Expanding BEV lineup as part of the multi-pathway approach

Toyota City, Japan, March 12, 2025―Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced that it will be expanding its battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup in Europe as part of its multi-pathway approach toward achieving a carbon-neutral society.

Toward Carbon Neutrality

Toyota is committed to product and region-centered management with the aim of making ever-better cars. In developing powertrain systems to achieve carbon neutrality, various types of mobility are being rolled out as part of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach offering electrified vehicle options tailored to the customer needs in each country and region around the world.
Compared to other regions, Europe has a high rate of electrified vehicle ownership and a high level of BEV ownership. As a result, there is a need to further strengthen BEV products. To accelerate the multi-pathway approach, after launching the all-new Urban Cruiser at the end of last year in Europe, Toyota will be launching the three new models below as a lineup that can cover the B-, C-, and D-SUV segments, which are major parts of the European market.

The speech by Chief Branding Officer Simon Humphries during the premiere event can be found here.

New Model Launches in Europe

Toyota C-HR+

Toyota C-HR+ (European specifications)

 BEV system has been introduced for the powertrain of the new Toyota C-HR+.

It has sleek styling that draws attention and offers practicality with its spacious cabin and a luggage space with a generous capacity of 416 liters.

Adopts the e-TNGA platform, the specially tuned suspension offers a driving experience with true satisfaction.

It is installed with two lithium-ion batteries that include modified battery cells. The base specification has a battery capacity of 57.7 kWh for a cruising range of 455 km^*1, while the specification with a longer cruising range has a battery capacity of 77.0 kWh to ensure a cruising range of 600 km^*1.
Together with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive types, a wide range of options are available to customers.

The new Toyota C-HR+ is scheduled to launch in Europe in the second half of 2025.

Main specifications (development targets) for the Europe-spec Toyota C-HR+

bZ4X (European specifications)

bZ4X (European specifications)

• Similar to the Toyota C-HR+, the bZ4X is installed with two lithium-ion batteries. The lineup includes a base specification with a battery capacity of 57.7 kWh and another with a battery capacity of 73.1 kWh for a longer cruising range. The battery options have been expanded in considering diverse customer needs. Together with making eAxle more efficient, the model with a battery capacity of 73.1 kWh extends the cruising range by approximately 70 km^*3 compared to the current model.
• It comes with battery pre-conditioning^*4 for the first time, with a development target of rapid charging in approximately 30 minutes^*5 under cold conditions by maintaining the battery at a temperature optimal for charging.
• Driving performance has also been improved by increasing the output of eAxle, reviewing the suspension setting, and other measures. The riding experience, including quietness, has also been brought to a higher level.
• The new bZ4X is scheduled to launch in Europe in the second half of 2025.

Main specifications (development targets) for bZ4X

Lexus RZ

• Continuously pursuing the ‘The Natural’ driving concept to further refine the LEXUS Driving Signature
• Optimizing the battery EV system to achieve an increase in driving range and shorter charging times
• Expanding the lineup with the high-output motor-equipped RZ 550e F SPORT
• Accelerating the ‘Dialogue between Driver and Vehicle’ with the adoption of a Steer-by-Wire System for a new driving experience
• Introducing Interactive Manual Drive, a feature enabling manual-like control of drive force for an engaging driving experience

Please see here for details of the Lexus RZ.

Moving forward, Toyota will continue to address customer needs in each region and contribute to carbon neutrality by developing various options―including HEVs, PHEVs, and FCEVs―while striving to make ever-better cars.

The speech by Chief Branding Officer Simon Humphries during the premiere event

Good afternoon, everyone.
It is great to be back here in Brussels with all of you, with so many familiar faces from when I was here just over a year ago.

Since then, we’ve seen great changes, as well as disruption, in the automotive industry―some expected, some not.
At the same time, we have also been reminded of the importance of stability. And it’s this stability that allows us to challenge the future from a position of strength.

Now much of our stability is the result of a mantra that Akio Toyoda instilled in us over a decade ago: “Ever-Better Cars.”

