BYD Shark 6 ute lineup to grow further
The BYD Shark 6 lineup is set to expand, with the Chinese automaker telling CarExpert its dual-cab ute range must grow if the popular electrified hay-hauler is to make a long-term impact in Australia's hotly contested ute market.
The BYD Shark 6 was released in Australia in early 2025 with just one dual-cab variant – the Premium model grade with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain and all-wheel drive – priced at $57,900 before on-road costs.
Its launch campaign helped it become BYD's best-seller in Australia, making up almost half of its total sales so far this year and helping the brand to finish just outside the top 10 in May.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Yet after a strong first two months of sales, including 2026 vehicles in February and 2810 in March, Shark 6 deliveries fell to around half that in each of the past two months – 1293 in April and 1300 in May.
Meanwhile, the Toyota HiLux claimed the number one spot overall for May with 4952 sales, meaning that on average the HiLux matched the Shark 6's monthly sales in a single week.
While the Shark 6 is still exceeding BYD's pre-launch sales goal of 1000 sales per month, the brand is aware it needs to offer a wider variety of variants to make a serious dent in the segment alongside an ever-increasing number of rivals.
It currently has plans for a cab/chassis version and importer EVDirect – which surrenders its distribution rights to BYD Australia from July 1 – previously confirmed the addition of a larger-displacement 2.0-litre PHEV powertrain.
However, both of these Shark 6 derivatives remain some way off, with the business-friendly cab/chassis due in 2026 at the earliest, and the bigger engine due in 2027 or later.
Speaking to CarExpert, BYD Australia's product chief Sajid Hasan confirmed new Shark 6 variants remain in the works.
"Definitely – studies [are] happening for us to expand the pickup lineup," he said.
Asked if this meant more Shark 6 variants or another ute, following the recent sighting of a mysterious camouflaged ute thought to be a restyled Shark 6 in China – or both – Mr Hasan focussed on the Shark 6.
"I can't make any confirmations about that [a new ute in addition to the Shark 6], but given the size of the segment and the need to offer broad reach through different target customers…"
"You've got your fleets, and you've got your private customers, your tradies, on-road customers, off-road customers, heavy towing usage," Hasan added.
"It's just so broad it would be hard to do it through just the one."
As the number of Shark 6 rivals increases, other automakers are offering Aussie ute buyers more choice from the get-go.
The Kia Tasman – the Korean automaker's first pickup – will be available in a single 4×2 grade and five 4×4 variants when the all-new dual-cab hits Australian showrooms in July, although it won't offer a PHEV powertrain for now.
The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is offered in two different grades as part of a broader lineup including non-plug-in hybrid and diesel versions, too.
Both GWM's and BYD's electrified utes will face the Ford Ranger PHEV, which is due in local showrooms this month in four model grades, adding to an already comprehensive lineup offering a multitude of body types, equipment levels and powertrain choices.
As the benchmark in the category, the Ranger's showroom offering has expanded significantly with new variants and special editions in recent years, such as the Wildtrak X, Sport, Platinum and others.
The PHEV is one of several new Ranger variants Ford has added since launching its original Ranger Raptor back in 2018, followed by the new-generation Ranger and Ranger Raptor in 2022, with the heavy-duty Ranger Super Duty scheduled to arrive in 2026.
Other brands such as Mitsubishi have also expanded their ute lineups, with cab/chassis and single-cab version of the Triton added to the new-generation lineup earlier this year.
Apart from upcoming replacements for the HiLux and Nissan Navara, several all-new utes are also coming to Australia soon from MG, LDV, Foton, Chery, Geely, Deepal and Mahindra, and a range of new hybrid or all-electric utes is also expected to arrive here within the next few months and years, from brands including LDV, Isuzu, JAC, Kia and Hyundai.
MORE: Everything BYD
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The BYD Shark 6 lineup is set to expand, with the Chinese automaker telling CarExpert its dual-cab ute range must grow if the popular electrified hay-hauler is to make a long-term impact in Australia's hotly contested ute market.
