Toyota reported a 127.4% increase in global battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales for the first nine months of 2026, totaling 309,766 units. This growth follows the launch of updated electric SUVs, including the bZ4X and RZ, alongside new models like the C-HR+ and Lexus ES EV. A three-row electric SUV is scheduled for release in the coming months.
Despite the surge in EV interest, Toyota's overall global sales declined by 3.4% to 7.51 million vehicles through September. September sales specifically dropped 2.2% year-over-year to 860,107 units. The company attributes this downturn primarily to a significant slump in the Chinese market, where sales fell 18.9% to just over 1.05 million vehicles during the same nine-month period.
China remains Toyota's second-largest market, though it has now been surpassed by Japan, where 1.19 million vehicles were sold through September. To improve competitiveness against local rivals like BYD, Toyota is shifting its strategy. The company plans to produce a new Lexus electric SUV in Shanghai starting next fall, utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques such as gigacasting.
The broader automotive sector is facing similar challenges in China. Volkswagen Group recently reported a 38% drop in third-quarter sales within the region, totaling 405,800 units. Like Toyota, Volkswagen intends to integrate technology developed in China into its future electric vehicle lineups intended for international markets.
