Summary
- Toyota BZ3c unveiled at Beijing Auto Show, planned for China only
- BZ3c will be made in FAW-Toyota’s Tianjin factory and use BYD motor and battery
- BZ3c is expected to enter production before the end of 2024
- MIIT leaks details about BZ3c before it goes on sale
- Potential for BZ3c to see release outside of China using e-TNGA platform
Article
h2: Introduction
The Toyota BZ3c, unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show, is set to be made in FAW-Toyota’s Tianjin factory and will only be available in China. The motor and battery of the BZ3c are sourced from BYD, with production expected to begin before the end of 2024. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in China leaks details about vehicles, including the Toyota BZ3c, before they are approved for sale.
h2: Design and Details
Despite being seen in a preproduction concept guise at the Beijing Auto Show, the Toyota BZ3c has received leaked patent-style photos from the MIIT. While the car is expected to have an LFP battery from BYD and a 268-horsepower motor powering the front wheels, the leaked photos show unflattering aspects of the vehicle such as the white paint, ugly wheel covers, and lack of privacy glass. The BZ3c is set to be manufactured alongside the BZ3 sedan at the FAW-Toyota plant in Tianjin.
h2: Relationship with Other Toyota Models
The Toyota BZ3c, a result of a collaboration between FAW, BYD, and Toyota, shares similarities with other Toyota models in the stable. At the Beijing Auto Show, Toyota also showcased the Toyota BZ3x, which bears resemblance to the GAC Aion V, a small MPV-like crossover. The BZ3c and BZ3x models, while not directly related to the BZ4X, are part of Toyota’s electric vehicle lineup.
h2: Production and Platform
The platform for the Toyota BZ3c has not been officially announced, but if it shares the same line as the BZ3 sedan, it is likely to use the e-TNGA platform found in Toyota’s other ground-up EVs. This suggests the potential for the BZ3c to be released outside of China, possibly with modifications to accommodate tariffs on EVs with Chinese parts. Toyota may explore manufacturing a tariff-friendly version of the BZ3c for markets in North America or Europe.
h2: Future Possibilities
Despite initial plans for the Toyota BZ3c to be exclusively available in China, there is potential for the vehicle to expand to other markets if Toyota can overcome trade barriers. As a part of Toyota’s growing electric vehicle lineup, the BZ3c represents a step forward in sustainable mobility. The leaked details about the BZ3c give insight into its design, specifications, and production plans, setting the stage for its anticipated release.
h2: Conclusion
The Toyota BZ3c, set to enter production in China with components from BYD, has generated interest and speculation about its potential global availability. With ties to other Toyota models and a platform that could support international release, the BZ3c represents a promising addition to the electric vehicle market. As details continue to emerge about this new Toyota offering, consumers and industry observers await further updates on its development and potential expansion beyond China.
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