The BYD Shark 6 was released in Australia in early 2025 with just one dual-cab variant – the Premium model grade with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain and all-wheel drive – priced at $57,900 before on-road costs.
Its launch campaign helped it become BYD's best-seller in Australia, making up almost half of its total sales so far this year and helping the brand to finish just outside the top 10 in May.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Yet after a strong first two months of sales, including 2026 vehicles in February and 2810 in March, Shark 6 deliveries fell to around half that in each of the past two months – 1293 in April and 1300 in May.
Meanwhile, the Toyota HiLux claimed the number one spot overall for May with 4952 sales, meaning that on average the HiLux matched the Shark 6's monthly sales in a single week.
While the Shark 6 is still exceeding BYD's pre-launch sales goal of 1000 sales per month, the brand is aware it needs to offer a wider variety of variants to make a serious dent in the segment alongside an ever-increasing number of rivals.
It currently has plans for a cab/chassis version and importer EVDirect – which surrenders its distribution rights to BYD Australia from July 1 – previously confirmed the addition of a larger-displacement 2.0-litre PHEV powertrain.
However, both of these Shark 6 derivatives remain some way off, with the business-friendly cab/chassis due in 2026 at the earliest, and the bigger engine due in 2027 or later.
Speaking to CarExpert, BYD Australia's product chief Sajid Hasan confirmed new Shark 6 variants remain in the works.
"Definitely – studies [are] happening for us to expand the pickup lineup," he said.
Asked if this meant more Shark 6 variants or another ute, following the recent sighting of a mysterious camouflaged ute thought to be a restyled Shark 6 in China – or both – Mr Hasan focussed on the Shark 6.
"I can't make any confirmations about that [a new ute in addition to the Shark 6], but given the size of the segment and the need to offer broad reach through different target customers…"
"You've got your fleets, and you've got your private customers, your tradies, on-road customers, off-road customers, heavy towing usage," Hasan added.
"It's just so broad it would be hard to do it through just the one."
As the number of Shark 6 rivals increases, other automakers are offering Aussie ute buyers more choice from the get-go.
The Kia Tasman – the Korean automaker's first pickup – will be available in a single 4×2 grade and five 4×4 variants when the all-new dual-cab hits Australian showrooms in July, although it won't offer a PHEV powertrain for now.
The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is offered in two different grades as part of a broader lineup including non-plug-in hybrid and diesel versions, too.
Both GWM's and BYD's electrified utes will face the Ford Ranger PHEV, which is due in local showrooms this month in four model grades, adding to an already comprehensive lineup offering a multitude of body types, equipment levels and powertrain choices.
As the benchmark in the category, the Ranger's showroom offering has expanded significantly with new variants and special editions in recent years, such as the Wildtrak X, Sport, Platinum and others.
The PHEV is one of several new Ranger variants Ford has added since launching its original Ranger Raptor back in 2018, followed by the new-generation Ranger and Ranger Raptor in 2022, with the heavy-duty Ranger Super Duty scheduled to arrive in 2026.
Other brands such as Mitsubishi have also expanded their ute lineups, with cab/chassis and single-cab version of the Triton added to the new-generation lineup earlier this year.
Apart from upcoming replacements for the HiLux and Nissan Navara, several all-new utes are also coming to Australia soon from MG, LDV, Foton, Chery, Geely, Deepal and Mahindra, and a range of new hybrid or all-electric utes is also expected to arrive here within the next few months and years, from brands including LDV, Isuzu, JAC, Kia and Hyundai.
MORE: Everything BYD
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The BYD Shark 6 lineup is set to expand, with the Chinese automaker telling CarExpert its dual-cab ute range must grow if the popular electrified hay-hauler is to make a long-term impact in Australia's hotly contested ute market.
The BYD Shark 6 was released in Australia in early 2025 with just one dual-cab variant – the Premium model grade with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain and all-wheel drive – priced at $57,900 before on-road costs.
