Toyota is ready to make a radical change in its approach to electric cars, and it will do so through its innovative 'Area 35' project. The Japanese brand, recognized for its global leadership in the automotive sector, seeks not only to remain competitive, but also to position itself as a benchmark in the electric vehicle market by 2030, in the style of Tesla.
In the world of motorsports, where technological advances dictate the pace, The 'Area 35' project is shaping up to be a fundamental change for ToyotaWith the goal of achieving production of 3,5 million electric cars per year by 2030, this plan does not involve massive investment in new factories, but rather a revolutionary optimization of existing plants.
What is the 'Area 35' project?
The name 'Area 35' is no coincidence. This number has become the central axis of the production strategy. It stands out for several key pillars:
- Space reduction: Toyota plans to reduce the area devoted to thermal production by 35%, freeing up space within its plants.
- Less pieces: The company is seeking to reduce the number of components in its vehicles by up to 35%, sharing parts between different models to speed up manufacturing and reduce costs.
- Production efficiency: This approach will speed up assembly times and increase the capacity of assembly lines.
- rentabilidad: The initiative aims to increase net profits by 3,5% by the end of the decade.
According to Yoichi Miyazaki, Toyota's executive vice president: “We are working to optimize the number of types of specifications and parts. We are also expanding the space for the production of finished vehicles, improving development efficiency and adapting our factories to actual demand. In this way, we can make more agile decisions to respond to the needs of our customers.”
Mass production and sustainability
Since announcing the project, Toyota has already begun implementing 'Area 35' practices at several of its plants in Japan. Thanks to these advances, production capacity has increased by 80.000 vehicles in the last year., without building new facilities. This approach contrasts with brands such as Volkswagen, which opted to develop factories exclusively for electric cars, subsequently facing difficulties in keeping them active.
The plan also provides for the new electric models to be manufactured on the same lines that currently produce hybrid and thermal vehicles. This reduces the economic risk of an excessive investment in specific infrastructures.
The road to 2030
'Area 35' reflects Toyota's ambition to reach 3,5 million electric cars annuallyTo achieve this, the brand plans to manufacture its first million units by the end of 2026, multiplying by ten the figures for 2023, when they barely exceeded 100.000 units sold.
The heart of this production will be a new modular platform that will debut in 2026 with a Lexus model. This vehicle promises to include innovations such as gigacastings, large parts that simplify assembly, and state-of-the-art software for a more advanced and upgradeable user experience.
Fierce competition in the market
The rise of electric cars is redefining the automotive industry. Brands such as Tesla and BYD have made great strides, putting pressure on traditional manufacturers such as Toyota. The Japanese company does not want to be left behind and knows that only efficient and economically sustainable production will guarantee its leading position.
Although Toyota was a bit late to the electric market, its strategy seems clear: quality, sustainability and long-term profitability. Although the road to success may be slower, its approach is aimed at consolidating a solid and competitive future.
An ambitious but realistic strategy
With the Area 35 project, Toyota is not only seeking to become a player in the electric car market, but to make a significant difference. By efficiently reusing its current infrastructure, reducing waste and optimizing processes, The brand aims to become a model of sustainability and innovation.
This pragmatic approach has already begun to show tangible results, and if global implementation continues at the same pace, Toyota has a good chance of achieving its most ambitious goals. 'Area 35' is not just a number. It's a roadmap that could revolutionize the automotive industry, putting Toyota center stage in the electric future.