Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda has issued a strong warning that a future dominated entirely by electric vehicles (EVs) could lead to the loss of more than 5.5 million automotive jobs in Japan.
He made the remarks during an event at Nagoya University to commemorate his late father, Shoichiro Toyoda, one of the most influential figures in Toyota’s postwar rise. Toyoda highlighted that millions of workers in Japan’s automotive industry many of whom have dedicated decades to developing and maintaining internal combustion engines could face unemployment if the country moves too quickly toward an all-electric future.
“There are about 5.5 million people involved in Japan’s automotive industry. Many of them have long worked with internal combustion engines. If EVs become the only option, even for suppliers, their jobs will disappear,” Toyoda said.
The Toyota chairman reaffirmed his belief that gasoline-powered and hybrid vehicles still play an important role in the transition to cleaner energy. He argued that the world should not abandon internal combustion engine technology too hastily, as it remains reliable and economically vital for millions of people.
Toyoda has long promoted a balanced approach to carbon neutrality, emphasizing that sustainability can be achieved not only through battery electric vehicles but also through hybrid systems, hydrogen power, and cleaner combustion engines. He also cautioned that relying solely on EVs could overwhelm Japan’s power grid, especially during summer months when electricity demand peaks.
Despite criticism from some environmental advocates and investors who view his stance as outdated, Toyota’s performance in the global market remains strong. While other automakers such as Ford, GM, and Volvo are reassessing their electric vehicle strategies amid slowing demand, Toyota continues to thrive thanks to its diverse lineup of hybrid models.
By 2024, Toyota once again secured its position as the best-selling car manufacturer in the United States, proving that a multi-path strategy combining gasoline, hybrid, and electric technologies—remains relevant for both consumers and the broader economy.