Its launch campaign helped it become BYD's best-seller in Australia, making up almost half of its total sales so far this year and helping the brand to finish just outside the top 10 in May.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Yet after a strong first two months of sales, including 2026 vehicles in February and 2810 in March, Shark 6 deliveries fell to around half that in each of the past two months – 1293 in April and 1300 in May.
Meanwhile, the Toyota HiLux claimed the number one spot overall for May with 4952 sales, meaning that on average the HiLux matched the Shark 6's monthly sales in a single week.
While the Shark 6 is still exceeding BYD's pre-launch sales goal of 1000 sales per month, the brand is aware it needs to offer a wider variety of variants to make a serious dent in the segment alongside an ever-increasing number of rivals.
It currently has plans for a cab/chassis version and importer EVDirect – which surrenders its distribution rights to BYD Australia from July 1 – previously confirmed the addition of a larger-displacement 2.0-litre PHEV powertrain.
However, both of these Shark 6 derivatives remain some way off, with the business-friendly cab/chassis due in 2026 at the earliest, and the bigger engine due in 2027 or later.
Speaking to CarExpert, BYD Australia's product chief Sajid Hasan confirmed new Shark 6 variants remain in the works.
"Definitely – studies [are] happening for us to expand the pickup lineup," he said.
Asked if this meant more Shark 6 variants or another ute, following the recent sighting of a mysterious camouflaged ute thought to be a restyled Shark 6 in China – or both – Mr Hasan focussed on the Shark 6.
"I can't make any confirmations about that [a new ute in addition to the Shark 6], but given the size of the segment and the need to offer broad reach through different target customers…"
"You've got your fleets, and you've got your private customers, your tradies, on-road customers, off-road customers, heavy towing usage," Hasan added.
"It's just so broad it would be hard to do it through just the one."
As the number of Shark 6 rivals increases, other automakers are offering Aussie ute buyers more choice from the get-go.
The Kia Tasman – the Korean automaker's first pickup – will be available in a single 4×2 grade and five 4×4 variants when the all-new dual-cab hits Australian showrooms in July, although it won't offer a PHEV powertrain for now.
The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is offered in two different grades as part of a broader lineup including non-plug-in hybrid and diesel versions, too.
Both GWM's and BYD's electrified utes will face the Ford Ranger PHEV, which is due in local showrooms this month in four model grades, adding to an already comprehensive lineup offering a multitude of body types, equipment levels and powertrain choices.
As the benchmark in the category, the Ranger's showroom offering has expanded significantly with new variants and special editions in recent years, such as the Wildtrak X, Sport, Platinum and others.
The PHEV is one of several new Ranger variants Ford has added since launching its original Ranger Raptor back in 2018, followed by the new-generation Ranger and Ranger Raptor in 2022, with the heavy-duty Ranger Super Duty scheduled to arrive in 2026.
Other brands such as Mitsubishi have also expanded their ute lineups, with cab/chassis and single-cab version of the Triton added to the new-generation lineup earlier this year.
Apart from upcoming replacements for the HiLux and Nissan Navara, several all-new utes are also coming to Australia soon from MG, LDV, Foton, Chery, Geely, Deepal and Mahindra, and a range of new hybrid or all-electric utes is also expected to arrive here within the next few months and years, from brands including LDV, Isuzu, JAC, Kia and Hyundai.
MORE: Everything BYD
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The BYD Shark 6 lineup is set to expand, with the Chinese automaker telling CarExpert its dual-cab ute range must grow if the popular electrified hay-hauler is to make a long-term impact in Australia's hotly contested ute market.
The BYD Shark 6 was released in Australia in early 2025 with just one dual-cab variant – the Premium model grade with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain and all-wheel drive – priced at $57,900 before on-road costs.
