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Toyota Motor Corporation’s new chief executive in waiting, Koji Sato, has confirmed that Lexus will lead the company’s battery electric vehicle (BEV) offensive with a new model in 2026.
From April 1, Sato will lead TMC with a brief to further transform the organisation into a brand that provides mobility for all. TMC is the parent company for the Daihatsu, Hino, Kinto, Lexus and Toyota brands.
In his first public address since his elevation, the now former head of Lexus International and Toyota Gazoo Racing has confirmed the ramp up of battery electric vehicle (BEV) models will begin with Lexus.
“To deliver attractive BEVs (battery electric vehicles) to more customers, we must streamline the structure of the car, and—with a BEV-first mindset—we must drastically change the way we do business, from manufacturing to sales and service,” Sato says.
But he rebutted previous criticism that the Japanese manufacturer has been dragging its feet on BEV. He blames poor communication for the perception that TMC has been slow at BEV projects, and says it’s not a fast pivot.
Sato says TMC plans to sell half a million BEVs annually by 2025 and increase that number to 3.5 million by 2030.
But Sato trotted out the same company line as his predecessor Akio Toyoda that TMC will continue to pursue other low emission options such as hybrid internal combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cell powertrains.
TMC has confirmed that Sato will make another statement on the electrification strategy after he officially takes the reins of the company on April 1.
