The Japanese car giant Toyota is preparing for a real production offensive, planning to cross the psychological threshold of 10 million assembled cars in 2026. According to internal sources cited by Japanese public broadcaster NHK, the company has already instructed its suppliers to prepare for large-scale volumes that are approaching the historical peak of 2023, when just over 10.03 million vehicles were produced.
The Japanese company's strategy seems clear: it is betting on the "golden mean" in the face of hybrids. While the global enthusiasm for pure electric vehicles (BEVs) shows signs of cooling, the demand for Toyota's hybrid models, especially in the US market, remains unwavering. It is this stability that gives management the confidence to pursue the ambitious goal, despite the looming threat of new US tariffs and trade barriers.
An interesting emphasis in the plan is the distribution of capacities. About 3.5 million cars will be produced at the company's plants in Japan. This decision is not dictated solely by logistics, but by Toyota's firm promise to maintain annual production of at least 3 million units on its home soil. In this way, the company guarantees not only the employment of tens of thousands of employees, but also the preservation of the high qualifications of Japanese engineering staff.
Of course, the road to the new record is not paved with roses. Analysts warn of a number of risks that could hinder the pace. Problems with semiconductor supply chains are still reminding themselves, and economic uncertainty in the Chinese market remains the big question mark. However, Toyota has demonstrated exceptional flexibility, adapting to market dynamics and betting on technologies that consumers actually buy here and now.