Volkswagen and Toyota: two contrasting visions for the transition to electric

It is an undeniable fact that the transition to fully electric is underway, but it's a bit like watching children play hopscotch: everyone has their own method, and some often end up falling. In the left corner, we have Volkswagen, a German titan who, after having played a bit too much with diesel, has finally woken up to embrace electrification with a bewildering fervor. In the right corner, there’s Toyota, the sage who took the time to observe the world before diving into the deep end of zero-emission vehicles.

Volkswagen: electricity and independence

Volkswagen, after dragging a bit like a tortoise that has indulged in sausages, realized that an electric platform was the secret to elevating its renowned lineup. With over 11 billion euros invested, the German giant has concocted an armada of electric models, and this is just the beginning! The MEB project has already given life to cars like the ID.3, newly arrived on the market to revitalize the brand's image after the Dieselgate scandal. Deprived of the excuse of the good old thermal engine, they advance with promises of ranges that would make a mobile phone green with envy.

A heavy but necessary investment

To achieve this energy transition, Volkswagen has not skimped on expenses. Billions of euros have already accumulated, and more are expected for brand new battery factories. The vision is clear, some experts admire, but the reality is that, despite all this bling-bling, the sales report is slightly hibernating. The Germans must juggle difficulties: a decline in electric car sales in Germany, sudden competition from Chinese manufacturers, not to mention a profitability slump.

Toyota: the king of hybrids awakens

In contrast, Toyota has dragged itself through history like a hologram in a 90s film. Not many electric models in their buffet - only one SUV, the bZ4X, strutting in the configurator. Despite its 10.8 million vehicles sold, only 1.4% were electric models! The criticisms were numerous, and this king of hybrids showed signs of weakness, like a barker at a funfair. Yet, while everyone was applauding electricity, Toyota has been fine-tuning its army of hybrids and hydrogen. Who else but this manufacturer to brush off the criticism with aplomb?

The winds of change are blowing

But here comes the trend change. With the deadline of 2035 looming on the horizon, Toyota has made skeptics look outdated by proposing three new electric SUVs and a facelift for its bZ4X. A bit like an old lion finally deciding to learn to dance, Toyota is betting on BEV technology to attract more demanding customers. Its CEO, Florian Aragon, claims that this form of sustainable mobility is better suited to their clients. We will see if it works, but hopefully, the world will not be overwhelmed by a SEA of electric cars before the end of the decade.

In an industry where the musical chairs game in the electric mobile market is becoming increasingly fierce, it seems that each manufacturer chooses its own melody. Volkswagen seems to play the triumphant march, and Toyota plays the blues, waiting for the storm to pass. The future of the automotive industry aligned with electric protocols is more than ever determined by these strategic choices. May the best melodies win!

Source: www.lequipe.fr

Si vous souhaitez lire d'autres articles tels que Volkswagen and Toyota: two contrasting visions for the transition to electric, consultez la catégorie Volkswagen.