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Toyota focuses on localization in China & the US to boost EV production

(Credit: Toyota)

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Toyota will focus on developing local production and supply chains in China and the United States to boost electric vehicle sales. 

The new President and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Koji Sato, revealed the Japanese automaker’s plans in the electric vehicle market (EVs). 

Toyota remained the top-selling automaker in the world for three consecutive years in 2022. However, the rise of battery electric vehicles (BEV) might threaten Toyota’s crown. The Japanese automaker has been a little late in joining the BEV race. This year, though, Toyota appears to have realized the potential of BEVs in the auto industry. 

Earlier this month, TMC announced the launch of 10 new BEVs with a target sales goal of 1.5 million units by 2026. Toyota aims for significant growth in the BEV market. It is a smart move, considering that BEVs might be the future of the whole auto industry. Many countries are choosing to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles and support clean, energy-efficient cars.

Part of Toyota’s strategy for growth includes localization in China and the United States. 

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“In areas where there is an acceleration in the shift towards battery EVs, like China and the US, we need to be bold with local production,” said Toyota’s new CEO in a group interview over the weekend.

China’s Place in the BEV Market

The Chinese auto market is the world’s largest vehicle market, making it a prime target for Toyota’s goals. China is vigorously supporting clean energy vehicles, including BEVs and plug-in hybrids. 

Japanese automakers posted the sharpest sales decline in China against foreign brands. The Financial Times attributed Toyota’s sales decline to its slow rollout of BEVs. FAW Toyota and GAC Toyota in China ranked 9th and 10th—respectively—in the China Passenger Car Association’s (CPCA) list of Top 10 Chinese automakers by retail sales. For comparison, Tesla–which only sells BEVs–ranked 7th place.

The CPCA reported Toyota’s 23.5% year-over-year (YoY) decrease in sales in January–including ICE and BEV sales. By February, Toyota reported a decline of 12.2% YoY in sales, with a slight increase of 0.9% year-to-date (YTD). Lastly, in March 2023, Toyota sold 136,400 units in China, down 18.5% YoY. Its sales volume in China by the end of Q1 2023 was 379,900, down by 14.5% YoY. 

The US IRA’s Impact on the BEV Market

The United States has also shown full support for battery electric vehicles, specifically with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA provides incentives to support BEV production within the United States or any country with a free trade agreement with the US. It also includes tax credits for BEV purchases. 

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The IRA has significantly affected the BEV market worldwide since it passed. Many companies outside of the United States have already started working with American companies to build BEV components in the United States. For instance, South Korean battery supplier LG Energy Solutions is working on the construction of battery production facilities in the United States with Ford and Tesla. 

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) reported saw an uptick in electrified vehicle sales in the first quarter. In March, electric vehicles made up 27.5% of TMNA’s total sales volume. TMNA sold a title of 469,558 vehicles in Q1 2023, down by 8.8% by a volume and daily selling rate (DSR) basis. It sold approximately 118,836 elective vehicles, accounting for 25.3% of total sales volume. 

“With 22 electrified vehicle options between both the Toyota and Lexus brands, the most among any automaker, we’re giving customers a choice that fits their lifestyle, pocketbook and needs,” said Jack Hollis, TMNA’s executive vice president of sales. “We continue to make improvements to our vehicle inventory to satisfy customer demand, while doing all we can to exceed expectations as we introduce more electrified vehicles throughout the balance of 2023.”

The Teslarati team would appreciate hearing from you. If you have any tips, contact me at maria@teslarati.com or via Twitter @Writer_01001101.

Maria--aka "M"-- is an experienced writer and book editor. She's written about several topics including health, tech, and politics. As a book editor, she's worked with authors who write Sci-Fi, Romance, and Dark Fantasy. M loves hearing from TESLARATI readers. If you have any tips or article ideas, contact her at maria@teslarati.com or via X, @Writer_01001101.

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Tesla launches “TeslaVision” video contest to celebrate Model Y deliveries

The program marks a revival of Tesla’s popular Project Loveday initiative back in 2017.

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Credit: Tesla Asia/X

Tesla has announced the TeslaVision Contest, a global video showcase inviting fans and owners to highlight the impact of the company’s vehicles on people. 

The program marks a revival of its Project Loveday initiative in 2017, which was extremely well-received by the electric vehicle community. 

A Contest to Celebrate the New Model Y

As per the TeslaVision contest’s official website, the program is being rolled out to commemorate the launch and deliveries of the new Model Y across all continents. Thus, the contest could be seen as a global celebration and showcase of owners and fans who made Tesla the household brand that it has become today.

Participants are tasked with creating a 90-second or shorter video demonstrating how Tesla vehicles provide “more freedom, more safety, more fun, more convenience.” Submissions must be uploaded to YouTube and shared on X and Instagram with the tag @Tesla and the phrase “TeslaVision contest.” 

Videos must align with Tesla’s mission to accelerate sustainable energy, be suitable for all ages, and avoid references to non-Tesla brands. English text or voice-overs are required, and entrants must relinquish rights to their content for Tesla’s commercial use.

