Toyota EV sales more than double, but China slump drags global sales

· Automotive & EV · Japan · China

Toyota's electric vehicle sales jumped 127% through September, but slumping demand for gasoline and hybrid cars in China pushed its global sales lower for a third consecutive month, according to Electrek. The figures point to a split picture: rapid EV growth from a low base, offset by weakness in the Chinese market where domestic brands have gained share. Separately, KPMG's Andreas Ries discussed China's rise in an Automotive News report that also covered Ford's net income falling 16% while it lifted the low end of its outlook, and Honda's reversal on fleet sales. Toyota has been slower than some rivals to embrace fully electric models, leaning on hybrids, and the China decline adds pressure to accelerate its EV lineup.

Why it matters:Toyota's split results illustrate the squeeze on legacy automakers: EVs are growing fast but from a small base, while the profitable gasoline and hybrid business is eroding in China, the world's largest market.

Key points

  • EV sales up 127% through September
  • Global sales fell for a third straight month on China weakness
  • Report also noted Ford's 16% net income decline and Honda's fleet-sales reversal

Sources (original reporting)

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