Toyota Motor

Toyota is relaunching the Scion badge as a mobility incubator and will produce the KEI-01, a 25-mph kei truck, at its Princeton, Indiana plant beginning in the second half of 2027. The KEI-01 uses a 660cc three-cylinder engine, is certified as a federal Low-Speed Vehicle, carries up to 600 pounds and features on-demand 4WD and a fold-flat bed. Toyota is investing $34 million to set up local assembly and add about 50 jobs, and will initially distribute the model through a fleet-focused pilot for campuses, farms, municipalities and delivery operators. The rollout is experimental, with consumer retail sales possible later if demand justifies it. » More on theverge.com

Toyota lifted its forecast for the fiscal year to end in March to an operating profit of ¥3.9 trillion, 15% higher than previously and 3.5% above the prior year. Operating profit for July–September rose one-third to ¥1.13 trillion, well above analysts’ expectations. The gains were driven by strong demand for hybrid models, a weak yen and cost reductions; the sales forecast for 2026 was slightly cut to just under 11 million vehicles. On the Tokyo Stock Exchange the stock rose more than 14% in the afternoon, its biggest one-day gain since 2008. » More on manager-magazin.de

Waymo will use Toyota bZ4X electric SUVs that are assembled at Toyota’s Takaoka plant with Waymo’s sensors and computers installed on the factory line for its Tokyo robotaxi launch in 2027. The factory-installed integration replaces the previous retrofit process, aiming to cut redundant labor, shipping and bespoke parts and lower fleet costs. Waymo will begin testing and validation in Japan next year and plans subsequent rollouts in the UK and other international markets while exploring integration for privately owned Toyota vehicles. » More on theverge.com

Toyota issued in mid-September a bond maturing in just under six and a half years with a coupon of 4.2 percent; due to price discounts the yield for new buyers is currently about 4.4 percent. The company shows high net liquidity and is rated well by S&P, Fitch and Moody’s (A+/A1), so default risks are considered low. Investors should note, however, that further price drops could push yields higher and that better entry points may be possible. » More on handelsblatt.com

Toyota Motor Corporation will begin deploying in-house humanoid robots from 2028, rolling out about 150,000 at its headquarters plants then up to 400,000 across 60 production sites as capacity and model upgrades occur. The company plans to invest JPY 1 trillion annually from 2028 to fund the program. The battery-powered 'ELEY' robots are being trained to perform tasks like picking components and folding fabrics, with learned data centralised to program new units and potentially train employees. Toyota says the robots will work alongside humans rather than replace them. » More on finance.yahoo.com