To crack the code of building low-cost electric vehicles, Japan's automakers intend to leverage their skills at tried-and-true lean manufacturing and kaizen.

Japan's automakers are stoking R&D investment to meet mounting demand for a staggering array of technologies. Toyota by far outpaces the pack.

For a house-proud engineering force such as Honda, relying on GM for EV help may be surprising. But Honda expects to return to its old independent prowess in due time.

The company that pioneered the Prius hybrid has drawn criticism for perceived foot-dragging on EVs. But Akio Toyoda wants it known that his company is pursuing carbon neutrality.

Toyota's new EV will be slightly bigger than its compact Corolla, the world's best-selling car of all time. One source told Reuters that the vehicle is like a "Corolla with bigger back-seat section."

Panasonic plans to boost battery density by using a new mix of additives to allow individual cells to run at a higher voltage without damaging battery performance.

Nissan's move is part of a push to equip nearly every new model with lidar safety technology by the end of the decade. It lets vehicles conduct high-speed emergency maneuvers on the highway without a hand on the wheel or foot on the brake.

The Corolla Cross H2 Concept is just one of many advancements in hydrogen combustion that Toyota rolled out at Fuji Speedway. Toyota is about 40 percent of the way toward commercializing its hydrogen combustion technology, a top executive says.

While Tesla has led the development of the global EV market, the two giants of automaking are determined to defend their dominance.

In early 2024, Lexus will open a world head office in a secretive mountain complex shrouded in cedar forests. Executives say the facility will not only revolutionize the way Lexus develops cars but speed the brand's shift into the EV era.