Toyota’s Lack of EVs Triggers Week of Action from Public Citizen
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As signs suggest there may be internal debate within Toyota Motor Corp. over the company’s plans on its electric vehicle (EV) lineup, Toyota owners and grassroots activists this week are calling on the company to transition its full line-up of cars and trucks to zero emissions vehicles.
“Toyota is fueling climate change by producing gas-powered cars and slowing the global transition to zero-emission vehicles,” said East Peterson-Trujillo, clean vehicles campaigner with Public Citizen. “As one of the world’s largest automakers, Toyota has a responsibility to prioritize emissions-free vehicles and shift the industry towards a fossil-fuel free future.”
Over the course of the week, activists called on Toyota to commit to produce only zero-emission cars by signing petitions, placing phone calls to executives and local dealerships, and through actions on social media.
“The climate crisis has shifted drivers’ priorities when they consider buying a new car,” said Peterson-Trujillo. “Given that half of global car buyers want an EV as their next vehicle, Toyota must innovate and manufacture the cars of the future that consumers demand. ”
The week of action targeting Toyota took place days after another report that the company is considering changing its EV strategy in an attempt to improve its competitiveness before the end of the decade.