It sounds so obvious that it should go without saying. But some of the most important principles in life are the most simple―and the easiest to take for granted.
In his own telling, it was purposely fundamental, but also purposely vague. He wanted us, as designers, engineers, and planners, to have the freedom to interpret what “better” really means.
And over the last 10 years, we, together with Akio and everyone else in the company, have worked to interpret this into reality.

Now if I were to offer an insight into what that actually means, I’d have to say that it all starts with seeing things from the customer’s point of view.

It’s about creating aspirational experiences―from the down-to-earth opportunities that the Hilux Champ creates for everyday working people in Thailand, to the redefinition of mobile space that is the Alphard in Japan.

But it’s also about ensuring that our products are honest. Now, I have been in charge of Toyota and Lexus design for quite a few years, and I am often asked, “Why don’t you make all your cars more consistent in the way they look?”
But I believe that each car should be an honest representation of its specific concept, or value to the customer.

The new Land Cruiser finds its truth in its origins: a car that gets you anywhere, but most importantly gets you back again; a design that emphasises the beauty of functionality.

Prius, on the other hand, shows that efficiency can also be sexy. And Century, a car that many of you may not know, is not only an icon of Toyota’s heritage, but also a leader in innovation. Its design and craftsmanship draw from all sides of Japanese expertise: from the deepest cultural roots, to cutting edge modern technology.

So, from Century to Yaris, every customer can choose their car on its own merits, with the feeling that it was designed specifically for them.

And in turn, this facilitates an agile approach to product planning, an agility that also applies on a regional level―respect for all our regions is central to creating ever-better cars.

In China, the bZ3X bZ3C, and the bZ7 are all dedicated models, designed specifically for Chinese customers seeking an oasis in their busy everyday lives.

Or maybe, it’s about the unbridled opportunities for recreation in America, with the Tacoma and 4Runner.

And to come full circle, here in Europe the Aygo Cross brings funky dexterity to European streets.

With 380,000 Toyota employees globally, 22 R&D sites, and 69 manufacturing sites all around the world, we respect the cumulative knowledge, experience and culture of all regions. We will always seek to be best in town, wherever that might be.

Now all this adds up to 10 million vehicles from three brands. And each brand has a distinct belief and role, resonating with customers in a broader sense.

Lexus is all about discovery. The LF-ZC that I presented to you here last time, is a showcase for technology that enables you to discover an immersive future.
We hope to push boundaries to create inspirational new experiences for all our customers, and that’s a future that begins today, through the steer-by-wire and virtual gear shifting that you’ll see in the new Lexus RZ later on.

Now, GR is all about passion. Motorsports pushes our cars and our engineers to the limits, and this translates into authentic race-bred performance for customers. And it’s also a development advantage for us as a company.

Finally, the Toyota brand is all about mobility for all. All customers should feel empowered to make the right choice for themselves.
Providing choice and opportunity is at the heart of ever-better cars…and everything we do, and that includes the path to sustainability.

Which brings me to the elephant in the room―powertrain. Now you’ve seen this graphic many times before: a full palette of powertrains.

We don’t claim to be original in our way of thinking. The idea that multiple propulsion systems can exist together is as old as the car itself. And as I stand here today, there is still no single answer.
The breadth of our multi-pathway strategy is all about being ready to address regional needs, as and when they evolve.

Whether it’s a new flex-fuel hybrid in South America, a new fuel cell sedan in Japan, or here in Europe three new production B.E.V.s that we will present to you today.

In 2022, the bZ4X was released. Its drivability, its offroad and snow performance, its packaging, its styling, it presented an opportunity that only a mature automotive company could offer.
But I think it’s fair to say that we experienced a few bumps in the road during the launch.

So, we went back to time-tested Toyota principles. We listened to our customers, our retailers, and the journalists who were testing our products.

It wasn’t an easy process, but our kaizen, or continuous improvement, paid off. And we are really proud that in Norway, where B.E.V.s are dominant, the bZ4X is currently No.1 in sales.

