Toyota chairman warns EV shift could cost jobs in Japan's auto industry

Toyoda expressed that EVs might only comprise 30 per cent of the global market, with hybrids and other vehicles filling the gap. He cautioned that an
...
Toyota Motor EV jobs
Akio Toyoda, the chairman of Toyota Motor, said on Thursday that a shift to an EV-only future would bring about massive job losses for those who have been doing engine-related work for so long. (REUTERS)
Toyota Motor EV jobs
Akio Toyoda, the chairman of Toyota Motor, said on Thursday that a shift to an EV-only future would bring about massive job losses for those who have been doing engine-related work for so long.

A shift to an electric vehicle-only future would lead to job losses among those who have been working on engine-related technologies, including at the many suppliers in the sector, Toyota Motor's chairman said on Thursday.

"There are 5.5 million people involved in the automotive industry in Japan. Among them are those who have been doing engine-related (work) for a long time," Akio Toyoda told reporters.

Also check these Cars

Find more Cars
Toyota Camry (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon2487 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 46.17 Lakhs
Compare
Toyota Camry 2024 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
Engine Icon2487 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 50 Lakhs
Alert Me When Launched
Audi A4 (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon1984.0 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 42.34 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Bmw 3 Series (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon2998.0 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 42.30 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Audi A6 (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon1984 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 54.42 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Tata Curvv Ev (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon55 kWh Range Icon585 km
₹ 17.49 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers

"If electric vehicles simply become the only choice, including for our suppliers, those people's jobs would be lost," he said, adding he liked gasoline vehicles.

Also Read : After Creta EV, Hyundai to launch three more electric vehicles

Toyota, the world's biggest automaker by sales, has been more cautious in its approach to EVs than other makers. That's helping it currently as global EV sales slow and it benefits from demand for its expanding hybrid line-up, including in its top market the United States.

It champions what it calls a "multi-pathway" strategy toward zero-carbon emissions that includes EVs, hybrids, hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles and other powertrain technology.

Suggested watch: Here's our first look at the India-bound Skoda Elroq electric SUV

In January, Toyoda said EVs would at most account for 30 per cent of the global auto market, with hybrids, hydrogen fuel-cell and fuel-burning vehicles making up the rest. He did not specify a timeframe for that forecast.

Toyoda made the comments to reporters at the unveiling of a bust of his father, Shoichiro Toyoda, at Nagoya University in central Japan.

The elder Toyoda, who died aged 97 last year, led Toyota during the 1980s, when the company reshaped the global auto market, upending Detroit's dominance. He also oversaw the launch of the luxury Lexus brand and the Prius hybrid.

Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India.

First Published Date: 11 Oct 2024, 09:04 AM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Check Latest Offers

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Select a dealer

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy
Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.