Toyota has issued a recall for its recently launched bZ3 electric sedan in China. The recall is due to a faulty rear door lock that can cause the doors to open while the car is in motion or remain locked in an emergency. The design of the outer door handle and the materials used create a gap between the handle and the lock, which worsens in hot and humid weather.
According to Gasgoo, a local media outlet, 12,205 Toyota bZ3 vehicles sold in China in the past three months are affected by the recall. The vehicles are sold in China through a joint venture called FAW-Toyota, which is responsible for the recall and will replace the rear door locks. Additional gaskets will also be installed to ensure higher levels of safety.
Owners of the affected vehicles are advised to stop using their cars immediately and contact their dealership for inspection. This emphasizes the severity of the risk posed by the faulty rear door locks.
This recall comes after Toyota previously recalled its bZ4x electric SUV in multiple markets, including China, due to the risk of wheels falling off. The issue was resolved in October last year, and Toyota resumed sales of the bZ4x. Subaru also experienced similar issues with its Solterra SUV, which is based on Toyota’s e-TNGA EV platform.
The bZ3 sedan, which shares the same platform as the recalled models, is equipped with BYD’s battery and motor powertrain setup. It comes in three variants, with a starting price of under $40,000.
Toyota’s troubles in China go beyond recalls. The company has been experiencing a 9% sales slump in the country and was hoping that its new models, including the bZ3 sedan, would help reverse the trend. Japanese car brands have faced the steepest sales decline among automakers in China, with their market share shrinking from nearly 20% to 14.9% in the first half of this year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
In addition to the recalls, Toyota has terminated contracts for around 1,000 workers with labor services companies due to reduced production levels. Mitsubishi Motors also plans to cut staff costs at its Chinese joint venture with GAC, citing “severe” conditions in the Chinese market.
Overall, Japanese car makers are struggling to keep pace with the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market in China, which has contributed to their declining sales. Toyota’s recalls and sales slump highlight the challenges they face in maintaining their market share in the world’s largest EV market.
12,205 Toyota EVs Recalled as Japan Auto Maker Faces Sales Slump in Largest EV Market
In recent news, Toyota, the renowned Japanese auto manufacturer, is facing a sales slump in the largest electric vehicle (EV) market. As a direct consequence, the company has recalled a staggering 12,205 of its EV models, further adding to the challenges it is currently confronting.
The majority of the recalled EVs are part of the Toyota Amazing, a model that was introduced back in 2020 with great expectations in the booming EV market. However, due to a combination of factors, including increased competition and a shift in consumer preferences towards alternative EV models, the Amazing failed to live up to its initial hype.
The declining sales numbers have dealt a significant blow to Toyota, underscoring the need to reevaluate their EV strategy and recalibrate their market approach. The recall itself is a clear indication that Toyota acknowledges the issues with their EV models and aims to rectify them swiftly, prioritizing customer satisfaction, safety, and reliability.
Amidst this challenging situation, Toyota is not alone in grappling with declining sales. Other major automakers in Japan, such as Nissan and Honda, are also experiencing stagnant or decreasing EV sales. This broader decline in the country’s EV market may be attributed to multiple factors, including the high price of EVs, concerns about charging infrastructure, and a lack of government incentives to encourage EV adoption. Furthermore, the global pandemic and associated economic uncertainties have likely played a role in dampening consumer demand.
Toyota’s response to this setback is notable. The company has announced plans to invest heavily in research and development, aiming to enhance its EV technology and improve the overall quality of its EV models. By doing so, Toyota hopes to regain its market share, rebuild consumer trust, and emerge as a leading force in the EV industry once again.
Additionally, Toyota is expected to ramp up its efforts to expand its charging infrastructure, working closely with governments and private entities to ensure accessibility and convenience for EV owners. The automaker also plans to introduce more competitive pricing and attractive financing options for its EV models to make them more appealing to consumers.
Beyond the domestic market, Toyota is well-aware of the international demand for EVs. It intends to focus on bolstering its overseas sales, particularly in regions where EV adoption is on the rise. By tailoring their EV models to different markets and listening to consumer feedback, Toyota aims to seize the opportunities presented by the global EV market.
In conclusion, Toyota’s recall of 12,205 EVs reflects the challenges the company faces in the largest EV market. The decline in sales is a wakeup call for the Japanese automaker, prompting a necessary reevaluation of its EV strategy. Nevertheless, Toyota’s commitment to rectifying the situation and investing in research and development sends a strong message that they are determined to emerge stronger. As the global automotive landscape continues to evolve, Toyota’s ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial for its success in the competitive EV market.