And now, it’s getting even better. Ladies and gentlemen, the new, further improved bZ4X…

So what do you think?

It’s more powerful, it’s sportier…And it’s not just the looks. Increased range goes without saying. It’s also got up to 50% more power, charging times that are up to twice as fast, and double the towing capacity.
The interior is also completely reworked, including a new 14-inch multimedia display and new software that will ease journey planning, strengthening everything that has made bZ4X a car for an active carbon neutral lifestyle.

And our journey today continues with invention. We are inventing a new path together with all our regions, and nothing represents that better than C-HR.

The original C-HR showed that success can come by surprising customers, and when it was first launched, it caused quite a stir. Born in Europe for Europe, it carved out a new market to become a million unit, best-selling car.
The 2nd generation continued that innovation, a radical fashion statement that stood out from the crowd for customers who wanted to do the same.

It is the perfect model to now bring B.E.V. to the core of our portfolio.

Now, the eagle-eyed amongst you may remember that the electric C-HR was first presented by Akio Toyoda at our EV showcase in 2021. I remember Akio saying at the time that it looked like a car with attitude, a car you’d want to get behind the wheel of.

It’s an electric car true to the ever better cars philosophy. And now, with up to 600 km of range, over 340 horsepower, and 0-100 in just 5.2 seconds―all enabled by the eTNGA platform―it’s got surprising dynamics, surprising agility, and surprising practicality.

We believe this is a car that will create the next aspirational experience, one that is truly relevant to the region in which it originated.

Ladies and gentlemen, the all-new C-HR+…

All Four Models Now Available with the Arrival of the Mature Active Cabin that Combines the Dignity and Functionality of the Crown

Toyota City, Japan, March 13, 2025―Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced that it will commence sales of its all-new Crown Estate model in Japan today.

ESTATE RS (2.5-liter Plug-in Hybrid Model) (Model with options shown)

Toyota, under the concept of “making ever-better cars,” has introduced TNGA^*1 and the in-house company system to drive product-centered management. TNGA has enabled the company to develop a variety of vehicles based on a highly flexible platform, and the in-house company system has nurtured passionate individuals and organizations that put vehicles first and foremost. As a result, Toyota now adopts a Cluster Strategy, developing products not as individual offerings, but as a coordinated group, to meet the needs of customers.
The Crown launched in 1955 celebrates its 70th anniversary with a history that has grown alongside the development of the Japanese economy. Staying true to its DNA of continuous innovation that has been passed down through past generations, the new Crown has also advanced the “making ever-better cars” ideal through TNGA and the in-house company system. In 2022, Toyota unveiled four models with different personalities, rather than just one sedan, to the world as the Crown series.

Four models of the all-new Crown series to meet diverse values and needs

Following the launch of the Crossover, Sport, and Sedan, comes the fourth model in the lineup of the Crown series, the Estate. It brings dynamic styling and functionality so drivers can enjoy an active lifestyle with family and friends. The result is a vehicle that embodies both the dignity and functionality of the Crown in what Toyota calls a Mature Active Cabin. The powertrain lineup includes hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models to cater to a wide range of customer lifestyles.

Vehicle Outline

1. A new design combining a wagon and an SUV that offers high quality, refinement, relaxation, and functionality

Exterior design

The front fascia has a bumper-integrated front grille which achieves a stylish and distinctive design that matches the body color. Furthermore, the mesh pattern subtly changes from top to bottom, a carefully crafted detail that enhances the vehicle’s refined appearance.

The Estate features an elegant cabin made possible by the GA-K platform and is complemented by sharp shoulder lines that run from front to rear, achieving a design that seamlessly connects with the character lines on the front hood. The large 21-inch diameter tires on aluminum wheels bring a sense of power and results in flowing and dynamic proportions.

ESTATE RS (2.5-liter Plug-in Hybrid Model) (Model with options shown)

Interior design

• The Crown series incorporates island architecture^*2 across all models. The design also features a horizontal arrangement of meter displays to minimize eye movement, creating a space that enables the driver to drive long distances effortlessly without confusing operations.
• Vintage-style cloud patterns are applied to the Saddle Tan and Grayish Blue trim areas, and the decorations provide a high quality, yet accentuated design.

