Toyota said “god-level allies are coming to help,” and it looks like it’s coming true. After announcing several new partnerships with China’s tech leaders, Toyota will use advanced software, smart driving features, AI, and more in its upcoming EVs.
Toyota partners with China’s tech leaders for EVs
GAC Toyota, the company’s joint venture in China, announced new alliances with Huawei, Xiaomi, and Momenta during its Tech Day event on Thursday.
Ahead of the event, the company posted on social media that “god-level allies are coming to help” and “car industry bigwigs are coming.” It wasn’t kidding.
The new partnerships are more than just about new EV tech. GAC Toyota is developing an entire ecosystem centered on software, AI, and intelligent driving as part of its “China R&D 2.0” strategy.
During the event, GAC Toyota revealed its next-gen electronic architecture, two new energy vehicle (NEV) platforms, and three hybrid systems.
One platform, dedicated to fully electric vehicles, will house compact to midsize models. The recently launched bZ3X, Toyota’s most affordable EV starting at 109,800 yuan ($15,800), is based on the platform. The second platform will underpin EV, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and extended-range electric vehicles.
Toyota’s sleek bZ7 electric sedan, revealed last year, will be the first to launch on the new NEV platform. It’s expected to arrive in March 2026.
New partnerships with Xiaomi, Huawei, and Momenta will help complete the ecosystem. Toyota is Xiaomi’s first alliance with a global automaker.
Starting with the bZ7, Toyota will integrate Xiaomi’s smart devices, such as speakers, tablets, and wearables, to connect home and vehicle.
The electric sedan will also be the first to use Huawei’s new HarmonyOS 5.0, offering faster in-car performance. It will be integrated into the vehicle’s infotainment system with a 15.6″ screen. Toyota, Huawei, and Tencent are collaborating to develop a next-generation AI voice assistant, which is expected to be rolled out by 2028.
Toyota is already using Momenta’s 5.0 smart driving system, but its new vehicles will feature the updated Momenta 6.0.
The bZ3X is getting upgraded to the new system, adding over 50 smart driving features. Toyota plans to continue improving the system, adding internal sensors to monitor drivers and adapt in real-time.
Toyota said in a statement earlier this year, “2025 is the starting point of a new 60th anniversary for Toyota China. We will define products with Chinese wisdom, promote innovation at Chinese speed, and let the Chinese market drive Toyota’s global evolution.”
Electrek’s Take
Will Toyota teaming up with China’s tech leaders help it turn things around in the world’s largest EV market? It’s new EVs, like the bZ3X, are apparently off to a strong start.
After launching in April, GAC-Toyota claimed the electric SUV was “so popular that the server crashed” with over 10,000 orders in under an hour.
In April, Toyota’s sales in China increased by 20% from the previous year, with 142,754 vehicles sold. The company said the shift to NEVs and dealership promotions drove growth. Toyota’s sales in China are now up 7.7% through May, with 530,000 vehicles sold. We’ll learn more as sales and delivery numbers are released.
Source: CarNewsChina, GAC Toyota
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