Japanese automaker Toyota is planning to launch hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (FCV) with its Chinese partners First Automobile Works (FAW) and Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), in a bid to boost its presence in the world’s biggest auto market.
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Reportedly, Toyota will also equip its joint venture’s models (FAW & GAC) with fuel cells, however the companies did not disclose financial details of the projects, which deepen cooperation among the partners to develop new energy vehicle and connectivity technologies.
Fuel-cell vehicles use a stack of cells that electro-chemically combine hydrogen with oxygen to generate electricity to propel the vehicle, with water being the only byproduct. Furthermore, Toyota will also expand ties on hybrid vehicles and aim to launch more battery-electric vehicles with “good quality and low prices” separately with FAW and GAC.
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Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda wants to “step on the accelerator in China”, while needing “to strike a fine balance between China and the United States”. Toyota sold around 1.5 million vehicles in China in 2018, which is far below its global rivals General Motors and Volkswagen Group. However, the Japanese automaker is laying foundation to increase sales in China to 2 million vehicles per year, according to Reuters.
Toyota had started supplying fuel-cell parts to Chinese commercial vehicle makers Beiqi Foton Beijing SinoHytec. The automaker said it would supply key hydrogen fuel-cell parts to Chinese automakers FAW and Higer Bus. Toyota will also share resources and talent to develop “intelligent connected” vehicles with GAC and FAW.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
