Tianjin, May 17, 2025 — Japanese automotive giant Toyota marked a significant milestone on Friday with the rollout of its all-new Toyota bZ5 electric vehicle at the FAW Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. manufacturing facility in Tianjin, China.
This launch not only signifies the debut of the intelligent electric bZ5 in the Chinese market but also represents the production of the company’s 12 millionth vehicle under the FAW-Toyota joint venture.
The Toyota bZ5, a smart and environmentally conscious addition to the automaker’s expanding EV lineup, comes equipped with advanced features including a panoramic sunroof and a 15.6-inch full-HD touchscreen. At its technological core is the new Toyota Pilot intelligent driving assistance system, which offers over 30 high-tech functions. These include real-time navigation support for both city and highway driving, as well as automated parking assistance—making it one of the most cutting-edge models in Toyota’s bZ series.
Koji Sato, President and CEO of Toyota, highlighted the strategic importance of the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) market, stating that if Toyota can win over consumers in China—a global leader in EV innovation—its products are likely to succeed in other international markets as well.
The Tianjin-based new energy vehicle (NEV) plant has already produced 258,000 units as of April 2025, generating a cumulative output value of 54 billion yuan (approximately 7.5 billion USD). From January to April alone, the facility recorded a year-on-year production increase of 34%, manufacturing 35,900 units during the period.
The debut of the bZ5 underscores China’s vital role in Toyota’s global strategy for EV development, innovation, and sales. To further strengthen its presence, Toyota signed a strategic cooperation agreement in late April with the Shanghai municipal government. This agreement paves the way for a new, wholly-owned electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Shanghai’s Jinshan District.
With an investment of 14.6 billion yuan, the project will focus on the research, development, and production of Lexus-branded EVs and electric batteries—reinforcing Toyota’s long-term commitment to sustainable mobility and its expanding footprint in the world’s largest EV market.