By Alzira Rodrigues  | Translated by Jorge Meditsch

Toyota’s hybrid compact to be produced at the Sorocaba plant should hit the Brazilian market at the end of next year. The information was given by the manufacturer’s president in Brazil, Rafael Chang, who participated on Thursday, 8/10, in an event at the University of São Paulo campus to announce the construction of a filling station of hydrogen made from ethanol.

The executive exalted the company’s pioneering by offering a flex-fuel hybrid with the launch, in 2019, of the Corolla Hybrid. He admitted the nationalization of the technology depends on the scale and commented that the arrival of new hybrids able to use ethanol would favor local investments in parts and components.

Stellantis already confirmed the launch of its first flex hybrids in 2024, probably by Fiat and Jeep. Volkswagen also mulls the local production of this kind of vehicle.

Stellantis president for South America, Antonio Filosa, assures its models will present a high nationalization index due to ongoing contacts with local suppliers.

“We are favorable to practical solutions and affordable technology”, said Toyota Brasil’s president talking about the manufacturer’s projects that include the production of a flex-fuel hybrid compact, part of a R$ 1.7 billion investment announced less than three months ago.

The project will close a five-year R$ 7 billion investment cycle. “We are already evaluating a new plan for 2025-2030”, said Chang, saying they contemplate new models and new possibilities, including the ethanol-based hydrogen project.

Definitions depend on government’s ongoing studies: “In São Paulo, we are waiting for the pro-green vehicle government’s project. In the federal sphere will be important the new Rota 2030 guidelines and the tax reform. Predictability is key for our business”.

Photo: Toyota

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