Toyota to develop China-specific AI, safety features, autonomous driving tech

Toyota is going to develop artificial intelligence, safety features, and autonomous driving systems that is specific for the Chinese market.

The said information is part of the company’s string of initiatives in the areas of intelligence and electrification to increase its competitiveness in China.

It’s no secret that China has become a hotbed for up-and-coming electric vehicle car manufacturers that offer decent electric vehicles as well as those carrying appealing price tags.

To assert its dominance as an established automotive brand, Toyota revealed that it will work in strengthening its local development of intelligence and electrification technology to provide electrified vehicles that are competitive and pleasing to the customer in the Chinese market.

Per Toyota, the aforementioned initiatives began with the renaming of its largest research and development (R&D) facility in China — from Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing Co., Ltd. to Intelligent ElectroMobility R&D Center by Toyota Co., Ltd. (IEM by Toyota).

Additionally, Toyota will take engineers from its three R&D facilities (FAW Toyota Research & Development Co., Ltd.; R&D from GAC Toyota Motor Co., Ltd.; and BYD Toyota EV Technology C., Ltd.) in China and get them to work in IEM by Toyota-led development projects.

Likewise, Toyota-owned companies Denso and Aisin, will also join forces with IEM by Toyota.

Finally, Toyota will focus on three areas, namely “developing local supplier base,” “reviewing parts designs,” and “production engineering/manufacturing monozukuri reform” to strengthen its competitiveness in China.

“The Chinese market is growing at an unprecedented pace. Toyota will also work together as a group to reform how we work and think to survive in China. By promoting local development with IEM by Toyota at its core, we will attempt to develop and provide competitive products that can satisfy Chinese customers at a fast pace. Furthermore, we will look to share development results and lessons learned in China, not only within China, but also globally,” Toyota China Region Chief Executive Officer Tatsuro Ueda was quoted saying.

Photos from Toyota

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