Toyota, which has been watching from afar as the electric vehicle (EV) market in China is dominated by local brands, is now preparing to enter the scene. However, this time, instead of relying on its own technology, the Japanese automotive giant is taking a new approach: If you want to win in China, you have to partner with the best in China. The first concrete example of this new strategy will be the GAC Toyota bZ7, a large sedan produced with the help of tech giants Huawei and Xiaomi. Here are the details.
Toyota’s joint vehicle with Huawei and Xiaomi
GAC Toyota, Toyota’s regional joint venture, has released the first official images of the bZ7. This isn’t a small vehicle designed for tight city streets. Measuring a full 5,130 mm long, 1,965 mm wide, and 1,500 mm high, the bZ7 aims to offer a spacious and comfortable interior with its long wheelbase of 3,020 mm.
However, what truly sets the bZ7 apart is the technological approach underlying its conventional design. Instead of a Toyota-made engine, the sedan will be powered by hardware provided by Huawei. According to reports, this engine will produce 207 kW (approximately 278 horsepower). This power will propel the 2,105 kg vehicle to a top speed of 180 km/h.
One of the fiercest areas of competition in today’s electric vehicle market is dashboard displays. Toyota recognized this reality and gave local experts the opportunity to lead the way. The bZ7 will feature Huawei’s HarmonySpace cockpit system, known for its streamlined interface and advanced connectivity features.
The vehicle will also be integrated with Xiaomi’s smart ecosystem. This will allow the bZ7 to seamlessly connect with a wide range of smart home devices and personal electronics. This feature is crucial for tech-savvy Chinese customers.
This collaboration represents a fundamental shift in Toyota’s operations in the world’s largest market. Key decisions on new models were previously made at headquarters in Japan. However, this outdated mindset is now being abandoned.
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