Toyota Motor Stock Price, News & Analysis

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been selected to receive $4.5 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's ARPA-E program. The funding will support the development of technology for a circular domestic supply chain for electric vehicle batteries. The project, administered by Toyota's TRINA division, focuses on creating an autonomous robotic disassembly process for battery pack circularity.

The initiative aims to develop a template for a 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) facility, addressing key bottlenecks in battery supply chain circularity through automated pack disassembly, data-driven battery classification, and cell degradation solutions. The project involves collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Baker Hughes' Waygate Technologies.

Toyota announces significant updates for the 2025 bZ4X electric vehicle, featuring a major price reduction of up to $6,000 on the XLE grade and $5,380 on the grade. The new starting MSRP is $37,070 for the XLE FWD model. The lineup introduces a new Nightshade edition, making it Toyota's first-ever Nightshade BEV, featuring black 20-inch wheels and distinctive styling elements.

The bZ4X offers EPA-estimated ranges of up to 252 miles for XLE FWD models and 228 miles for XLE AWD versions. Enhanced features include Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Front Cross-Traffic Alert on the grade. All models come with a dual voltage charging cable and one year of complimentary charging through EVgo's network.

Toyota has announced a $922 million investment to build an advanced paint facility at its Kentucky plant, scheduled to open in 2027. The new facility will add 1 million square feet of capacity while reducing carbon emissions by 30% and water usage by 1.5 million gallons annually. This investment follows a $1.3 billion announcement earlier this year for an all-new electric SUV production.

The Kentucky plant, employing approximately 10,000 people, has received over $11 billion in investments since 1986. The new paint facility will improve operational efficiencies, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance vehicle finish quality, supporting Toyota's goal to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050. Since 2020, Toyota has invested more than $20 billion in U.S. manufacturing operations to support electrification efforts.

Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV) has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first-ever certified pre-owned program to reach 8 million sales. The milestone sale occurred at Sheehy Toyota of Laurel with a 2024 Toyota Camry in Supersonic Red. To commemorate this achievement, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) presented the customer with a full refund of the purchase price and made a $10,000 donation to Active Minds in their name.

TCUV, launched in 1996, has been the nation's leading certified pre-owned program for 16 consecutive years. The program requires vehicles to pass a 160-point quality assurance inspection and offers comprehensive warranties including a 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty and seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. In 2024, TCUV introduced Silver Certification for eligible vehicles up to 10 model years old with 60,000-125,000 miles.

Toyota unveils the all-new 2025 4Runner, starting at $40,770 (plus $1,450 DPH), arriving at dealerships in early 2025. The 6th generation model introduces two powertrain options: the standard i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo with 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque, and the i-FORCE MAX hybrid producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque.

The new lineup features nine grades, including first-ever Trailhunter and Platinum grades. Notable features include a 6,000-pound towing capacity, available 14-inch touchscreen display, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard on all models. The vehicle offers multiple drive configurations including 2-Wheel, part-time 4-Wheel, and Full-time 4-Wheel Drive.

Toyota has launched its holiday advertising campaign featuring two new commercials: 'Real Reward' and 'Naughty List,' which debuted during NBCUniversal's 'Christmas in Rockefeller Center' broadcasts. 'Real Reward' showcases a couple helping return a lost dog using their 2025 Tacoma, while 'Naughty List' features a father-son story in a 2024 Tundra.

The company is partnering with Best Friends Animal Society to support nationwide shelter animal adoption efforts. The campaign will run across multiple platforms including NBC, Telemundo, and various digital channels through January 6, 2025, as part of the Toyotathon December Sales Event.

Toyota Motor North America has released its 2024 North American Environmental Sustainability Report, highlighting significant progress across four priority areas. The report shows that 77% of Toyota and Lexus models now have electrified options, with a 14% reduction in operations-related greenhouse gas emissions versus FY2019. Notable achievements include a 6.8% decrease in water usage per vehicle, 93% waste recycling rate, and development of 4,094.5 additional acres of pollinator habitat.

The report outlines Toyota's environmental strategy aligned with UN SDGs and Challenge 2050, focusing on Carbon, Water, Circular Economy, and Biodiversity initiatives. The company operates 14 manufacturing plants in North America, employing nearly 64,000 people, and plans to begin automotive battery production in North Carolina by 2025.

Toyota showcases its diverse vehicle lineup at SEMA 2024 in Las Vegas, featuring unique specialty builds and enhanced models with Toyota Associated Accessory Products (AAP). The exhibit includes several concept vehicles like the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept, CALTY Land Cruiser ROX, GR86 Rally Legacy Concept, and Ultimate Tailgate Tundra. A highlight is the new TRD Forged Billet Upper Control Arm Kit for Toyota 4Runner and FJ Cruiser models. The display demonstrates Toyota's commitment to performance and adventure across different lifestyle segments, from off-roading and overlanding to camping and track experiences.

Toyota announces updates to the 2025 Grand Highlander lineup, introducing a new Hybrid Nightshade Edition and LE grade. The Hybrid Nightshade Edition features black exterior accents, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and premium JBL audio. The value-focused LE grade starts at $40,860 for gas models and $44,210 for hybrid versions. The SUV offers three powertrain options: a 2.4L turbo gas engine, 2.5L hybrid, and 362-hp Hybrid MAX system. Notable features include adult-sized third-row seating, 97.5 cu.ft. of storage space, and advanced tech features like Traffic Jam Assist. Models will begin arriving at dealerships in late December 2024.