Japanese Automakers Accelerate EV Shift, Fully Relying on Chinese Tech and Platforms

Hit by the global wave of electrification, Japanese automakers such as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have seen their sales in China continue to decline, with their combined market share dropping from nearly 25% at its peak to around 12%. They are also experiencing significant market share losses in Southeast Asia. Their delayed response to the shift toward electrification has resulted in underwhelming performance of their self-developed EV platforms—Toyota’s bZ series and Honda’s e:N series, for example, have both suffered from weak sales. Faced with this challenging situation, the three automakers are adjusting their strategies and deepening collaboration with Chinese companies. Toyota has launched its new BZ Flex series of new energy vehicles based on GAC’s platform, equipped with Huawei’s electric drive system and domestically developed intelligent driving solutions. Honda’s CEO recently visited China to inspect GAC and local supply chains, confirming plans to jointly use Chinese-developed EV chassis. Nissan, meanwhile, is leveraging Dongfeng Motor’s Tianyan platform to develop multiple new models, sourcing its entire “three-electric” system (battery, motor, and power electronics) and smart cockpit components from Chinese suppliers, with plans to roll out this model globally. Currently, nearly all Japanese-branded new energy vehicles on sale rely on Chinese-developed vehicle platforms and core components, with Chinese teams assuming substantial control over product development.