Toyota is preparing to compete with Tesla and its fully self-driving (FSD) technology, starting next year in China.
Reuters The Japanese auto giant plans to launch the Bozhi 3X electric SUV – produced as part of a joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) – in 2025, with the model featuring advanced autonomous driving capabilities, reports the Nikkei Asian Review.
However, it is unlikely to come to Australia as the Bozhi 3X – the joint venture version of the Toyota bZ3X – will focus on jump-starting Toyota’s falling sales in the Chinese car market.
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Chinese market bZ3X
GAC Toyota claims that the autonomous driving system will provide enhanced driving assistance on the highway, around town and in parking situations – much like high-end Level 2 systems, e.g. Tesla’s controversial full self-driving.
Technology company Momenta Global collaborated with Toyota to develop the system, after previously working with Mercedes-Benz on similar software.
A growing list of problem related to self-driving technology has caused debate about the safety of such systems on public roads.
Although self-driving cars are not currently legal on Australian roads, the Federal Government recently requested input from the public as they study legislation aimed at establishing safety standards and accountability for self-driving vehicles and their operators.
Automated vehicles could enter the Australian market as soon as 2026.
Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei is also working with Toyota on in-vehicle operating software with autonomous driving capabilities, which will be available on a new electric sedan scheduled to launch in China next year. 2025.
Toyota is investing in a diversified product strategy that includes internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, hybrid and hydrogen vehicles, as well as electric vehicles.
The manufacturer plans to launch lithium iron phosphate batteries within the next two to three years, which could reduce the production cost of the bZ4x electric SUV by up to 40%.
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