Its launch campaign helped it become BYD's best-seller in Australia, making up almost half of its total sales so far this year and helping the brand to finish just outside the top 10 in May.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Yet after a strong first two months of sales, including 2026 vehicles in February and 2810 in March, Shark 6 deliveries fell to around half that in each of the past two months – 1293 in April and 1300 in May.
Meanwhile, the Toyota HiLux claimed the number one spot overall for May with 4952 sales, meaning that on average the HiLux matched the Shark 6's monthly sales in a single week.
While the Shark 6 is still exceeding BYD's pre-launch sales goal of 1000 sales per month, the brand is aware it needs to offer a wider variety of variants to make a serious dent in the segment alongside an ever-increasing number of rivals.
It currently has plans for a cab/chassis version and importer EVDirect – which surrenders its distribution rights to BYD Australia from July 1 – previously confirmed the addition of a larger-displacement 2.0-litre PHEV powertrain.
However, both of these Shark 6 derivatives remain some way off, with the business-friendly cab/chassis due in 2026 at the earliest, and the bigger engine due in 2027 or later.
Speaking to CarExpert, BYD Australia's product chief Sajid Hasan confirmed new Shark 6 variants remain in the works.
"Definitely – studies [are] happening for us to expand the pickup lineup," he said.
Asked if this meant more Shark 6 variants or another ute, following the recent sighting of a mysterious camouflaged ute thought to be a restyled Shark 6 in China – or both – Mr Hasan focussed on the Shark 6.
"I can't make any confirmations about that [a new ute in addition to the Shark 6], but given the size of the segment and the need to offer broad reach through different target customers…"
"You've got your fleets, and you've got your private customers, your tradies, on-road customers, off-road customers, heavy towing usage," Hasan added.
"It's just so broad it would be hard to do it through just the one."
As the number of Shark 6 rivals increases, other automakers are offering Aussie ute buyers more choice from the get-go.
The Kia Tasman – the Korean automaker's first pickup – will be available in a single 4×2 grade and five 4×4 variants when the all-new dual-cab hits Australian showrooms in July, although it won't offer a PHEV powertrain for now.
The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is offered in two different grades as part of a broader lineup including non-plug-in hybrid and diesel versions, too.
Both GWM's and BYD's electrified utes will face the Ford Ranger PHEV, which is due in local showrooms this month in four model grades, adding to an already comprehensive lineup offering a multitude of body types, equipment levels and powertrain choices.
As the benchmark in the category, the Ranger's showroom offering has expanded significantly with new variants and special editions in recent years, such as the Wildtrak X, Sport, Platinum and others.
The PHEV is one of several new Ranger variants Ford has added since launching its original Ranger Raptor back in 2018, followed by the new-generation Ranger and Ranger Raptor in 2022, with the heavy-duty Ranger Super Duty scheduled to arrive in 2026.
Other brands such as Mitsubishi have also expanded their ute lineups, with cab/chassis and single-cab version of the Triton added to the new-generation lineup earlier this year.
Apart from upcoming replacements for the HiLux and Nissan Navara, several all-new utes are also coming to Australia soon from MG, LDV, Foton, Chery, Geely, Deepal and Mahindra, and a range of new hybrid or all-electric utes is also expected to arrive here within the next few months and years, from brands including LDV, Isuzu, JAC, Kia and Hyundai.
