Summary
Toyota is pushing back against California’s stricter emissions standards and plans to phase out gasoline car sales
Toyota believes the targets are unrealistic due to lack of demand
12 other states and DC have signed on for these rules
Toyota previously agreed to a truce with CARB, but now appears to be resuming pushback
GM has been criticized for trying to derail California rules while moving towards an all-EV future
Article
Toyota is indicating a renewed pushback against California’s ability to set stricter emissions standards and phase out gasoline cars. Jack Hollis, Toyota North America COO, expressed skepticism regarding California rules calling for a high percentage of electric vehicles by 2026 and ending sales of internal-combustion engine vehicles by 2035. He believes there isn’t enough demand to support these targets, resulting in automakers shipping more electrified vehicles to California-compliant states.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB), responsible for setting the state’s emissions standards, has 12 other states and the District of Columbia on board with the stricter rules. Despite Toyota’s recent truce with CARB in 2022, the company is once again pushing back against California’s regulations after Donald Trump was re-elected for a second term. The company had previously aligned with the Trump administration and other automakers to challenge California’s authority to set emissions standards.
Toyota’s focus has been on hybrid vehicles rather than electric vehicles, contrasting with GM’s efforts to combat emissions through an all-electric future. While Ford, Honda, BMW, VW, and Volvo sided with California to combat emissions, Toyota has stood apart in its reluctance to fully embrace electric vehicle technology. GM, on the other hand, has faced criticism from both Trump and Toyota for its approach to California’s regulations while striving for an all-electric future.
The shift in Toyota’s stance comes at a critical time, as demand for electric vehicles appears to be increasing compared to a year ago. Despite signs of growing interest in EVs, Toyota remains hesitant to align with California’s strict emissions standards. The company’s resistance to fully embracing electric vehicles has put it at odds with other automakers who have chosen to work with California to reduce emissions and transition to cleaner transportation options.
While Toyota’s comments signal a renewed pushback against California’s emissions regulations, the company’s resistance contrasts with the efforts of other automakers to transition to electric vehicles. Toyota’s focus on hybrid technology has positioned it as an outlier among automakers working to combat climate change through cleaner transport options. The company’s reluctance to fully embrace California’s stricter emissions standards may impact its market competitiveness as consumer preferences shift towards more sustainable vehicles. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Toyota’s stance on emissions regulations will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and environmental advocates.
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