ESTATE RS (2.5-liter Plug-in Hybrid Model) (Model with options shown)

Color design

• A total of five monotone body colors and five bi-tone body colors are available to create a lineup that is suitable for a wide range of lifestyles. The PHEV model also features an exclusive Precious Metal x Massive Gray bi-tone body color, creating a sense of exclusivity.
• Three color themes are available for the interior: Black, which is common to the Crown series; Saddle Tan, which complements a glamorous and mature lifestyle; and Grayish Blue, a PHEV-exclusive color theme making its sole appearance in the Crown series and offering a refined and active impression.

ESTATE RS (2.5-liter Plug-in Hybrid Model) (Model with options shown)

2. Functionality that supports an active and mature lifestyle and a relaxing space

Luggage space that expands to meet the needs of an active lifestyle

• To meet the needs of active customers, the Estate features 570 liters of luggage space when the rear seats are in use and 1,470 liters of luggage space when retracted. Furthermore, it has an all-new luggage space extension board mechanism that creates a completely flat space of two meters in length when the rear seats are folded, a first for Toyota vehicles. This provides new experiential value in various settings such as during leisure and outdoor activities.
• The floor of the luggage area is made from a high-quality fabric with a pleasant texture, ensuring that customers can store important items securely while also enjoying comfort during their time in the vehicle.

Extended Luggage Space

New items introduced to enhance the experience of the spacious full-flat deck

• The luggage area incorporates items such as a pull-out deck chair and table to enhance the experience of the full-flat deck. These items increase comfort during car camping or when outdoors by offering a more relaxing space, and can be neatly stored inside the vehicle when not in use.
• The design of these items features chic color tones that harmonize with the cabin as well as the Crown’s iconic crown emblem, creating a sense of unity and exclusivity.

3. A stress-free, relaxed driving experience that is suitable for a Mature Active Cabin

Pursuing a stress-free ride for long distance travel

• Based on the Mature Active Cabin concept, the suspension is tuned to maintain precise steering and a high-quality ride. This ensures that passengers can enjoy long drives comfortably without experiencing fatigue.

Front suspension (MacPherson Strut) Rear suspension (Multi-link)

• Custom settings are applied to the DRS^*3 to recreate an agile yet robust driving experience, and custom settings are also added to the AVS^*4 to improve damping force and reduce friction, leading to a high-quality ride. Clear distinctions are made between the three drive modes―Normal Mode, Sport Mode, and Rear Comfort Mode―to provide a stress-free ride that suits the preferences of drivers and their passengers.
• The Rear Comfort Mode adds dedicated DRS control in pursuit of rear seat ride comfort. The AVS^*3 control achieves a stress-free ride with minimal swaying for all seats.

ESTATE Z (2.5-liter Hybrid Model) (Model with options shown)

2.5-liter Hybrid System

• The Estate is equipped with a high-efficiency hybrid system designed to improve efficiency and performance. The output of the front motor is increased by approximately 50% compared to the Crossover and Sport models. This allows for stress-free acceleration even when carrying an increased load, offering a more relaxed driving experience.

2.5-liter Hybrid System

2.5-liter Plug-in Hybrid System

• The Estate is equipped with a high-output density drive motor, achieving a driving experience that combines pleasant acceleration with quietness.
• Like the Sport, the Estate comes with a high-density large-capacity lithium-ion battery. The battery is placed under the floor to allow the vehicle to secure a BEV-mode driving range of 89 km^*5 without compromising interior space, which enables operation on BEV-mode for most daily drives.

2.5-liter Plug-in Hybrid System

Sales Outline

Base sales volume for Japan 1,500 units per month

Production Plant

Tsutsumi Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation

Main Specifications

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices

KINTO

The car subscription service KINTO offers packages that include optional automobile insurance, automobile taxes, maintenance, and other car-related costs, and provides them for a fixed monthly fee. For the new Crown Estate, the HEV model starts at 77,440 yen per month (including tax)^*6, while the PHEV model starts at 103,620 yen per month (including tax)^*7.

