Japanese giant Toyota, which maintains its leadership in world automotive sales, acknowledged for the first time in such a clear language the pressure it is experiencing in the electric vehicle transformation and against its Chinese competitors. Stating that there is a feeling of significant crisis within the company, officials stated that the new generation electric version of Corolla, the best-selling model in automotive history, is being produced. Toyota Corolla EVsees the project as a turning point that will determine the fate of the brand.

Company Chairman Akio Toyoda, speaking in the documentary where Japanese state television NHK was a guest on Toyota’s closed development center, said: “We cannot survive by clinging to our old ways. If we get complacent, it’s all over.”He warned.

Sincere Confession from Toyota Engineers: “We are Losing Against China”

While the new generation models and prototypes in the development phase were revealed for the first time during the documentary, a Toyota engineer from the development team said: “To be honest, we are losing against China.”His words attracted attention.

Especially BYD and TeslaThe fact that manufacturers such as Dominate the sector with their fast production cycles, software-oriented architectures and low battery costs forces Toyota to radically change its classical and slow product development processes.

What Will the New Generation Toyota Corolla EV Offer?

The new model, bearing the lines of the Corolla Concept shown last year, is not only pure electric (BEV); It is built on a new modular platform that supports rechargeable hybrid (PHEV), hybrid and fuel engine options simultaneously.

The technical highlights of the development process are:

• Multiple Power Options:New platform; It will house all electric (EV), plug-in hybrid and conventional engines in the same chassis.

• New Generation Battery Technology:It is planned to use current battery packs with higher power density in the fully electric version of the vehicle.

• Different Body Types:Within the scope of the project, a wide family of products is being prepared, from sedan to hatchback, from crossover to performance-oriented GR version.

“Either OK or Continue” Period for the Automotive Giant

Toyota, which has been slow in the transition to fully electric vehicles (BEV) and advocated hybrid technology for years, had to drastically revise its strategy when the balances in the market changed rapidly in favor of China. The company, which canceled its flagship Lexus LF-ZC project in recent months and transferred its resources to more efficient platforms, is devoting all its strength to electrifying Corolla, the best-selling icon model of the global market.

So what do you think about this confession of Toyota and its electric vehicle strategy? Do you think the new Corolla EV can leave its Chinese rivals behind? Don’t forget to share your opinions in the comments!