MORE: Everything BYD
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "We looked at ourselves [and asked] 'what can we do with the things that we have to contribute to carbon neutrality?' That was the base of how we made our decision in those times, and that has not changed now, and will not change for the future." Toyoda-san is referring to the widespread rollout of hybrid vehicles, which dominate the Japanese brand's current model range. Toyota is credited with creating the first mass-produced hybrid car in the late 1990s, and has continued to develop the technology to the market-leading status it holds today. The company's passenger car lineup is now dominated by hybrids, evidenced by the Japanese brand's Australian axing of all petrol versions of cars that offer hybrid options in 2024. Hybrids continue to play a significant role in Toyota's global efforts too, not least in its home country. Toyoda-san claims that over the past five years, the focus on hybrids played a larger role in reducing Japanese CO2 emissions than EVs. Above: Toyota Hybrid range "If you can check the data for each country about the CO2 emission situation for the past five years, it's going to be very clear," Toyoda-san said. "For Japan, we had this weapon of hybrid vehicles, so with the hybrid vehicles, we were able to reduce 23 per cent of CO2 emissions in the same [time], and it was the only country that was able to achieve that." Toyoda-san added that his company has produced and delivered upwards of 27 million hybrids to date, and claimed that figure was "equivalent to nine million BEVs in terms of the contribution to carbon neutrality". "The hybrids that we made and sold had the same impact as nine million BEVs on the road, but if we were to make nine million BEVs in [Japan] it would have actually increased the CO2 emissions, not reduced, because we are relying on thermal powerplants." Despite that, Toyoda-san reaffirmed that HEVs aren't the only way forward, pointing to Toyota's continued development of internal combustion petrol and diesel engines (ICEs), as well as EVs, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Toyota recently revealed the next-generation RAV4 mid-size SUV (above), which will be the brand's first PHEV in Australia. The Mirai FCEV is currently being used by corporate fleets and government partners locally via very limited leases, too. The Japanese auto giant is also part of an alliance with Subaru and Mazda to develop lower-emission ICEs into the future. "I think we shouldn't just focus on [BEV] … but we should look at all the options that we have and work in all directions," Toyoda-san said. "That will be similar to thinking as a person of the planet, not just from one perspective, but thinking about the whole planet, and then we can think about the various options and take the movements to reduce CO2 as much as possible. "I believe if everyone can support this way of thinking, it will be for the benefit of all the stakeholders too." MORE: Toyota RAV4, Corolla, Camry, Corolla Cross, Kluger go hybrid-only in AustraliaMORE: 2026 Toyota RAV4 gets fresh design, tech plus PHEV power for AustraliaMORE: Toyota, Mazda and Subaru commit to petrol power with new enginesMORE: Everything Toyota Content originally sourced from: Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda has reinforced his company's commitment to prioritising hybrid vehicles (HEVs) over battery-electric vehicles (EVs or BEVs), outlining that hybrids are its ideal way forward in terms of reducing total CO2 emissions. Speaking through an interpreter in a recent interview with Automotive News, Toyoda-san said Toyota is as committed to reducing the environmental impact of cars as any other brand, but has adopted a cost- and time-effective way to go about reducing its carbon emissions. "When the term 'carbon neutrality' started to become popular and we started to hear about it, we set our target as a company saying that for us, the enemy is carbon," he said. "The way that we thought about it was that we're not going to contribute to achieving carbon neutrality just by building BEVs, but we have to focus on things that we can do now so that, immediately, we can reduce CO2 from the air. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "We looked at ourselves [and asked] 'what can we do with the things that we have to contribute to carbon neutrality?' That was the base of how we made our decision in those times, and that has not changed now, and will not change for the future." Toyoda-san is referring to the widespread rollout of hybrid vehicles, which dominate the Japanese brand's current model range. Toyota is credited with creating the first mass-produced hybrid car in the late 1990s, and has continued to develop the technology to the market-leading status it holds today. The company's passenger car lineup is now dominated by hybrids, evidenced by the Japanese brand's Australian axing of all petrol versions of cars that offer hybrid