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UMW Toyota Motor starts 2022 with almost double the sales volume compared to January 2021

Toyota, which last year reclaimed its position as the No. 1 non-national brand after 6 years, started 2022 on a strong note with a total sales volume of 7,528 units (including Lexus models). This was a 96% increase compared to the 3.845 units that were reported in the same month last year.

The Vios remained as UMW Toyota Motor’s bestselling model, accounting for 28% of the total sales volume, while the Hilux accounted for 38% of sales and has been the country’s bestselling pick-up truck for 15 years.

Strong sales helped by promotions
The strong sales numbers have been helped by ongoing promotions such as the ‘Stay Ahead’ campaign which gives buyers savings up to RM4,500. The promotion offers the Vios at monthly instalments from RM540 with 100% sales tax savings of RM2,216. For the sportier Yaris hatchback, customers can own one with H-P loans that have instalments from RM493, plus additional RM2,192 in sales tax savings.

Toyota Vios GR-Sport — *The bestselling Toyota models in Malaysia are the Vios (above) and Hilux (below), with the latter being the bestselling truck in the country for 15 years.*

“We are thankful for the government’s decision to extend the Sales and Service Tax (SST) exemption incentives for passenger vehicles until June 30, 2022. This has greatly helped automotive players like us to recover from the impact of the pandemic during the last two years. We also encourage Toyota fans to take advantage of the extended tax exemption to purchase their dream car, coupled with the value-for-money deals UMW Toyota Motor is offering such as the ongoing ‘Stay Ahead’ sales campaign to enjoy the best savings during this period,” said Ravindran K, President of UMW Toyota Motor.

Locally-assembled Toyota hybrid electric vehicles
In support of Toyota’s global agenda to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, as well as similar objectives by the Malaysian government, UMW Toyota Motor will assemble models with hybrid electric vehicle technology. This has started with the Corolla Cross Hybrid which was launched last month which is seeing growing demand

According to Mr. Ravindran, since it was made available for booking in October last year, the Corolla Cross Hybrid has met with positive response, accounting for more than 40% of the total sales of the Corolla Cross crossover SUV. “This shows that Malaysians are in support of environmental sustainability and are taking their first step towards going green through hybrid electric vehicles. We urge our customers to place their bookings early in order to avoid missing out on the SST exemption for better savings,” he added.

While the Corolla Cross Hybrid (above), priced from RM136,550 (without insurance), has the typical high quality and durability that has made the Toyota brand so popular worldwide, UMW Toyota Motor also offers a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage. More importantly, for the owner’s peace of mind, the hybrid battery pack has a separate which covers replacement of the hybrid battery pack, inverter and Power Management Control Unit if defective during the first 8 years of ownership (with no limit on mileage). Customers can also extend this warranty by 2 years at the time of purchase.

Being a good Corporate Citizen
In addition to the positive sales results, January also saw the company doing its part at a good corporate citizen to help Malaysians affected by the floods. Partnered with Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor through its ‘Back On Your Feet’ programme, the company contributed RM10,000 to Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Lui for the school’s repairs of its flood-damaged premises. The company also donated essential home appliances to the affected community in Sungai Lui such as rice cookers, kettles and gas stoves.

*Employees of UMW Toyota Motor went to flooded areas to assist in clean-up work and also brought essential items donated by the company.*

“UMW Toyota Motor endeavours to propel society forward by empowering people beyond the road. We are glad to have been given the opportunity to partner with Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor to give back to the community we operate in and help them get back on their feet during these trying times,” Mr. Ravindran said.

Besides initiating a Toyota Flood Assist Program as an immediate response to help flood victims in December, a flood ‘Command Centre’ was also established at the UMW Toyota Motor headquarters in Shah Alam, Selangor, as part of its broadened initiatives. This will also function as a soup kitchen and relief distribution centre for victims in the event of a similar phenomenon in the future. Additionally, up to 100 parking spaces in the compound will be allocated in such situations for flood victims to park their vehicles safely.

For more information on Toyota products and services in Malaysia, visit www.toyota.com.my.

