At the 2016 Beijing Motor Show this week, Toyota announced that it will launch two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of its mass-market vehicles in China by 2018. These two models are the Corolla and the Levin (in China, the Levin name is used for the sportier Corolla).
Toyota didn’t provide addition details of these two models and instead of talking about the new plug-ins, the company is highlighting its hybrid history in China.
According to the automaker, in 2005, Toyota selected China as the first location for production of its hybrid flagship, the Prius, outside of Japan.
Later, the establishment of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (China) Co., Ltd. in 2010 created a hub for localized research and development of hybrid technologies. Following this major commitment, Toyota established two local manufacturers of hybrid powertrain components, Toyota Motor (Changshu) Auto Parts Co., Ltd. and Sinogy Toyota Automotive Energy System Co., Ltd., in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
These efforts culminated in last year’s launch of the Corolla Hybrid and Levin Hybrid―both of which feature locally developed hybrid units―in the Chinese market. So far, Toyota has received cumulative total orders for both vehicles at approximately 40,000 units. To continue promoting the widespread use of alternative energy vehicles in the future, Toyota is also proceeding with localization of plug-in hybrid vehicle development ahead of the launch of plug-in versions of these two models in 2018.
Toyota also announced the introduction of a 1.2-liter direct-injection turbo engine that are slated to go on sale in China later this year. The engine is capable of delivering superb driving performance and acceleration, while also achieving impressive fuel efficiency and world-leading thermal efficiency. At present, it is available in models sold in Europe and Japan.
Following introduction in Europe, Japan and the U.S., the Toyota Safety Sense active safety package will be made available in vehicles sold in China later this year. In line with the gradual deployment of Toyota Safety Sense packages with specifications that match the local market environments, the system has been specifically adapted for Chinese roads.
