power onboard. This initiative demonstrates innovative approaches to decarbonising both marine propulsion and onboard energy systems.

In 2027, the Energy Observer 3, a new-generation expedition catamaran will take over, marking a new stage in the quest for a maritime energy transition. In preparation for this milestone, Energy Observer and Toyota are joining forces to study and explore the integration of the Toyota Fuel Cell System into the vessel’s innovative energy architecture, which combines multiple complementary renewable energy sources, including hydrogen.

Toyota believes that achieving carbon neutrality requires a multi-pathway approach - one that leverages diverse energy sources and complementary technologies.

During its first odyssey, the Energy Observer sailed over 68,000 nautical miles - more than three times around the globe, proving the viability of a renewable energy mix: hydrogen, solar and wind.

Special Olympics provides athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to showcase their talents and push beyond their limits. This year, the Belgium Games welcomed 3,500 athletes from across the region, each demonstrating dedication, resilience, and determination on the field. Over four days of competition, participants competed in 20 sports disciplines, collectively earning more than 6,900 medals. The event culminated in a celebratory closing ceremony on Saturday evening, May 31.

To ensure seamless mobility, TME provided transportation solutions, including vehicles for athletes, staff, and volunteers. Additionally, Toyota established a Recovery Lounge, offering competitors a space to relax and recharge after their performances.

Beyond logistical support, Toyota employees in Belgium played an active role behind the scenes, volunteering their time to create a truly memorable experience for the athletes. Their involvement reflects Toyota’s Start Your Impossible philosophy, which emphasizes breaking barriers and empowering individuals to overcome challenges.

As the Games concluded, the enthusiasm and spirit of athletes, volunteers, and supporters stood as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of sport in fostering a more inclusive society. 

Toyota Motor Europe (TME)

• Monica Perez Lobo becomes Vice President for Sustainability and will deploy her knowledge and experience in developing effective strategies in this important area, as TME acts as a frontrunner for global Toyota. The creation of a dedicated VP role is designed to accelerate the integration of sustainability actions and commitments across TME’s diverse business entities.
• Concurrently, Pascal Ruch will become Vice President for Corporate & Governmental Affairs, bringing his wealth of operational experience at Toyota Germany, Toyota France and TME to lead the Corporate Affairs team and further strengthen the company in the fields of Communications and Government Affairs.

National Marketing & Sales Companies (NMSCs)

• Piotr Pawlak, President of Toyota Norway (TNO), was appointed Head of Toyota Northern Europe (TNE), effective from 1^st May.
• Ashkan Jamie, previously the Commercial Director, was appointed Managing Director of Toyota Sweden (TSW), effective from 1st May.

Overview

Created in 2009 based on the vision and under the guidance of then Toyota Motor Corporation Executive Vice President Akio Toyoda, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) has become the fastest-growing brand in the Toyota Motor Corporation portfolio.

The first TGR product – the GR Supra – debuted in 2019. It was followed by GR Yaris in 2020, GR86 in 2021 and GR Corolla in 2022. Each launch has been met with high levels of customer enthusiasm and demand for TGR products has consistently outstripped supply, leading to today’s announcement of an expansion of vehicle production.

The selection of TMUK as the newest production location for a TGR vehicle reflects Toyota’s efforts to optimise its global production footprint to produce and deliver vehicles to customers as swiftly as possible.

It also recognises the capability of TMUK, its staff and its supply chain, and the deep motorsport culture and skill base within the United Kingdom.

Preparations have been underway since 2024, when the team at TMUK and key suppliers were first informed about the project; the first vehicle is scheduled to be produced in 2026.

Details related to the markets of sale, volumes and investment levels will be confirmed at a later date.

Read the entire press release: https://woven.toyota/en/our-latest/20250521/

 

Brands and model performance

Toyota sold 298,971 vehicles between January-March 2025, retaining the position of 2nd best selling passenger car brand in Europe.  The brand’s top sellers included the Yaris range, Corolla range, Toyota C-HR and Aygo X. Toyota’s overall electrified sales mix is now at 76%, with volume increasing +7% year-on-year. Sales of battery electric vehicles were up +36% year-on-year at 13,870 vehicles. Plug-in hybrid sales increased +256% year-on-year the growth accelerated by strong demand for the new Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid.

Lexus posted sales of 22,096, an increase of +15% year-on-year, outperforming the premium market in Europe, while sales of its electrified models increased +19% year-on-year. Across this period, Lexus recorded its best ever market share of 2.5%, an increase of + 0.4 points.  Lexus has a 100% electrified sales mix in West Europe and 95% across the entire region. Key performers are the compact Lexus LBX Hybrid and Lexus NX (available in plug-in hybrid and hybrid variants).

TME highlights January-March 2025:

·       Total sales: 321,067 (+0.4% year-on-year)

·       Total electrified sales: 248,842 (+7% year-on-year)

·       Total electrified mix: West Europe: 80% - East Europe*: 60% - TTL: 78%

Toyota highlights January- March 2025:

·       Toyota sales: 298,971 (-0.5% year-on-year)

·       Top sellers: Yaris Cross (49,079); Yaris (45,065); Corolla range (41,175); Toyota C-HR (41,830); Aygo X (25,221); RAV4 (23,024)

·       Total electrified sales: 227,771 (+7% year-on-year)

·       Top electrified: Yaris Cross Hybrid (49,079); Yaris Hybrid (44,665); Toyota C-HR Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (41,830); Corolla Hybrid (32,562); RAV4 Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (22,768)

·       Toyota Professional  sales: 37,100 (-9.0% year-on-year)

·       Electrified mix: West Europe: 78%, East Europe*: 60% - TTL: 76%

Lexus highlights January- March 2025:

·       Total Lexus sales: 22,096 (+15% year-on-year)

·       Top sellers: NX (7,883); LBX Hybrid (7,345), RX (1,411)

·       Total electrified sales: 21,071 (+19% year-on-year)

·       Top electrified: NX Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (7,823); LBX Hybrid (7,345), UX Hybrid/BEV (2,497);

·       RX Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid (1,201)

·       Electrified mix: West Europe: 100%, East Europe*:56% - TTL: 95%

Sales for January – March 2025 are listed below:

(1) European sales excluding Russia.

(2) Toyota Motor Europe is responsible for all Western, Central and Eastern European countries including Turkey as well as Israel and a number of Central Asian markets (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan). NB TME discontinued sales in Russia in 2022.

*East Europe includes Kazakhstan, Caucasus, Ukraine, Turkey and Israel.

Models listed in italics are produced locally at Toyota’s European manufacturing facilities.