Toyota partners GAC to launch self-driving EV in China by 2025

Toyota is set to debut its first electric vehicle equipped with an advanced autonomous driving system in China next year. The new model, Bozhi 3X SUV, is part of a joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) and aims to rival Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology.

This initiative marks Toyota’s strategic push to regain its market share in China by advancing in hybrid, battery, and intelligent vehicle technologies. The announcement was made during an event in Guangzhou, where GAC Toyota outlined its ambitious innovation targets.

The Bozhi 3X SUV will feature cutting-edge driving assistance capabilities for parking and navigation on highways and urban roads, positioning Toyota as a leader in autonomous driving among foreign brands in China.

In collaboration with Momenta Global, known for developing autonomous driving software for automakers like Mercedes-Benz, and Huawei, which will provide in-vehicle operating software starting with an electric sedan in 2025, Toyota is set to revolutionize its offerings.

Moreover, Toyota plans to introduce an iron phosphate lithium battery between 2026 and 2027, which is expected to lower the production cost of its bZ4X EV by 40%.

Despite facing a 22% decline in sales during the first four months of this year compared to the same period in 2023, Toyota ranked fifth among all car brands in China, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

Read more on Toyota set to report record $31.87 bn profit driven by demand for its hybrid vehicles