options in 2024. Hybrids continue to play a significant role in Toyota's global efforts too, not least in its home country. Toyoda-san claims that over the past five years, the focus on hybrids played a larger role in reducing Japanese CO2 emissions than EVs. Above: Toyota Hybrid range "If you can check the data for each country about the CO2 emission situation for the past five years, it's going to be very clear," Toyoda-san said. "For Japan, we had this weapon of hybrid vehicles, so with the hybrid vehicles, we were able to reduce 23 per cent of CO2 emissions in the same [time], and it was the only country that was able to achieve that." Toyoda-san added that his company has produced and delivered upwards of 27 million hybrids to date, and claimed that figure was "equivalent to nine million BEVs in terms of the contribution to carbon neutrality". "The hybrids that we made and sold had the same impact as nine million BEVs on the road, but if we were to make nine million BEVs in [Japan] it would have actually increased the CO2 emissions, not reduced, because we are relying on thermal powerplants." Despite that, Toyoda-san reaffirmed that HEVs aren't the only way forward, pointing to Toyota's continued development of internal combustion petrol and diesel engines (ICEs), as well as EVs, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Toyota recently revealed the next-generation RAV4 mid-size SUV (above), which will be the brand's first PHEV in Australia. The Mirai FCEV is currently being used by corporate fleets and government partners locally via very limited leases, too. The Japanese auto giant is also part of an alliance with Subaru and Mazda to develop lower-emission ICEs into the future. "I think we shouldn't just focus on [BEV] … but we should look at all the options that we have and work in all directions," Toyoda-san said. "That will be similar to thinking as a person of the planet, not just from one perspective, but thinking about the whole planet, and then we can think about the various options and take the movements to reduce CO2 as much as possible. "I believe if everyone can support this way of thinking, it will be for the benefit of all the stakeholders too." MORE: Toyota RAV4, Corolla, Camry, Corolla Cross, Kluger go hybrid-only in AustraliaMORE: 2026 Toyota RAV4 gets fresh design, tech plus PHEV power for AustraliaMORE: Toyota, Mazda and Subaru commit to petrol power with new enginesMORE: Everything Toyota Content originally sourced from: Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda has reinforced his company's commitment to prioritising hybrid vehicles (HEVs) over battery-electric vehicles (EVs or BEVs), outlining that hybrids are its ideal way forward in terms of reducing total CO2 emissions. Speaking through an interpreter in a recent interview with Automotive News, Toyoda-san said Toyota is as committed to reducing the environmental impact of cars as any other brand, but has adopted a cost- and time-effective way to go about reducing its carbon emissions. "When the term 'carbon neutrality' started to become popular and we started to hear about it, we set our target as a company saying that for us, the enemy is carbon," he said. "The way that we thought about it was that we're not going to contribute to achieving carbon neutrality just by building BEVs, but we have to focus on things that we can do now so that, immediately, we can reduce CO2 from the air. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "We looked at ourselves [and asked] 'what can we do with the things that we have to contribute to carbon neutrality?' That was the base of how we made our decision in those times, and that has not changed now, and will not change for the future." Toyoda-san is referring to the widespread rollout of hybrid vehicles, which dominate the Japanese brand's current model range. Toyota is credited with creating the first mass-produced hybrid car in the late 1990s, and has continued to develop the technology to the market-leading status it holds today. The company's passenger car lineup is now dominated by hybrids, evidenced by the Japanese brand's Australian axing of all petrol versions of cars that offer hybrid options in 2024. Hybrids continue to play a significant role in Toyota's global efforts too, not least in its home country. Toyoda-san claims that over the past five years, the focus on hybrids played a larger role in reducing Japanese CO2 emissions than EVs. Above: Toyota Hybrid range "If you can check the data for each country about the CO2 emission situation for the past five years, it's going to be very clear," Toyoda-san said. "For Japan, we had this weapon of hybrid vehicles, so with the hybrid vehicles, we were able to reduce 23 per cent of CO2 emissions in the same [time], and it was the only country that was able to achieve that." Toyoda-san added that his company has produced and delivered upwards of 27 million hybrids to date, and claimed that figure was "equivalent