Toyota's Chinese JV to Launch Hands-Free Drive Tech in 2025

Toyota’s joint venture in China plans to launch a Level 3 autonomous driving battery-electric model in the market next year.

Reuters reports that the JV with state-owned Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) hopes to turn around the 22% in drop in demand for the Japanese automaker’s products during the first four months of 2024. It has been hit by increasing competition from cheaper Chinese products in the technologies of hybrid powertrains, batteries and automated driving features.

GAC Toyota says it will launch the Bozhi 3X SUV next year as the first model to be equipped with the system that claims the capability allow hands-free driving where regulations allow and for automated parking.

The system is being developed with autonomous start-up Momenta Global, which also provides ADAS software for other automakers including Mercedes-Benz. Huawei also will use the company’s software for its new battery-electric sedan planned for the Chinese market in 2025.

GAC Toyota also says it will bring an iron phosphate lithium battery to market during 2026 and 2027, hoping to reduce the production cost of its bZ4X EV by up to 40%.