2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter
Toyota
NEW YORK – Toyota engine is exploring an expansion of its U.S. truck offerings that could include all-electric or plug-in hybrid electric versions of its Tacoma and Tundra pickups.
Jack Hollis, executive vice president of Toyota Motor North America, said the Japanese automaker is reviewing its options to determine what makes the most sense based on expected customer demand and tightening federal emissions and fuel economy regulations.
“I think there is room to expand our overall truck footprint. Be it Tundra, Tacoma or something else in addition to the offering,” Hollis told CNBC on Tuesday during the New York Auto Forum conference. “Whether it’s a compact car or something else, I think it’s important for us to continue to see what customers are looking for.”
Toyota has previously discussed a wide range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), including a midsize pickup model like the segment-leading Tacoma. Recent discussions have highlighted the potential for plug-in hybrid vehicles, or PHEVs.
Toyota announced earlier this year that it would invest $1.3 billion in a plant in Kentucky to produce a new all-electric three-row SUV for the US market. According to Reuters, the automaker’s Thai president confirmed this week that Toyota will produce a BEV of its small Hilux pickup truck for global markets.
A pearl white Toyota Hilux 2.8 D-4D.
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Hollis said the electric Hilux was “very cool”. He declined speculation about whether Toyota might bring this vehicle to the United States
However, he confirmed that the company is “reviewing both BEV and PHEV versions of the full-size Tacoma and Tundra.” The Tundra was last redesigned for the 2022 model year, followed last year by the Tacoma.
“We are in the process of evaluating both. There’s a reason why a BEV can work and there’s a reason why a PHEV can work,” he said, asking the question, “What’s the best mix between these two trucks?” or even for 4Runner or Sequoia [SUVs]?”
There are currently five all-electric pickup trucks on sale in the U.S., but they are still priced closer to luxury vehicles than mass-market models. They range in price from $50,000 to well over $100,000, and sales of the vehicles have largely slowed after automakers rushed to market all-electric pickup trucks.
There are currently no plug-in hybrid electric pickups on sale in the United States Stellars The Ram brand is expected to launch an “extended range” plug-in vehicle later this year, using an electric generator to power a motor.
Toyota is one of several automakers reassessing their product portfolios amid a slower-than-expected rollout of electric vehicles and the Biden administration’s revised emissions rules aimed at better accounting for hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
José Muñoz, Hyundai’s president and global chief operating officer, told CNBC on Wednesday that the company is reconsidering its plans to produce all-electric vehicles at a new plant in Georgia.
“Everything is on the table,” Muñoz said. “We will adapt to market demand and for now we are on track to meet regulators’ requirements.”
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2024-03-28 20:44:55
www.cnbc.com