to nine million BEVs in terms of the contribution to carbon neutrality". "The hybrids that we made and sold had the same impact as nine million BEVs on the road, but if we were to make nine million BEVs in [Japan] it would have actually increased the CO2 emissions, not reduced, because we are relying on thermal powerplants." Despite that, Toyoda-san reaffirmed that HEVs aren't the only way forward, pointing to Toyota's continued development of internal combustion petrol and diesel engines (ICEs), as well as EVs, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Toyota recently revealed the next-generation RAV4 mid-size SUV (above), which will be the brand's first PHEV in Australia. The Mirai FCEV is currently being used by corporate fleets and government partners locally via very limited leases, too. The Japanese auto giant is also part of an alliance with Subaru and Mazda to develop lower-emission ICEs into the future. "I think we shouldn't just focus on [BEV] … but we should look at all the options that we have and work in all directions," Toyoda-san said. "That will be similar to thinking as a person of the planet, not just from one perspective, but thinking about the whole planet, and then we can think about the various options and take the movements to reduce CO2 as much as possible. "I believe if everyone can support this way of thinking, it will be for the benefit of all the stakeholders too." MORE: Toyota RAV4, Corolla, Camry, Corolla Cross, Kluger go hybrid-only in AustraliaMORE: 2026 Toyota RAV4 gets fresh design, tech plus PHEV power for AustraliaMORE: Toyota, Mazda and Subaru commit to petrol power with new enginesMORE: Everything Toyota Content originally sourced from: Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda has reinforced his company's commitment to prioritising hybrid vehicles (HEVs) over battery-electric vehicles (EVs or BEVs), outlining that hybrids are its ideal way forward in terms of reducing total CO2 emissions. Speaking through an interpreter in a recent interview with Automotive News, Toyoda-san said Toyota is as committed to reducing the environmental impact of cars as any other brand, but has adopted a cost- and time-effective way to go about reducing its carbon emissions. "When the term 'carbon neutrality' started to become popular and we started to hear about it, we set our target as a company saying that for us, the enemy is carbon," he said. "The way that we thought about it was that we're not going to contribute to achieving carbon neutrality just by building BEVs, but we have to focus on things that we can do now so that, immediately, we can reduce CO2 from the air. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "We looked at ourselves [and asked] 'what can we do with the things that we have to contribute to carbon neutrality?' That was the base of how we made our decision in those times, and that has not changed now, and will not change for the future." Toyoda-san is referring to the widespread rollout of hybrid vehicles, which dominate the Japanese brand's current model range. Toyota is credited with creating the first mass-produced hybrid car in the late 1990s, and has continued to develop the technology to the market-leading status it holds today. The company's passenger car lineup is now dominated by hybrids, evidenced by the Japanese brand's Australian axing of all petrol versions of cars that offer hybrid options in 2024. Hybrids continue to play a significant role in Toyota's global efforts too, not least in its home country. Toyoda-san claims that over the past five years, the focus on hybrids played a larger role in reducing Japanese CO2 emissions than EVs. Above: Toyota Hybrid range "If you can check the data for each country about the CO2 emission situation for the past five years, it's going to be very clear," Toyoda-san said. "For Japan, we had this weapon of hybrid vehicles, so with the hybrid vehicles, we were able to reduce 23 per cent of CO2 emissions in the same [time], and it was the only country that was able to achieve that." Toyoda-san added that his company has produced and delivered upwards of 27 million hybrids to date, and claimed that figure was "equivalent to nine million BEVs in terms of the contribution to carbon neutrality". "The hybrids that we made and sold had the same impact as nine million BEVs on the road, but if we were to make nine million BEVs in [Japan] it would have actually increased the CO2 emissions, not reduced, because we are relying on thermal powerplants." Despite that, Toyoda-san reaffirmed that HEVs aren't the only way forward, pointing to Toyota's continued development of internal combustion petrol and diesel engines (ICEs), as well as EVs, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Toyota recently revealed the next-generation RAV4 mid-size SUV (above), which will be the brand's first PHEV in Australia. The Mirai FCEV is currently being used by corporate fleets and government partners locally