Toyota's EV Goals Fall Short

author: FutureCar Staff    

Good morning! It's Friday, September 22, 2023, and this is The Morning Shift, your daily roundup of the top automotive headlines from around the world, in one place. Here are the important stories you need to know.

1st Gear: Toyota Aims to Ramp Up EV Production

Toyota, known for being slow to the electric vehicle market, is now looking to increase its EV output significantly. The company plans to build more than 600,000 EVs by 2025, with a target of 1.5 million by 2026 and 3.5 million by 2030. These numbers would surpass Tesla's EV sales and make electric models account for a third of Toyota's annual sales by the end of the decade. However, Toyota has a long way to go, as it sold fewer than 25,000 EVs last year. The company aims to raise EV production to about 150,000 vehicles in 2023 and gradually increase it further in the coming years.

2nd Gear: Negotiations Continue Between Big Three Automakers and UAW

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has been on strike at Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis plants since last Friday. The automakers are now making another final attempt to reach a deal with the union. Negotiations took place yesterday, with hopes of preventing an escalation of the strike. The UAW's Friday noon deadline for an expanded strike looms, which could include plants that produce popular models like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ram pickup trucks.

3rd Gear: European Union Sets Standards for E-Fuels

The European Union is looking into the use of e-fuels and their carbon neutrality. A draft document states that from 2035, cars running on e-fuels must be 100% carbon neutral to be offered for sale after the ban on gas-powered models. E-fuels must be produced in a way that utilizes captured atmospheric carbon to offset the CO2 released when burned in car engines. This move is part of the EU's efforts to transition to more sustainable transportation.

4th Gear: NHTSA Investigates Ford EcoSport Models

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into an oil pump issue that could affect 240,000 Ford EcoSport models built between 2018 and 2021. The probe was initiated after receiving complaints alleging that the oil pump may fail, leading to a loss of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. This investigation adds to the NHTSA's ongoing investigations into Ford recalls, including the Focus models and the Explorer SUV.

On This Day in Automotive History: September 22, 2023

No significant automotive events have been recorded on this day.

On The Radio: Justice - "D.A.N.C.E."

FutureCar Staff