Upgrade service (KINTO FACTORY)

Toyota and KINTO Corporation are expanding proposals for evolving the four Crown models through the KINTO FACTORY service, which allows customers to evolve the vehicles they are currently using.
In conjunction with the release of the Crown Estate, wheel design customization for the Crown Sport offering wheel designs that are the same as the upgrade service for the Estate model wheels will be available starting March 19. The order can be placed regardless of how the vehicle in question is used (owned, subscription, etc.).

Launch of “Life with CROWNs” event from March 13 to 16

To celebrate the unveiling of the Estate, a launch event will be held where visitors can experience the diverse value of the four Crown models. Various events will be held at the Azabudai Hills Arena in Tokyo, including exhibits and test drives.
Come and experience the four Crown models and the diverse lifestyles they represent.

The sun rose on International Women’s Day 2025, casting a pink golden glow over CFAO Mobility. Excitement filled the air as the ladies gathered, each bringing their unique strength, stories, and ambitions. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” was more than just words, it was a call to move forward, together, as WOMEN.

From the moment the day began, there was an unspoken understanding, a shared mission to empower, uplift, and inspire. Conversations flowed effortlessly, as stories of resilience and triumph echoed through the room of our different branches. Some spoke of breaking barriers in their careers, others of lifting fellow women through mentorship and support. Each story was a testament to the power of women standing together, lifting each other higher.

Laughter and encouragement filled the space, creating an atmosphere of strength and sisterhood in the world of CFAO. The day culminated in a beautiful moment; a photo session that captured not just smiles but the unwavering spirit of unity. As the shutter clicked, it froze in time a collective promise: to keep pushing boundaries, creating opportunities, and accelerating action for every woman, everywhere.

As we walked away from the celebration, we carried with us more than just memories. We carried a renewed commitment to empower, advocate, and take action, every single day.

So, how did you spend your Women’s Day?

At CFAO Mobility Zambia, ethics is more than just a word, it is the foundation of how we do business. But how do you take a principle as vast as ethics and turn it into something employees can embrace in their daily work and it part of our corporate culture: how do we make compliance not just a legal obligation but a shared commitment ?

This is where the idea of Compliance Week was born. From 17th to 21st February, 2025, CFAO Mobility Zambia embarked on a journey to make compliance come alive within our organization  The initiative aimed to spark meaningful conversations about ethics, corporate responsibility, and the role each of us plays in fostering an honest and accountable business environment.

A Commitment Set in Motion

The week began with an inspiring address from Country CEO, Mr. Dino Bianchi, who reminded us that compliance is more than just following rules, it is about building trust. Trust among employees. Trust with customers. Trust with all stakeholders. 

He reaffirmed our dedication to the CFAO Code of Conduct and Ethics (COCE), the Anti-Corruption Code of Conduct, and all local and international regulations guiding our operations. His message was clear: compliance is not a burden but a privilege, it is the very thing that allows us to grow as an ethical, responsible, and sustainable organization.

Five Days of Learning and Engagement

With that powerful start, Compliance Week took off, structured around five key themes, each one tackling a critical compliance area that affects how we work and the decisions we make.

Day 1: Understanding Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

Money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing may seem like distant threats, but in reality, they affect businesses and societies worldwide. Our Risk Officer, Chola Kaungu led an insightful session explaining how Zambia’s AML regulations work and why it is essential for companies like ours to stay vigilant. Employees learned how financial crimes can infiltrate legitimate businesses and what steps we must take to prevent, detect, and report suspicious activity.

It was the perfect way to set the tone for the rest of the week, reminding us that compliance starts with knowledge and awareness. That is how the tone was set for the week.