via very limited leases, too. The Japanese auto giant is also part of an alliance with Subaru and Mazda to develop lower-emission ICEs into the future. "I think we shouldn't just focus on [BEV] … but we should look at all the options that we have and work in all directions," Toyoda-san said. "That will be similar to thinking as a person of the planet, not just from one perspective, but thinking about the whole planet, and then we can think about the various options and take the movements to reduce CO2 as much as possible. "I believe if everyone can support this way of thinking, it will be for the benefit of all the stakeholders too." MORE: Toyota RAV4, Corolla, Camry, Corolla Cross, Kluger go hybrid-only in AustraliaMORE: 2026 Toyota RAV4 gets fresh design, tech plus PHEV power for AustraliaMORE: Toyota, Mazda and Subaru commit to petrol power with new enginesMORE: Everything Toyota Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
16 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Toyota says its hybrids have saved nine million EVs worth of CO2
Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda has reinforced his company's commitment to prioritising hybrid vehicles (HEVs) over battery-electric vehicles (EVs or BEVs), outlining that hybrids are its ideal way forward in terms of reducing total CO2 emissions. Speaking through an interpreter in a recent interview with Automotive News, Toyoda-san said Toyota is as committed to reducing the environmental impact of cars as any other brand, but has adopted a cost- and time-effective way to go about reducing its carbon emissions. 'When the term 'carbon neutrality' started to become popular and we started to hear about it, we set our target as a company saying that for us, the enemy is carbon,' he said. 'The way that we thought about it was that we're not going to contribute to achieving carbon neutrality just by building BEVs, but we have to focus on things that we can do now so that, immediately, we can reduce CO2 from the air. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 'We looked at ourselves [and asked] 'what can we do with the things that we have to contribute to carbon neutrality?' That was the base of how we made our decision in those times, and that has not changed now, and will not change for the future.' Toyoda-san is referring to the widespread rollout of hybrid vehicles, which dominate the Japanese brand's current model range. Toyota is credited with creating the first mass-produced hybrid car in the late 1990s, and has continued to develop the technology to the market-leading status it holds today. The company's passenger car lineup is now dominated by hybrids, evidenced by the Japanese brand's Australian axing of all petrol versions of cars that offer hybrid options in 2024. Hybrids continue to play a significant role in Toyota's global efforts too, not least in its home country. Toyoda-san claims that over the past five years, the focus on hybrids played a larger role in reducing Japanese CO2 emissions than EVs. Above: Toyota Hybrid range 'If you can check the data for each country about the CO2 emission situation for the past five years, it's going to be very clear,' Toyoda-san said. 'For Japan, we had this weapon of hybrid vehicles, so with the hybrid vehicles, we were able to reduce 23 per cent of CO2 emissions in the same [time], and it was the only country that was able to achieve that.' Toyoda-san added that his company has produced and delivered upwards of 27 million hybrids to date, and claimed that figure was 'equivalent to nine million BEVs in terms of the contribution to carbon neutrality'. 'The hybrids that we made and sold had the same impact as nine million BEVs on the road, but if we were to make nine million BEVs in [Japan] it would have actually increased the CO2 emissions, not reduced, because we are relying on thermal powerplants.' Despite that, Toyoda-san reaffirmed that HEVs aren't the only way forward, pointing to Toyota's continued development of internal combustion petrol and diesel engines (ICEs), as well as EVs, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Toyota recently revealed the next-generation RAV4 mid-size SUV (above), which will be the brand's first PHEV in Australia. The Mirai FCEV is currently being used by corporate fleets and government partners locally via very limited leases, too. The Japanese auto giant is also part of an alliance with Subaru and Mazda to develop lower-emission ICEs into the future. 'I think we shouldn't just focus on [BEV] … but we should look at all the options that we have and work in all directions,' Toyoda-san said. 'That will be similar to thinking as a person of the planet, not just from one perspective, but thinking about the whole planet, and then we can think about the various options and take the movements to reduce CO2 as much as possible. 'I believe if everyone can support this way of thinking, it will be for the benefit of all the stakeholders too.'
