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The article details BMW and Toyota's collaboration to develop hydrogen-powered electric vehicles (FCEVs) aiming to expand the market for cleaner cars. Topics discussed include the joint development of powertrains, the potential market benefits and infrastructure challenges, and the strategic role of hydrogen in complementing rather than replacing battery-electric vehicles.

Toyota Motor has retained its position as the world's top-selling carmaker, with global sales reaching a record high of 11.2 million vehicles in 2023. Despite a decline in sales in China, Japan, North America, and Europe drove the growth. Toyota also reported a worldwide production increase of 8.6% to a record 11.5 million vehicles in the same year. This achievement comes as the company recovered from the impact of the pandemic and a global chip shortage. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the future of automaking and the need for carmakers to change how they design, build, and sell cars in order to achieve a world of personalized transportation. The current industry standard involves labor-intensive and imprecise manufacturing processes that result in high energy use, emissions, and material costs. However, some companies, like Tesla, have embraced next-generation manufacturing techniques, such as gigacasting, to streamline production and reduce the number of parts. Other companies, like Divergent Technologies, are exploring additive manufacturing, or 3-D printing, to dramatically reduce material and energy consumption. Toyota is also using AI technology to optimize vehicle design and incorporate customer preferences. The article highlights the potential for these new manufacturing processes to address environmental concerns and create more sustainable cars. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the renewed competition between Tesla and Toyota in the electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid markets. While Elon Musk aims to make Tesla the bestselling automaker with all-electric vehicles, Toyota has seen a surge in hybrid sales due to their affordability and improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional cars. Toyota's chairman, Akio Toyoda, has emphasized that an all-in EV approach may not be what customers want. Tesla has been successful in stealing sales from Toyota, but they have had to reduce their pricing to compete. The battle between the two companies is particularly intense in California, where Tesla's price cuts have made their EVs more affordable than Toyota's Camry. Toyota is doubling down on its hybrid strategy and will only offer the Camry as a hybrid in the future. The article highlights the changing perception of hybrids, as Toyota has been able to improve their cost and performance, making them a more attractive option for customers. [Extracted from the article]

Toyota has been slower than rivals to roll out fully electric models in major markets such as the U.S., with its bZ4X electric SUV being recalled earlier this year because of a potential safety problem. Akio Toyoda says electric vehicles are one option alongside hybrids and hydrogen-powered cars Graph: 'Because the right answer is still unclear, we shouldn't limit ourselves to just one option', said Toyota Motor President Akio Toyoda. Toyota Chief Says "Silent Majority" Has Doubts About Pursuing Only EVs. [Extracted from the article]