WE are at a pivotal moment in history where our actions today will reverberate for generations to come.
To avert catastrophic climate change, we need to urgently curtail global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which currently stands at approximately 50 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) per year.
Notably, road transportation contributes a significant 11.9% share of these emissions.
Green mobility seems to be the answer, particularly electric vehicles (EV). They have been dominating conversations and discourse within, and across nations.
EVs first debuted in the 1830s, preceding fossil-fuel counterparts by 50 years. However, the awareness on the consequences of carbon and GHG emissions only came to the fore in the 1980s.
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd president Datuk Ravindran K. says: Toyota is poised for a paradigm shift, evolving into a comprehensive mobility company, which makes us one of the world’s most diverse mobility companies.
Redefining mobility
It is imperative to combat climate change; however, nations have unique strengths and constraints.
To overcome the differences in more than the 170 countries that it operates in, Toyota recognises the need for a tailored approach, thereby empowering individuals to progress at their own pace.
"Toyota is poised for a paradigm shift, evolving into a comprehensive mobility company, which makes us one of the world’s most diverse mobility companies.
“Our ambition extends beyond transportation, as we envision an integrated future where connectivity and communities transcend traditional road networks,” UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd president Datuk Ravindran K. shares.
Closer to home, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd redefines mobility as an integral facet of daily life through their Move Your World initiative, completely reimagining how we move and connect with each other.
The initiative is deeply rooted in the company’s philosophy; they endeavour to offer not just reduced emissions, but a holistic and sustainable mobility experience in their effort to address critical environmental challenges.
Their goal is not only carbon neutrality but also the realisation of a happier, more connected society where individuals can make choices aligned with their values and lifestyles.
A multi-pathway approach to zero-carbon
The energy that powers our mobility presents one of the greatest challenges in shaping our future.
The journey towards nett-zero carbon has no universal finish line as renewable energy production varies from country to country.
For nations powered entirely by renewables, fully electric mobility is the logical choice, offering a true zero-emissions ecosystem.
In countries still reliant on fossil fuels, hybrid vehicles offer a pragmatic solution. They reduce “dirty” energy consumption while utilising existing fuelling infrastructure, eliminating concerns about range.
Malaysia’s National Automotive Policy (NAP) places a strong emphasis on Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEVs). This policy serves as a crucial framework for sustainable mobility, providing a roadmap for the automotive industry, aligning policies with environmental goals.
Toyota is dedicated to supporting and advancing the objectives outlined in the NAP through innovative technologies and sustainable practices.
Toyota also forays into alternative fuels to furnish consumers with a diverse and sustainable array of options, from hydrogen exploration to harnessing synthetic fuels derived from biomass.
The future of mobility lies in offering diverse options and programmes tailored to unique global ecosystems, moving Toyota closer to its Beyond Zero vision. This gives everyone a finish line they can aim for, even if at their own pace.
The Toyota Assembly Services Sdn Bhd (ASSB) Bukit Raja Plant plays a pivotal role in realising this vision.
With an integrated manufacturing complex, it signifies Toyota’s commitment to producing sustainable vehicles at scale, aligning with the goals of the NAP.
Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050
In resonance with Malaysia’s vision for carbon neutrality by 2050, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd commits wholeheartedly to multifaceted pathways toward this goal.
Toyota’s focus extends beyond the result as they value the journey and the diverse routes leading to a sustainable future.
Their dedication to promoting electrified vehicles align seamlessly with the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, going beyond business to show Toyota’s promise to people and the planet.
This challenge shows their belief in working together to change how we move and create a better future for everyone.
The visionary challenges outlined in the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 are deeply aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting Toyota’s dedication to worldwide progress that knows no boundaries.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Having acknowledged the comprehensive life cycle emissions analysis, Hybrid Electric Vehicles has emerged as a pragmatic and cost-effective choice for Malaysians today.
"The success of 40,906 Toyota HEVs sold as of October 2023 attests to the viability of this approach.
"This embodies real-world impact, equivalent to the environmental benefit of preserving 2.4 million trees.
"Moreover, this translates into the commendable decarbonisation of approximately 0.5 million tonnes of CO2 annually, further emphasising the positive impact of Toyota’s endeavours towards a sustainable future," Ravindran points out.
It is no longer about reducing emissions on a grand scale but the tangible and meaningful contributions each HEV owner makes toward a cleaner, greener world.
Moving forward together
While the goal of near-zero carbon emissions is near, Toyota already envisions a future beyond.
Toyota’s Beyond Zero programme explores how achieving nett-zero carbon emissions can evolve into carbon-positive outcomes, thereby preserving the planet.
Toyota’s global impact is already significant: In 2022, Toyota sold 2.73 million electrified vehicles globally, with 78% of Toyota models offering an electrified option.
Furthermore, Toyota purchased 380,688 megawatthours (MWh) of total renewable electricity in 2023, and in 2021, 93% of waste was recycled, reused, or repurposed.
As the world charges forward into this transformative era, Toyota invites consumers to be integral to this extraordinary journey as they acknowledge each individual's role in shaping the future of mobility.
Moving forward towards a better, more sustainable yet thriving future isn't just a hope but a promise - Toyota, alongside its consumers, is actively taking steps towards this with the belief that not only a mobile and connected, but also greener, safer, and happier world can be achieved together.
