Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you think about the idea of more electric cars being available on the market?
- What concerns or disadvantages might people consider before choosing to buy an electric vehicle?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- regain /ree-GEYN/
- strategy /STRAT-i-jee/
- significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/
- launch /lawnch/
- varied /VAIR-eed/
[verb] – to take or get possession of something again
The team aimed to regain the lead in the second half of the game.
[noun] – a detailed plan for achieving success in situations such as war, politics, business, industry, or sport, or the skill of planning for such situations
The marketing strategy proved effective in increasing sales for the company.
[adjective] – important or noticeable
The new product launch led to a significant increase in market share for the business.
[noun] – an introduction of a new plan or product
The new product launch led to a significant increase in market share for the business.
[adjective] – containing or changing between several different things or types
The company offers a varied range of financial products to cater to diverse customer needs.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Toyota Motor has shared its plan to expand its presence in the European electric vehicle (EV) market. The company aims to introduce six battery-powered models by 2026. Predicting a rise in demand, Toyota expects these electric cars to make up over 20% of all new car sales in Europe by that time. This move is part of Toyota’s effort to regain a stronger position in the market, especially against other competing brands.
Toyota has revealed plans to bring new EV models to Europe in the next few years. These include a battery-powered small SUV expected in 2024 and a sports crossover model set to debut in 2025. These plans complement Toyota’s current sale of a battery EV in Europe and a concept for a compact sports utility vehicle shown previously. With a goal of selling 250,000 electric vehicles annually in Europe by 2026, Toyota aims to intensify its focus on electrification strategies for a significant market shift. Alongside this, Toyota announced the launch of a separate business unit in Europe solely dedicated to hydrogen. This unit will concentrate on advancing fuel-cell technology and forming business partnerships to promote hydrogen-based systems. Toyota plans to focus on marketing hydrogen-powered trucks and cars in both European and Chinese markets, emphasizing its dedication to sustainable and varied clean energy solutions.
Toyota has revealed plans to bring new EV models to Europe in the next few years. These include a battery-powered small SUV expected in 2024 and a sports crossover model set to debut in 2025. These plans complement Toyota’s current sale of a battery EV in Europe and a concept for a compact sports utility vehicle shown previously. With a goal of selling 250,000 electric vehicles annually in Europe by 2026, Toyota aims to intensify its focus on electrification strategies for a significant market shift. Alongside this, Toyota announced the launch of a separate business unit in Europe solely dedicated to hydrogen. This unit will concentrate on advancing fuel-cell technology and forming business partnerships to promote hydrogen-based systems. Toyota plans to focus on marketing hydrogen-powered trucks and cars in both European and Chinese markets, emphasizing its dedication to sustainable and varied clean energy solutions.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is Toyota Motor’s plan to expand its presence in the European electric vehicle market?
- By what year does Toyota expect electric cars to constitute more than 20% of new car sales in Europe?
- What new electric vehicle models does Toyota plan to introduce in Europe, and when are they expected to be available?
- How many electric vehicles does Toyota aim to sell annually in Europe by 2026?
- Apart from its electric vehicle plans, what additional initiative has Toyota announced for the European market, and what will this focus on?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What kind of car would you like if you could choose any, and what specific things would make it your favorite?
- Have you ever encountered electric cars in your area or during your travels? If yes, how did that impact your thoughts about using an electric car in the future? If not, what do you think might make people interested or hesitant about electric cars, especially with what’s happening in Europe?
- Do you think that the increased number of electric cars being made by big car companies will help make transportation more environmentally friendly?
- What do you think about Toyota making more electric cars for Europe, given their focus on hybrid cars and hydrogen-powered vehicles in the past?
- Do you believe Toyota’s approach—working on electric cars and hydrogen systems together—will make transportation cleaner and better, or could it slow progress by splitting their attention? Why do you think so?