First impressions of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid (video)

UMW Toyota Motor confirms 4th generation Toyota Hybrid Electric System for locally-assembled models

As announced in July this year, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is making a big investment to introduce hybrid electric technology in Malaysia in a bigger way. The last time the company actively sold hybrid models was about 10 years ago when the government allowed hybrids and electric vehicles to be sold duty-free to everyone. After that exemption ended, prices were no longer as cheap and sales of hybrids dwindled. UMWT didn’t give up though, and besides making available hybrid variants of Lexus models, it also sold the Camry Hybrid for some years.

Now comes not just another push but a bigger one which the company says is officially launched today. It’s a RM270 million investment which will bring hybrid electric technology to more Malaysians and contribute to the more than 18 million hybrid vehicles already sold by Toyota worldwide since the first model – the Prius – was launched in 1997.

*Toyota Prius – first mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle in the world.*

Long experience in hybrid technology
Toyota can promise Malaysians advanced hybrid technology because it has long experience developing them. Starting with fundamental technology, Toyota’s engineers have constantly made advancements and innovations that put the brand at the forefront of hybrid technology. To show that the technology is not just about fuel efficiency, Toyota has also demonstrated how hybrid powertrains can also offer high performance with 4 consecutive wins at the Le Mans 24-Hour endurance races.

*Toyota’s hybrid racing cars have won the 24-Hour Le Mans endurance race 4 times in a row, demonstrating that hybrid powertrains can also offer high performance.*

UMWT’s push towards greater electrification follows the trend globally and support’s Toyota’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality in all its activities. This means achieving net-zero CO₂ emissions throughout the cycle of manufacturing, transporting, energy generating, fueling and/or charging, and the recycling and disposal of vehicles.

Toyota aims to achieve carbon neutrality not only in its products but also in all its activities, including those at factories. This is the ASSB, UMW toyota Motor’s assembly plant in Bukit Raja, Selangor, where the hybrid models will be assembled in the near future.

Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor, Akio Takeyama, said that for the automotive industry, carbon neutrality involves a very challenging process to ensure that zero emissions can be achieved. It requires offering consumers sustainable solutions which meet their diverse needs.

Toyota already has various types of electrically-powered vehicles, some with hybrid powertrains (a small petrol engine working with an electric motor, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that only use electric motors and even powertrains that get energy from hydrogen fuel cells. All these are already available in the market but availability depends on the energy policies and readiness of different countries. So in countries which may still lack certain elements for fully electric models, the hybrid approach may be the best and more practical in the short term.

“For the immediate future, we are absolutely positive that the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) is the most accessible and realistic choice for Malaysian customers in terms of practicality and infrastructure, with an enormous potential in Malaysia. It is a realistic bridge towards vehicle electrification while efforts are still being undertaken to help realize enablers for BEVs, such as cost-reduction, energy mix improvement and infrastructure development,” said Mr. Takeyama.

HEVs comparable to fully electric vehicle in emissions
While BEVs may not generate CO₂ emissions at all, HEVs have almost similar values in the process of vehicle production, energy generation and ownership over a period of 10 years. This means that, given the current situation in Malaysia, HEVs can be equally effective as BEVs.

“Toyota HEVs are at their most advanced today, and present the most realistic, immediate, economical and practical solution for mass market production and sale in terms of reduced CO₂ emissions, practical usage, and price acceptance by customers,” Mr. Takeyama said.

He added that no new infrastructure needs to be built – referring to charging stations – as HEVs do not need to be recharged. The battery pack is constantly recharged while driving. This will help to eliminate the ‘range anxiety’ that is a concern to consumers who worry that they may be stranded if they run out of electricity in the battery pack. Furthermore, the HEV can be driven like a car with a combustion engine, and go long distances without any problem.

The Toyota Hybrid Electric System has a petrol engine and electric motors working together and in certain conditions, it is possible to run using just the electric motor alone. The battery is constantly recharged – even during braking – so owners do not have to worry about finding a recharging station. And even if the battery does not have sufficient energy remaining, it is still possible to continue using the petrol engine.

Constant improvement of hybrid system
Since 1997, the Toyota’s Hybrid Electric System has been constantly improved with new technology, becoming more efficient and the cost has also been going down as volumes have rapidly risen. It is now in its fourth generation and of the various versions for different models, UMWT has mentioned ‘dual power’ with a petrol engine and two electric motors. It is possible, under certain conditions, to run entirely on electric power for a short distance, with quiet movement and zero emissions.

