Akio Toyoda Admits His Stance on Combustion Engines Leaves Him Feeling "Lonely"

Toyota has ranked first in global vehicle sales for the sixth consecutive year, yet the share of its electric vehicle (EV) sales remains relatively low. Earlier this year, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda stated that the company’s EV sales would never exceed 30% of its total global sales. He has repeatedly emphasized that charging infrastructure remains inadequate in many regions worldwide, making internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles still indispensable in certain areas. In a recent interview with the British media outlet Carwow, Toyoda expressed his continued appreciation for the smell, sound, and characteristics of internal combustion engines, adding that he hopes to preserve jobs tied to the ICE supply chain. However, he noted that fewer people seem to share his viewpoint. “Three or four years ago, I was among the few openly voicing my preference for ICE vehicles,” he said. “Now, holding this stance makes me feel ‘very lonely,’ because everyone is moving toward electrification.” Additionally, during a test-drive event earlier this year at Fuji Speedway, Toyoda told a young engineer who was about to join the company that if Toyota built cars based solely on personal preferences, its entire lineup would consist of high-performance hatchbacks like the GR Corolla and GR Yaris.