Toyota releases budget racing kart for children and adults

Toyota's Chinese partners, GAC and FAW, may merge their joint venture with Toyota, signaling potential industry consolidation. China's auto market faces overcapacity and intense competition, with foreign automakers losing ground to local rivals. Toyota's market share in China has declined, and it is streamlining operations to improve efficiency. Analysts expect broader industry restructuring in the next few years.

Toyota (TM) plans to launch a hydrogen-powered Hilux in Europe by 2028, targeting corporate fleets. The vehicle will have a range of over 400 km and a towing capacity of 2.5 metric tons. Toyota will test the technology in the Dakar Rally in 2027. The company also unveiled a new hydrogen fuel-cell system for heavy-duty trucks, aiming to supply it to Scania and Iveco. Investors should monitor pricing, leasing demand, and hydrogen infrastructure for adoption signals.

Toyota aims to increase non-vehicle operating profit by 40% to 3 trillion yen ($19.2B) by 2030, focusing on software updates, leasing, and used-car sales. Global sales slipped 2.8% in early 2026, with declines in China but growth in North America, especially for hybrids. The company plans to expand used-car sales in Japan and invest in software services for recurring revenue.

Toyota aims for a 40% increase in non-vehicle operating profit to Y3tn ($19.23bn) by fiscal 2030, according to Nikkei Asia. This growth will come from software, leasing, financing, and parts sales tied to its 150 million vehicles. The company's current operating profit from this segment is Y2.1tn, with planned annual increases of Y150bn. Toyota also reported a 75.6% rise in net income to Y1.47tn for Q1 2027.

Toyota will launch the 2026 bZ Woodland EV in March, priced at $46,750. The off-road-friendly wagon offers 281 miles of range, 375 horsepower, and 74.9 cubic feet of cargo space. It features a 14-inch touchscreen but lacks advanced software and a glovebox. Toyota aims to address earlier EV shortcomings with this model.

Toyota unveiled its first global electric SUV, the bZ4X, with a 71.4 kWh battery, 280-mile range, and optional solar roof. It features a wing-shaped steering wheel and will start pre-orders in Europe on Dec. 2. The base model has a 150 kW motor, 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds, and a top speed of 100 mph.