Toyota chairman warns EV-only future could lead to job losses

11 Oct 2024 CW Team

The chairman of Toyota Motor, Akio Toyoda, expressed concerns about the shift to an electric vehicle-only future, indicating it could result in job losses for individuals involved in engine-related technologies, particularly among the numerous suppliers in the sector. He noted that approximately 5.5 million people work in the automotive industry in Japan, with many having dedicated years to engine-related roles. Toyoda stated that if electric vehicles became the sole option, including for suppliers, those individuals would lose their jobs. He also mentioned his personal preference for gasoline vehicles.

As the world’s largest automaker by sales, Toyota has adopted a more cautious approach to electric vehicles compared to its competitors. This strategy has been beneficial, especially as global EV sales slow, allowing Toyota to capitalize on the demand for its growing hybrid lineup, particularly in the United States.

The company advocates for a "multi-pathway" strategy to achieve zero-carbon emissions, which encompasses electric vehicles, hybrids, hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, and other powertrain technologies. Earlier in January, Toyoda projected that electric vehicles would account for a maximum of 30% of the global auto market, with hybrids, hydrogen fuel-cell, and fuel-burning vehicles comprising the remaining portion, although he did not provide a specific timeline for this forecast.

Toyoda made these remarks to reporters during the unveiling of a bust of his father, Shoichiro Toyoda, at Nagoya University in central Japan. The elder Toyoda, who passed away at the age of 97 last year, played a pivotal role in leading Toyota during the 1980s when the company transformed the global auto market, challenging Detroit's dominance. He also oversaw the introduction of the luxury Lexus brand and the Prius hybrid.

Infrastructure Urban

09 Feb 2026

Eicher Delivers First 13.5 m Electric Intercity Sleeper Bus

Eicher Trucks & Buses, a business unit of VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd., has recently delivered its first 13.5 m electric intercity sleeper bus, marking a key milestone in India’s long-distance electric mobility segment. The first bus is being operated by LeafyBus, with plans to deploy 35 buses by March 2026 across high-demand intercity corridors in North India.The initial deployment will cover routes such as Delhi–Dehradun and Delhi–Lucknow, supporting LeafyBus’ expansion across environmentally sensitive and high-density travel corridors.Commenting on the partnership, Suresh Chettia..

HCSS Showcases Unified Construction Platform at CONEXPO 2026

HCSS will recently present the next evolution of its connected construction management platform at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, bringing together construction workflows, data and teams on a single platform across the entire project lifecycle. The event will be held from 3–7 March 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. HCSS will host two booths at the show, demonstrating how its integrated software ecosystem enables seamless collaboration between the office, field and shop, from bid stage through to project closeout. Steve McGough, President and CEO, HCSS, said, “For 40 years, we’ve done everything within..

Berger Paints Q3 Profit Declines Despite Volume Growth

Berger Paints India has reported a mixed performance for the quarter ended 31 December 2025, with healthy volume growth and margin improvement offset by softer demand conditions and cost pressures. On a consolidated basis, revenue from operations for the quarter stood at Rs 29,840 million, compared to Rs 29,751 million in the corresponding quarter last year, reflecting a marginal increase of 0.3 per cent. EBITDA (excluding other income) was Rs 4,710 million, slightly lower than Rs 4,717 million a year earlier. Net profit declined by 8.3 per cent to Rs 2,713 million from Rs 2,960 million. Sta..