Toyota, like other manufacturers, aims to reduce carbon emissions and eventually be carbon-neutral in its products and activities. However, it does not see electric vehicles as the only way to achieve its objectives and wants to offer more choices in mobility needs. It promotes hybrid electric powertrains which are more affordable and can also have a positive effect on reducing carbon emissions.
It is also looking at alternative fuels, and uses motorsports as a testing ground for R&D. Recently, at the Idemitsu Super Endurance Southeast Asia Trophy 2023 held at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit, the carmaker entered three racing cars running on alternative fuels.
Despite some issues, all the cars completed the race 10-hour endurance race, with one finishing overall fourth. This was the ORC ROOKIE GR86 CNF concept, a GR86 coupe (above) running on carbon-neutral fuel.
Another car, the CP ROOKIE PRIUS CNF-HEV GR concept (above) ran on carbon-neutral fuel, while the ORC ROOKIE GR Corolla H2 concept used hydrogen. The hydrogen engine of the Corolla used hydrogen made with chicken manure-generated biogas from poultry farms of CP.
After the race, TMC Chairman Akio Toyoda (who also raced with the name of ‘Morizo’) said the message of participating in the race was to show hydrogen and hybrids as carbon-neutral options. He added that the company is working with CP to reduce CO2 emissions in Thailand by leveraging their respective areas of expertise.
“It is difficult for a single company to create a carbon-neutral movement and the future of mobility alone. People who produce, transport, and use energy as well as the people who make cars… I believe that if many people cooperate and take action, the number of like-minded partners will increase, and the landscape of the future will definitely change,” he said.
Click here to know more about Toyota’s hybrid electric models in Malaysia
