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 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.