TBC News

Tag: toyota

  • Toyota’s New Fuel Cell System Revealed

    Toyota’s New Fuel Cell System Revealed

    Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced today that it has developed a new fuel cell (FC) system, its third-generation fuel cell system (3rd Gen FC System), as part of its continued efforts toward the realization of a hydrogen society.

    The all-new 3rd Gen FC System is designed to meet the particular needs of the commercial sector with the same durability as conventional diesel-powered engines.

    Additionally, the new system features significant improvements in performance, including fuel efficiency and a significant reduction in costs compared to the prior version.

    In addition to passenger vehicles, the 3rd Gen FC System will be expanded for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles, and is planned for introduction in markets mainly in Japan, Europe, North America, and China after 2026 at the earliest.

    The 3rd Gen FC System will be unveiled for the first time on Wednesday, February 19 at the H2 & FC EXPO (International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo) in Tokyo, Japan.

    Toyota views hydrogen as an important fuel in pursuit of carbon neutrality and is actively collaborating with partners across various industries.

    Toyota has been promoting various initiatives in the areas of “Create, Transport, Store, and Use” hydrogen in relation to its R&D activities.

    To further accelerate the use cases and adoption of FC technology to achieve a hydrogen society, the continuous evolution of FC technology is necessary, and this 3rd Gen FC system represents a significant step-change.

    Overview of 3rd Gen FC System

    In 2014, Toyota launched the MIRAI fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV),and has since sold approximately 28,000 units across more than 30 countries and territories.

    Additionally, since 2019, Toyota began supplying FC systems for use in other applications, such as buses, railroads, and stationary power generators, supplying more than 2,700 units to more than 100 customers globally.

    In Japan, Toyota works with many partners, particularly in Tokyo and Fukushima prefectures, to implement these systems in the commercial sector and help create a hydrogen society.

    The new 3rd Gen FC System was developed based on customer feedback and insights from proof-of-concepts and demonstration tests over the past several years.

    The main features of the 3rd Gen FC System follow:

    Main Features

    • Improvement in durability, up to 2x (two times) that of the prior generation, achieving durability comparable to diesel engines and maintenance-free design.
    • Improvement in fuel efficiency of 1.2x that of the prior generation, allowing for a 20% more cruising range.
    • Significant cost reduction through innovations in cell design and manufacturing processes.

    Expansion of line-up

    The 3rd Gen FC System can be installed in a variety of commercial vehicles, passenger cars, and general-purpose applications, such as stationary generators, rail, and ships. For passenger vehicles, the improved fuel efficiency provides greater cruising range for further peace of mind.

    For heavy-duty commercial vehicles, the new FC system offers a level of durability comparable to diesel engines and high power. In addition, by designing the system to be more compact, it can be more easily integrated into various commercial vehicles.

  • Toyota chief faces backlash over testing scandal

    Toyota chief faces backlash over testing scandal

    Toyota’s chairman, Akio Toyoda, is set to face a vote of no confidence from two major proxy groups at the company’s annual shareholders meeting on June 18. The move comes after Toyota apologized for fraudulent certification tests on vehicles, a major embarrassment for a company known for its commitment to quality.

    The vote is a result of a series of scandals involving improper checks on vehicles, including collision tests, at group companies such as Daihatsu Motor Co., Hino Motors, and Toyota Industries Corp. Japanese officials have also reported similar issues at Honda Motor Co., Mazda Motor Corp., and Suzuki Motor Corp.

    Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), a proxy advisory firm, has recommended voting against Toyoda’s reappointment, citing his failure to ensure proper internal controls and governance measures within the company. ISS noted that Toyoda’s promises for change did not involve reshuffling the board, which it believes is insufficient to prevent future problems.

    Glass Lewis & Co., another major proxy advisory firm, also recommended voting against Toyoda and another top executive, Shigeru Hayakawa. Glass Lewis emphasized the need for more independent board members and greater transparency in Toyota’s lobbying efforts on climate change.

    Despite these criticisms, Toyoda is unlikely to be ousted due to the strong support he has from Japanese companies, which are Toyota’s largest shareholders. Toyota Industries, a group company, is the second-largest shareholder.

    Toyota’s stock prices had tripled over the last five years before plummeting amid the latest troubles. The company’s shares are now trading at above 3,000 yen ($20), representing a loss of about 3 trillion Japanese yen ($18 billion) in market value.

    The company’s profits doubled in the fiscal year ended in March, to 4.9 trillion yen ($31.9 billion), exceeding its own projections. Toyota is the world’s leading automaker, with sales of 9.4 million vehicles in the fiscal year that ended in March.

    In a recent report, Kazunori Maki, an auto analyst at SMBC Nikko Securities, noted that the suspended shipments affected only 1% or 2% of Toyota’s global sales. He also suggested that factory workers might have skirted rules seen as meticulous but not vital for safety.

    Toyoda has faced criticism before, including a massive recall scandal in the U.S. shortly after becoming chief executive in 2009. He testified before Congress, apologizing for the issues and emphasizing the importance of quality control. This time, he has reassured the public that Toyota will continue to address any problems that arise, saying, “We are not a perfect company. But if we see anything wrong, we will take a step back and keep trying to correct it.”