Akio Toyoda - chairman of Toyota - declared that people are "finally seeing the reality" that comes with the use of electric vehicles. The CEO of the company pointed out that the slowdown and decline in sales proves that people are reluctant to this new technology, which still has flaws.
The company chairman highlighted the measures that some countries around the world have imposed. Some have prohibited the use of gas-powered vehicles in the future based on alarmist pollution criteria. He said that "if regulations are created based on ideals, it is the regular users who are the ones that suffer." In addition, he assured that "there are many ways to climb the mountain that is achieving carbon neutrality."
Toyoda has already spoken out about the detrimental effects electric vehicles have on gasoline and diesel combustion engines. Earlier this year, his views led to him being removed from his position as CEO of the company after 14 years. Toyoda believes that the industry should invest in the development of hybrid cars (gasoline and electric).
The slowdown in sales worldwide
In the first six months of this year, sales of electric vehicles only increased by 49% worldwide (compared to an increase of 63% in 2022). In the U.S., despite the Biden administration's commitment to electric vehicles, only 28% of Americans consider them to be useful. A survey by Rasmussen Reports shows that 54% of adults are against electric cars, while 18% are unsure of their functionality.
Many car brands have reduced their production of electric vehicles due to slowing demand. Among them are Ford, General Motors and Honda.
