UMW Toyota Motor unveiled its Beyond Zero initiative, aligning with the group’s parent Toyota’s pursuit of Carbon Neutrality by 2050.
Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry who officiated the event, commended UMWT for its commitment to sustainable practices and environmental conservation during the event. The Minister expressed, “Recognising the urgency for Malaysia’s shift to sustainable energy, we are fuelled by global commitments and the potential for economic diversification and energy security. Malaysia, being recognised as the best country in Southeast Asia in the Energy Transition Index 2023 by the World Economic Forum, is on the right track to becoming a regional leader in energy transition. Toyota’s innovative efforts in clean energy, through its diverse approach, align seamlessly with our national goals.”
Showcasing Toyota’s commitment to a multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality, the company offered multiple electrification solutions to meet the unique needs of customers and regions, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward achieving Zero Carbon Dioxide emissions.
Speaking at the event, Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMWT said, “We acknowledge the diverse challenges and opportunities across nations as we champion a multi-pathway approach and implement appropriate life-cycle actions to align with each country’s national interest and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recognising the uniqueness of Malaysia’s automotive industry landscape, positioned as a major electrical and electronics manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia, is crucial to position ourselves appropriately in this journey.”
The Beyond Zero event was launched symbolically to showcase its diverse approach with various electrified technologies, including Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Battery Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles. These electrified vehicles showcase the latest in automotive sustainability, featuring advanced technologies and design elements aimed at reducing environmental impact.
As the pillar of mass electrification, UMWT showcased its Hybrid Electric Vehicles, which have a significant presence in the Malaysian market. With a history of proven reliability on Malaysian roads since 2009 and globally since 1997, UMWT has sold 41,600 HEVs since 2009 which translates into commendable decarbonisation effects of approximately 150,000 tons of CO2 absorption equivalent to 500K trees. Their ability to reduce CO2 significantly without any need of infrastructure investment or change in behaviour of customers, allows them to be the optimal solution to gain scale for electrification for the masses.
In addition to HEVs, UMWT presented for the first time ever, Battery Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, including showcasing its stylish bZ4X, tough Hilux BEV and the uniquely shaped C+pod, an environmentally friendly two-seater ultra-compact BEV. The C+pod was highlighted as a mobility option designed to enhance per-person energy efficiency in an urban environment.
On the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle front, the group unveiled the Toyota Mirai FCEV, GranAce FCEV and Hilux FCEV. These hydrogen-powered vehicle combines technological innovation with sleek design and dynamic performance, utilising Fuel Cell technology to generate electricity from Hydrogen and Oxygen.
Another highlight included the SORA bus. An abbreviation for Sky, Ocean, River and Air, the Sora is a bus powered by hydrogen fuel cells, like that of the Toyota Mirai.
For over 30 years, Toyota has invested significantly in its world-leading fuel cell technology. Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles generate their electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell stack. It is a process that leads to zero emissions apart from water.
Toyota’s Beyond Zero concept highlighted the group’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation, while fostering a green, low-carbon ecosystem for all.