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A Big Prize Awaits

When Tesla launched Project Loveday in 2017, the company noted that the contest’s winner would receive an all-expenses paid invitation to an upcoming Tesla product launch. For TeslaVision, the grand prize is a lot more tangible, with the winner receiving a new Model Y AWD. They will also get an all-expenses-paid trip to Gigafactory Texas. Second and third-place winners will also receive a Giga Texas tour. 

Finalists will be selected based on creativity, originality, relevance to the prompt, and entertainment value. Tesla will shortlist 100 videos, with the top 10 subject to public voting to influence the final judging. The contest is open to legal residents of the United States, Mexico, and Canada, aged 18 or older, with a valid driver’s license and Tesla account. No purchase is necessary, though entries are limited to just one per person. 

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Starlink India launch gains traction with telecom license approval  

Starlink just secured its telecom license in India! High-speed satellite internet could go live in 2 months.

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(Credit: Starlink)

Starlink India’s launch cleared a key regulatory hurdle after securing a long-awaited license from the country’s telecom ministry. Starlink’s license approval in India paves the way for commercial operations to begin, marking a significant milestone after a three-year wait.

The Department of Telecommunications granted Starlink a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license, enabling it to roll out its high-speed internet service. Local reports hinted that Starlink plans to launch its services within the next two months. Starlink India’s services are expected to be priced at ₹3,000 per month for unlimited data. Starlink service would require a ₹33,000 hardware kit, including a dish and router.

“Starlink is finally ready to enter the Indian market,” sources familiar with the rollout plans confirmed, noting a one-month free trial for new users.

Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite network promises low-latency, high-speed internet that is ideal for rural India, border areas, and hilly terrains. With over 7,000 satellites in orbit and millions of global users, Starlink aims to bridge India’s digital divide, especially in areas with limited traditional broadband.

Starlink has forged distribution partnerships with Indian telecom giants Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel to streamline deployment and retail logistics. However, the company still awaits spectrum allocation and final clearances from India’s space regulator, IN-SPACe, and national security agencies before its full launch, expected before August 2025.

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India’s satellite internet market is becoming increasingly competitive, with Starlink joining rivals like OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications. While Starlink positions itself as a premium offering, its entry has sparked debate among domestic telecom operators over spectrum pricing.

Local reports noted that other players in the industry have raised concerns over the lower regulatory fees proposed for satellite firms compared to terrestrial operators, highlighting tensions in the sector.

Starlink India’s launch represents a transformative step toward expanding internet access in one of the world’s largest markets. Starlink could redefine connectivity for millions in underserved regions by leveraging its advanced satellite technology and strategic partnerships. As the company navigates remaining regulatory steps, its timely rollout could set a new standard for satellite internet in India, intensifying competition and driving innovation in the telecom landscape.

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xAI supercomputer faces pushback from Memphis politicians

Local leaders in Memphis warn Elon Musk’s xAI hub could pollute local communities, despite Tesla Megapacks now stabilizing power.

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(Credit: xAI)

xAI’s supercomputer in Memphis faces pushback from local leaders and environmental groups over concerns about air pollution despite its promise of economic growth.

xAI’s Memphis facility was touted as the world’s largest supercomputer. It has sparked opposition from the NAACP, Sierra Club, and Mississippi Democratic Party Chairman Cheikh Taylor.

State Rep. Taylor spoke at a Southaven church press conference recently, arguing that the xAI facility in Memphis, Tennessee, would disproportionately harm black residents in north Mississippi.

“In the State of Mississippi, the goal is to separate Republicans and Democrats on race alone. So, if you’re a Democrat in this state, you probably look like me,” Taylor said.

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He also criticized prioritizing economic gains over environmental health, asking, “Can you trust Elon Musk to tell the truth?”

Tennessee State Rep. Justin J. Pearson echoed these concerns, linking the opposition to a broader fight against pollution. “The paltry money xAI has dangled in front of our short-sighted leaders is not worth the cost of breathing dirty and–in some cases–deadly air,” Pearson said.

These local leaders and environmental groups are urging local governments and the Environmental Protection Agency to deny xAI’s air permit applications for 45 to 90 methane gas turbines in the Memphis and Southaven areas.

xAI has not directly addressed the criticism but has taken steps to power its Colossus supercomputer sustainably. Last month, the Greater Memphis Chamber announced that Tesla Megapack batteries would stabilize the facility’s power, with a new 150-megawatt electric substation completing its first construction phase.

“The temporary natural gas turbines that were being used to power the Phase I GPUs prior to grid connection are now being demobilized and will be removed from the site over the next two months,” shared the Chamber.

An additional 160+ Megapacks were delivered to xAI’s Memphis facility for the Colossus 2 data center within the same month.

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Announced in June 2024, the xAI facility was hailed by Greater Memphis Chamber CEO Ted Townsend as the largest capital investment by a new-to-market company in Memphis history. Despite its economic promise, environmental concerns continue to fuel opposition, highlighting tensions between technological innovation and community health in the Deep South’s emerging AI hub.

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