$TM

California launched “My First EV,” a rebate program for first-time buyers. New EVs under $50,000 get a $3,500 rebate, and used EVs under $25,000 via manufacturer pre-owned programs get $1,750. California Air Resources Board estimates $135 million funds about 73,000 sales, with 13 automakers matching. Tesla, Hyundai, and Lucid start Friday; others join by year-end.

Reuters reports that Dutch road regulator RDW is keeping details of its Full Self-Driving safety review secret on Tesla’s request, citing commercial secrets, despite Tesla pushing for confidentiality since late 2024. The story also notes Honda outsourcing a new vehicle platform to Tata Technologies, Volkswagen planning a U.S. strategy overhaul, and Toyota plant closures due to a typhoon.

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake in Japan’s Kyushu region led Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi to suspend production, with some parts suppliers still recovering. Mitsubishi said operations normalized Aug. 5, while Toyota and Nissan said recovery was largely complete Aug. 6. Honda kept two plants idle until Aug. 19. Estimated vehicle output shortfall is 20,000 to 60,000, with supply chain and parts delays potentially extending into 2026.

The article says average new-car MSRPs in the U.S. rose, with Cox Automotive data showing Q2 industry average MSRP of $51,306. Ford averaged $61,280, Stellantis $59,947, and GM $57,289 versus Toyota $47,923 and Hyundai/Kia $39,998. It links higher prices to demand for SUVs and trims, citing projections of wider profit growth.

Japan and the United States conducted coordinated yen-buying for the first time in 28 years, after the yen neared 164 per dollar in late July. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the goal included containing Asia currency risk. The article says intervention may only buy time, with focus on Japan’s fiscal stance, Bank of Japan rate-hike expectations, and corporate dollar demand. Toyota revised its assumed FY2027 FX rate to 160 yen per dollar.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) says it expects to surpass three million cumulative vehicle sales later in 2026, citing improving vehicle supply and recovering demand despite geopolitical and energy headwinds. TMP reports producing over 1.21 million CKD units in the Philippines and record 63,803 units in 2025, and highlights local manufacturing and its 2025 sales Triple Crown.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. said it expects cumulative sales to exceed 3 million units this year, citing improving demand and market recovery, despite volatility in oil prices and supply chain pressures. TMP president Masando Hashimoto said better supply for high-demand models will support execution. TMP has produced 1.21 million CKD units and last year produced 63,803 vehicles.

After an earthquake hit Japan’s Kyushu manufacturing region, Toyota paused production at three Fukuoka plants until July 31 and Daihatsu shut Oita and Kurume factories until July 31. Nissan halted two Fukuoka facilities until July 31, Honda stopped a motorcycle plant for repairs, and several suppliers suspended operations. The disruptions add to already soft aluminium demand and premiums in Japan.

Kon Kenta (President) purchased 85,000 shares of TOYOTA MOTOR CORP/ (TM) at $18.41 ($1.56M total) on 2026-08-05.

Toyota says its GR GT halo supercar will expand with track-focused and open-top (targa-style) versions. The current GR GT is a fixed-roof coupe positioned as a road homologation of the GR GT3, using a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid rated at 478 kW and 850 Nm with rear-wheel drive, per Motor1. Production is capped at 500 units globally; Lexus plans an electric LFA successor on the GR GT platform.