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The 100% electric model will be produced by 2026 and is part of Toyota's new strategy to avoid US tariffs and accelerate global expansion
A Toyota is ready to change the game in the Latin American electric vehicle market. According to information from the Japanese newspaper Nikkei, the automaker will start manufacturing the long-awaited electric hilux in Argentina by 2026. The model will be 100% battery-powered and represents a new phase in the brand's global strategy.
Electric Hilux to be manufactured in Zárate, Argentina
A information was published this Monday (7) by Nikkei, Japan's most respected financial daily. According to reporter Ryohei Shimizu, the decision of the Toyota involves the Zárate unit, where combustion versions of the Hilux are already produced. Now, the site will also house the assembly of the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) version — fully electric.
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The proposal is clear: reduce the effects of trade tariffs imposed by the United States, especially during the Trump administration, and accelerate the delivery of electric vehicles in strategic markets.
Argentina enters Toyota's global radar
To date, the production of all-electric vehicles from Toyota was concentrated only in Japan and China. With the new plan, the brand will diversify production to countries such as Argentina, Thailand and the United States.
According to Nikkei, the Toyota intends to launch until 15 electric models by 2027, well above the current five. The idea is to strengthen the company's global presence and prevent it from falling behind in the race for zero-carbon vehicles.
Electric Hilux arrives with history and innovation
The first public appearance of a concept of electric hilux It was in December 2022. Since then, the model has been developed with a focus on autonomy and robustness — two requirements for those who trust the pickup truck for heavy work.
Production in Argentina does not yet have an exact start date, but the expectation is that the first units will start to be sold. from 2026 in several markets, including Brazil.
Hilux with multiple power options
A Toyota is also already working on a new generation of the Hilux, which should offer a variety of versions to meet different consumer profiles:
- Diesel
- Petrol
- GNV
- Mild hybrid
- Conventional hybrid
- Hydrogen
- And of course, the 100% electric Hilux
Some mild hybrid versions are already available in selected markets.
Toyota wants space on the electric podium
Even with a 34% growth in electric vehicle sales in 2024 (around 140 thousand units), the Toyota is still behind competitors such as Tesla (1,79 million), BYD (1,76 million) and Volkswagen (740 thousand). With the new electric Hilux, brand wants to strengthen its presence in the segment and show that it is not only following the trend, but also setting the pace of automotive transformation.