A concern which was apparent among buyers of the hybrids sold before was the reliability of the battery pack which is manufactured by a subsidiary of Toyota. Admittedly, the early battery packs did have issues but battery technology has advanced very quickly and manufacturers addressed the issues quickly. To give peace of mind, companies offered extended warranty coverage specifically for hybrid battery packs, with UMWT giving up to 8 years coverage.

The Toyota Hybrid Electric System has evolved greatly from the one in the first Prius which occupied a lot of space (above), to the latest one (below) which is more compact and also offers better efficiency and performance. The battery packs have also become less bulky and can store larger amounts of energy to provide better range.

More reliable and durable battery packs
Today’s battery packs (lithium-ion type shown above) are much more reliable and durable – and have even better energy storage – as they are designed to last as long as the vehicle. They offer safety, long life service, a high level of quality, and a high level of performance. Toyota’s own subsidiary – Prime Planet Energy & Solutions, a joint venture with Panasonic – has extensive experience in battery development and manufacture. It has achieved battery durability and performance through understanding how the vehicle is used and the state of the battery under such conditions.

“We have the right technology, the right products in support of the existing infrastructure and energy policies. We are in an ideal position to contribute to Malaysia’s ambition of becoming a hub for advanced technologies and to reduce its carbon footprint. This will be an important cornerstone towards ensuring future policies and the people are well positioned and prepared to accept vehicle electrification,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

What models for Malaysia?
The question now on everyone’s mind is what models will be assembled locally. Over the years, Toyota’s range of HEVs has expanded considerably and in 2021, there are at least 45 different models available. Obviously, UMWT won’t be able to offer all of them and the logical thing would be to choose models in common with other ASEAN markets. In both Thailand and Indonesia, there are HEV versions of the Corolla Cross, Corolla Altis, C-HR and Camry. Since the models are to be assembled locally, the Corolla Altis Hybrid would be a very strong possibility and as the Corolla Cross Hybrid is a variant on the same TNGA platform, it too can be easily added to the assembly line at the plant in Bukit Raja, Selangor.

*Toyota currently has 45 hybrid models in its global range. These two, which are already sold in neighbouring countries, would be strong candidates for assembly in Malaysia.*

It’s often been said that Toyota is like an oil tanker; it may take a while to change course but once it has, it has massive ‘force’ behind it to push ahead strongly. In the case of hybrid models, UMWT may not be the first in the market to assemble such vehicles but now that the decision has been made to do so, it can be expected to become a major brand in the growing HEV segment.

UMW Toyota Motor to invest RM270 million for assembly of Toyota hybrid models

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced plans to assemble Toyota hybrid models in Malaysia, joining the still-small group of companies that are doing so. The move is driven by Toyota Motor Corporation’s (TMC) global commitment to deliver ‘mobility for all’ and produce ‘happiness for all’ through its commitment towards a ‘Clean, Safe and Secure Society’.

On a larger scale, TMC is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 in all its processes. Carbon neutrality means almost zero emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) which is a ‘greenhouse gas’ that is known to have a significant effect on global warming, causing climate change.

TMC’s reduction of CO₂ emissions will encompass the lifecycle of manufacturing, transporting, operating, fuel and/or charging, and recycling and disposal of vehicles. This is in line with the global approach towards lifecycle assessments of the potential environmental impact of a product throughout its lifecycle.

*The Prius – one of the many models in Toyota’s range of hybrid electric vehicles.*

Full line of Low Emission Vehicles
As part of this strategic initiative, the carmaker will produce a full line-up of Low-Emission Vehicles which will have electrified powertrains. There will be various powertrains to meet diversified mobility demands all over the world as well as the different rates of vehicle electrification.

“Toyota’s global direction is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This is also in line with the Malaysian government’s aspirations to position the country as a progressive nation that promotes more green technology and environmental sustainability,” said UMW Toyota Motor’s Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama.

“This is indeed an exciting time for the Malaysian automotive industry and UMW Toyota Motor is fully charged and ready to champion this Malaysian dream. In order to achieve this, the most realistic, practical and immediate solution is Toyota Hybrid Electric technology and vehicles,” he added.

Toyota is among the pioneers of mass-produced hybrid electric vehicles, having started selling them in the late 1990s. The hybrid technology has also been used in Lexus models like the CT-200h (shown below).