Day 2: Standing Against Corruption

Corruption is often talked about in whispers, but on this day, we made it the center of discussion. A guest speaker from Transparency International Zambia provided a gripping overview of the corruption landscape in our country. Employees were shocked to learn how small ethical compromises can spiral into systemic issues.

Our Risk Team reinforced CFAO’s zero-tolerance policy on bribery and corruption, stressing that every employee, no matter their role, plays a part in preventing unethical behavior. The biggest lesson of the day? Integrity is not just about knowing what is right, it’s about having the courage to stand up for it.

Day 3: Safeguarding Data and Information

In today’s digital world, data protection is no longer optional, it is the law. With Zambia’s Data Protection Act of No.3 of 2021 now in full effect, our responsibility to protect personal and corporate information has never been greater.

This session provided employees with practical strategies for safeguarding sensitive data, preventing cyber threats, and ensuring compliance with legal standards. Whether it was understanding how to handle customer information or learning the risks of weak passwords, every employee walked away with valuable insights on staying secure in an increasingly digital workplace.

Day 4: Corporate Compliance and Speaking Up

An ethical company is not one that never faces challenges, it is one where people feel safe to speak up when something is wrong.

On this day, our Risk Team introduced employees to CFAO’s Speak Up Policy and Code of Conduct & Ethics, explaining how reporting unethical behavior is not just encouraged but protected. A lively compliance quiz brought the session to life, testing employees’ knowledge of the Local Compliance Organization and Delegation of Authority framework.

The biggest takeaway? Silence enables misconduct. Speaking up builds integrity. This was indeed an interesting day yet felt self legally binding.

Day 5: Strengthening Our Ethical Commitment

As Compliance Week came to a close, we took time to reflect on everything we had learned. However theoretic learning alone was not enough, we needed to act.

In a formal commitment ceremony, employees and leadership signed the COCE’s 10 Creeds on what we termed a declaration board which was/is binding, publicly affirming their pledge to uphold ethical business practices. To celebrate the spirit of compliance, awards were presented to quiz winners and top-performing branches, recognizing those who demonstrated outstanding knowledge and commitment throughout the week.

A Tradition Begins

Looking back, Compliance Week was more than a series of sessions, it was a movement. It was a moment when compliance transformed from being just a policy into a shared purpose. Employees left not just with new knowledge, but with a renewed sense of responsibility to uphold integrity, transparency, and ethical excellence every day.

This is just the beginning. As we continue this journey, we invite everyone, employees, customers, and community members, to be part of this mission. Together, we can build a future where doing the right thing is not just expected, but celebrated.

See you next year for an even bigger and better Compliance Week!

And in the meantime, take a moment to view our photos from the week you might just see integrity in action

Toyota Times News is presenting a two-week special on hydrogen. Last week was all about the possibilities of hydrogen and music. This week, we feature some vehicle-related stories befitting a carmaker.

In 2024, Thailand, Fukushima, and Tokyo began FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) heavy-duty truck trials, and now Toyota City in Aichi has joined them.

In response to a request from Asahi Group Japan, Hino and Toyota co-developed the trucks, and now there are five undergoing trials in Japan.

One feature is the twin hydrogen fueling opening. Only a few stations currently offer twin hydrogen fueling nozzles, but theoretically, this should allow hydrogen fueling at double the speed. Reducing downtime is very important for commercial vehicles.

Other issues remain, such as the limited cargo space due to hydrogen tanks and the price of hydrogen itself. Even so, the quiet and smooth-running FC heavy-duty trucks are gentle both on the environment and their long-distance drivers.

Shimoyama Plant in Miyoshi City, Aichi Prefecture, manufactures the tanks for these FC heavy-duty trucks.

At the plant, resin left over from manufacturing the tanks is compressed and turned into marble-esque items like flower vases. Hydrogen that is discarded when fueling up the tanks is used to power the plant and cooking devices.

Waste products that would have been discarded are providing new value through re-use and upcycling. Take a look at other Toyota Times News videos that show other food dishes that have been made using a hydrogen grill.

We took an up-close look at the many ways hydrogen is being used in the quest for carbon neutrality.