Toyota advances electric innovation with Hilux BEV testing in Thailand

admin 2024年6月1日

science & technology, science & technology - expert

©REUTERS/Artorn Pookasook/File Photo

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

assess /uh-SES/

[verb] – to evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something
The teacher will assess the students’ understanding of the material through a series of quizzes and exams.

account for /uh-KOUNT fawr/

[phrasal verb] – to form the total of something
Renewable energy sources now account for nearly 30% of the world’s total electricity production.

summit /SUHM-it/

[noun] – a formal meeting or conference, often involving leaders or experts from different areas or organizations, who come together to discuss important issues, make decisions, or exchange information
The climate change summit brought together world leaders to discuss urgent environmental policies and actions.

evolving /uh-VOWL-vuhng/

[adjective] – describes something that is gradually developing or changing over time
The company is adapting its strategies to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

capitalize /KAP-i-tl-ahyz/

[verb] – to take advantage of or use a situation or resource to gain a benefit or profit
The company capitalized on its innovative technology to outpace its competitors in the market.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

Toyota Motor is currently testing a new electric model of its Hilux pickup truck, specifically designed to assess its performance under various environmental conditions. This initiative is a key part of Toyota’s strategy to start manufacturing this electric vehicle in Thailand by the end of 2025. Thailand is a critical market for Toyota, where pickup trucks account for more than half of all vehicle sales. The introduction of the battery-electric Hilux is in response to the increasing competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, signaling Toyota’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the region. The move was confirmed by Pras Ganesh, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Asia, at the Future Mobility Asia Summit. He highlighted Toyota’s intention to meet evolving market demands with innovative solutions like the Hilux BEV.

In addition to performance testing, Toyota is also examining how the increased weight of the larger battery impacts the vehicle’s loading capacity. This is essential to ensure the electric Hilux can meet the practical needs of its users. Despite facing stiff competition from industry leaders like Tesla and China’s BYD in the electric vehicle market, Toyota has effectively capitalized on its strengths in the hybrid vehicle sector. In 2023, Toyota’s hybrid vehicle sales comprised about 11.5% of its total vehicle sales in Thailand, with over 30,000 units sold. This focus on hybrid technology reflects Toyota’s adaptive strategy in a market that is swiftly gravitating towards more sustainable automotive options, positioning the company for continued growth in the evolving Southeast Asian automotive market.

Discussion Questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

Have you ever driven or ridden in an electric vehicle? If so, what was your experience like? If not, would you like to try it? Why or why not?
Have you ever been to an auto show or summit where new car models are displayed? If so, what new technology or vehicle caught your interest the most? If not, what type of vehicle would you be most interested in seeing and why?
Do you agree that Toyota’s focus on hybrid vehicles has been a successful strategy in the evolving automotive market?
Considering the increasing competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, what strategies do you think Toyota should implement to maintain its market share in Thailand and other regions?
How do you think the automotive industry’s shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles will affect traditional car manufacturers in the next decade? What challenges and opportunities do you foresee?

Summarization

Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.

Describe:

Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.

battery-electric
adaptive strategy
hybrid vehicle
stiff competition
market demand