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.

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

Japanese carmaker financials show how the COVID pandemic and the chip shortage continue to challenge them — despite positive fundamentals.

Toyota's positive assessment comes after the U.S. economy shrank for a second-straight quarter and as U.S. companies initiate such belt-tightening measures as precautionary job cuts.

While GM and Hyundai reel from EV recalls, the Japanese automaker is pitching the safety and reliability of its own batteries as it joins the global EV battle with the bZ4X crossover.

The automaker is ready for takeoff in the brand-new world of electric air mobility. But for now, it is skipping further investment in a Japanese startup founded partly by its own engineers in favor of an American aerospace company focused on fast, quiet flying machines.

The Toyota bZ4X will be superior to anything similar in Toyota's lineup in terms of torque, acceleration, rigidity, interior space, grip, safety and styling — but not sales potential.