Globally, the imperative of sustainability is shaping industries, and corporations are under mounting pressure to align their practices with environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the automotive industry, where the transition towards greener, more sustainable mobility solutions is not just a trend, but a necessity. Among the industry leaders spearheading this transformation, Toyota stands out for its comprehensive and innovative approach towards ESG integration.

At the heart of Toyota’s sustainability endeavours lies a commitment to reducing carbon emissions through a multi-pathway approach. This strategy recognises the complexity of the challenge and acknowledges that no single solution can suffice.

Instead, Toyota advocates for a practical approach that combines electrification, diversification, and intelligence. By embracing this multi-pathway strategy, Toyota aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by offering not one, but a few mobility solutions in electrified powertrains, while ensuring that mobility remains accessible and efficient for all.

Rather than promoting a one-size-fits-all solution, Toyota makes electrified vehicles (EV) available to the masses through various technologies and business models. Whether it’s hybrid EV (HEV), battery EV (BEV), or fuel cell EVs (FCEV) to ensure that each option meets the diverse needs and usage patterns of its customers to address the varied demands of customers across different markets. In regions like Asia, where energy sources and infrastructure vary widely, Toyota’s approach to electrification is especially intricated.

Intelligence, such as data solutions help provide a better experience to customers. By embracing this multi-pathway strategy, Toyota aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions while ensuring that mobility remains accessible and efficient for all.

“There is no singular solution that will achieve our carbon neutral ambitions. We believe we have to do what we can do and encourage all solutions to gain scale to move all of Malaysia to an optimal low carbon solution at scale.”

The Malaysia’s Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap (HETR) targets a transition towards renewable energy (RE) sources, with a vision for more than 70% of Malaysia’s energy to be renewable by 2050.

This transition includes a significant focus on clean energy in the mobility sector, with aspirations to increase the utilisation of green hydrogen to 46.63% and achieve a target of 20% of the total industry volume (TIV) for FCEVs by the year 2050.

Collaborating with governmental initiatives like HETR, Toyota contributes to Malaysia’s vision of becoming a leader in clean energy adoption and sustainable mobility. Recent collaborations between Toyota and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) accentuate the commitment to advancing research in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, furthering the cause of sustainable mobility.

According to Malaysia’s 2019 well-to-wheel emission study, BEVs were found to contribute a higher number of carbon emissions at 94 gC02eq/km (grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilometre), compared to HEVs, which emitted the lowest at 82 gC02eq/km. This means that hybrid technology is the most efficient option for reducing carbon emissions from a well-to-wheel perspective at scale across all passenger vehicles in Malaysia.

When examining the global average lifecycle emissions of BEV and HEV, both share similar levels of well-to-wheel emissions, indicating that the environmental impact of these vehicles extends beyond just their emissions during driving, emphasising the importance of considering the entire lifecycle of a vehicle.

“It’s essential to address the misconception among consumers that solely focuses on emissions during driving. The truth is, that the environmental impact of vehicles begins well before they hit the road, spanning from manufacturing to disposal. Hence, efforts to reduce carbon emissions must encompass the entire lifecycle of vehicles,” says Toyota.

Central to the ESG leadership and multi-pathway vision is Toyota’s dedication to providing mobility solutions for all, ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition to sustainable transportation. Whether through traditional ICE or cutting-edge FCEV, Toyota’s multi-pathway approach caters to diverse needs and usage scenarios, democratising access to eco-friendly mobility options.

In doing so, Toyota not only drives environmental stewardship but also fosters inclusivity and equity in the mobility landscape, empowering individuals and communities to move freely towards a greener tomorrow.

Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor says: “As we navigate the shifting tides of the automotive industry, our commitment to sustainability remains unwavering. By embracing a multi-pathway approach to mobility, we are not just driving towards a greener future, but also ensuring that every individual has access to sustainable transportation solutions. At UMW Toyota Motor, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility but an opportunity to innovate and lead the way towards a brighter tomorrow.”