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Toyota meets ‘aggressive’ Apac entry of China carmakers with more EVs – and combustion engines 

In a ‘multi-pathway strategy’, the Japanese automotive giant continues to offer conventional and hybrid cars in the region

Derryn Wong
Published Fri, Apr 18, 2025 · 05:00 PM
    • Toyota Motor Asia vice-president Preston Tan says that Chinese carmakers have been even more aggressive in their Apac expansion than the company's long-time rivals from South Korea.
    • Toyota Motor Asia vice-president Preston Tan says that Chinese carmakers have been even more aggressive in their Apac expansion than the company's long-time rivals from South Korea. PHOTO: TOYOTA MOTOR ASIA

    [SINGAPORE] Facing fierce regional competition from Chinese carmakers, Japanese automotive giant Toyota is banking on a strategy of continuing to offer combustion engine cars alongside ramped-up electric vehicle (EV) launches.

    Offering this range allows the company to adapt to each of its markets, said Toyota Motor Asia vice-president Preston Tan in an interview with The Business Times.

    “What we are seeing here is the aggressiveness of Chinese (carmakers)... Previously, we thought South Korean carmakers were our so-called competitors, but the Chinese are more aggressive than them.”

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