A pioneer in hybrid technology
Toyota has long experience in electrification and was a pioneer in the production and marketing of hybrid vehicles. Since the late 1990s, the company has sold more than 17 million hybrid electric vehicles as well as Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) worldwide.

This number of vehicles with low emissions has made Toyota’s cumulative contribution to CO₂reduction amounting to 140 million tonnes of CO_2, or approximately 1.5 million conventional passenger vehicles per year over the past 20 years.

The CO₂ reduction will continue and even increase as TMC aims to sell 8 million electrified vehicles annually by 2030. In April this year, the company announced an electric vehicle strategy that will see 15 new Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs) introduced by 2025. Including FCEVs, the total number of electrified vehicle models will be 70 by 2025.

*Located in Bukit Raja, Selangor, Assembly Services Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of UMW Toyota Motor) currently assembles the Yaris and Vios models. It began operations in January 2019.*

RM270 million additional investment
Toyota’s operations in Malaysia, via the 39-year old joint-venture UMWT, will support the ‘big picture’ in achieving carbon neutrality by investing RM270 million in its manufacturing operations. This amount includes, amongst others, the introduction of a new and technologically-advanced generation of hybrid models.

“We are ready [with the introduction of Hybrid Electric Vehicles], and the technology; service support; current infrastructure; global and domestic policies; the level of affordability and cost effectiveness; and, consumer awareness and demand, particularly in Malaysia, are now at its most ideal conditions to pursue a new and exciting journey towards achieving carbon neutrality,” said Mr. Takeyama.

While neighbouring countries are encouraging the introduction full electric vehicles, Mr. Takeyama said that research has shown that the reduction in CO₂ emission levels between fully electric and hybrid electric vehicles are almost similar when considering electricity source, and from production and throughout ownership.

For Malaysian consumers, the local assembly of Toyota hybrid vehicles will mean they are offered at a price point that is practical and accessible to the greater masses. “While time is still needed for full electrification, the hybrid electric technology is ready today and the current infrastructure permits it to be rolled out on a greater scale in Malaysia,” added Mr. Takeyama.

*The locally-assembled Camry Hybrid introduced in 2015.*

The time-frame for the introduction of locally-assembled hybrid models is not known yet, but this will not be the first time that UMWT is selling and assembling hybrid models for the Malaysian market. During the period when the government provided full duty exemption on hybrid and electric vehicles, UMWT imported models such as the Prius, Prius c and Lexus CT-200h. Later on, it assembled the Camry Hybrid which could be sold at a competitive price due to incentives offered by the government.

The investment will be additional to the RM2 billion that was made the construction and commissioning of a second assembly plant in Bukit Raja, Selangor, which began operations in January 2019. The original assembly plant, which continues to operate in Shah Alam, was among the earliest assembly plants in Malaysia and was one of the largest as well.

Other environment-related initiatives
“As a manufacturer, the immediate steps we can take to prevent global warming are to address our vehicles and manufacturing processes. But the initiatives do not and cannot stop here. It involves a conscientious change in mindset in society, educating the young of the importance of protecting the environment and requiring the active participation of all stakeholders,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor

He added that that the interests of both Toyota and UMWT have gone beyond the automotive realm to offset the effects the CO₂ emissions. For example, UMWT continues to be at the helm of numerous environmental initiatives. For 20 years, it has organised the Toyota Eco Youth program to cultivating environment consciousness and innovation amongst the youth of the nation involving schools, secondary school students and teachers.

“The ultimate goal will not rest solely on vehicle electrification, but to achieve carbon neutrality and zero emissions on all fronts – from putting cleaner vehicles on the road and addressing manufacturing processes, to helping to create greater awareness for the protection of the environment,” said Mr. Ravindran.

Mr. Ravindran believes the introduction of Hybrid Electric technology will quickly transform the automotive landscape in Malaysia for Malaysians. “We hope that our endeavours to popularise tomorrow’s technology today through the mass introduction of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) will receive due support from the government in the pursuit of a full-scale realisation of vehicle electrification. We hope that the government will also consider UMW Toyota Motor’s efforts to be included in the National Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint alongside Battery Electric Vehicles which is in line with the government’s plans,” he added.

Toyota: “No customer is left behind” in quest for carbon neutrality

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