Toyota JV to launch cheaper EV Leahead in China by 2015

China Auto Show

Toyota JV is planning to launch a new sub brand of EVs in China by 2015, under the Leahead name which will be much cheaper compared to other EVs existing in market, reports autoevolution.

The first model in the series is expected to make its debut at the 2015 Guangzhou Auto Show. Toyota aims these cheap electric cars for young and hip car buyers in China.

China Auto Show
Leahead has been previewed at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show through the yellow concept car. This new brand is expected to come out next year. It will have a 10-model lineup may include cheap EVs and a couple hybrids.

Toyota just celebrated 10-years of GAC Toyota, its joint-venture manufacturing company in China. And it is GTMC that is the company behind Leahead, explained, Jana Hartline, environmental communications manager, Toyota Motor Sales, USA.

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There is a rumor that the new car is a fusion of Toyota’s two unpopular electric versions of the Corolla EX and the Yaris L. However, the production costs, recharging times and limited performances rendered by these two cars forced Toyota to take off the production line and move over to hydrogen fueled powertrains, further calibrating its hybrid setups.

It makes sense for automakers to push for more EVs in China, given government support for the technology and the proven success of Tesla.

Sabeena Wahid
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