Toyota Motor expects a 20% reduction in profit for the current financial year. It stated that large investments are being channeled in key strategic initiatives post its impressive quarter 4 results.
Toyota recorded a stunning 78% jump in its operating profit for the January-March period, a figure which was way above the estimates by the market players. The full-year operating profit totalled 5.35 trillion yen, surpassing 5 trillion yen for the first time in Japanese corporate history.
Factors driving Toyota’s performance
Although the depreciation of the yen had boosted the company’s sales, it was the decreasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in some markets, such as the United States, that contributed to that effect. Toyota is well-known for its petrol-electric hybrids, which have become extremely popular among consumers in recent times. Therefore, the sales of these models have made Toyota even more competitive.
Toyota’s prescient strategy
Toyota’s approach of launching hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrid models ahead of purely electric options has been questioned before. On the other hand, consumers` worries about the EV driving range and charging infrastructure have been proved to be rational ground for Toyota to adopt a “multi-pathway” strategy.
Investments and outlook
Toyota anticipates a 20% decline in operating income for the fiscal year ending March 2025. This projection aligns with its investment plans in “human capital,” including support for labour costs at suppliers and dealers, as well as its multi-pathway strategy.
Toyota CEO Koji Sato emphasised the importance of protecting the supply chain through investments. Despite operational efficiency, Toyota acknowledges the need for significant changes as it transitions from an automaker to a mobility company.
Strategic investments in growth areas
Toyota plans to invest 1.7 trillion yen in growth areas such as artificial intelligence and software development. However, the guidance on profit decline has led to concerns among analysts, highlighting unexpected additional costs for suppliers and investments.
Challenges in key markets
Despite its success, Toyota faces challenges in crucial markets like China, where local manufacturers are rapidly introducing software-loaded EVs. Whilst Toyota is indeed a forerunner in hybrids, the company’s sales of the battery only EVs remain quite low.
Toyota’s EV strategy in China
Whether the company will succeed or fail in China relies mostly upon the company’s EV plan. The firm also has a strategic partnership with Tencent, a Chinese technology giant, and has released two battery EVs customized for the Chinese market at the Beijing auto show.