The race towards electrification seems to be moving at full speed in much of the automotive industry.

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However, not all industry leaders are convinced that electric vehicles are the only answer for the future. One of them is Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota, who once again made his position clear in a recent interview.

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Far from softening his speech, the Japanese manager reaffirmed his affinity for combustion engines and acknowledged that, at times, he feels that his position is increasingly a minority within the automotive business.

A different vision in full transformation

Toyota has opted in recent years for a diversified strategy that combines hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. That vision has been largely promoted by Toyoda, who believes that the energy transition should not depend exclusively on a single technology.

When asked what his biggest fear was regarding the future of the industry, the executive responded bluntly: “That everyone would switch to electric vehicles, that was my biggest fear.”

The statement once again put on the table a discussion that divides opinions inside and outside the sector.

The attachment to traditional engines

Toyoda also spoke of the emotional connection he maintains with combustion vehicles. For him, sounds, sensations and the driving experience remain fundamental elements of the passion for automobiles.

"Just three or four years ago, I was the only one who said I loved the smell, I loved the sounds, I loved the engines and I wanted to keep the jobs of the engine suppliers. But I think I'm the only one, I feel very alone," he said.

Toyota maintains its strategy

The president also defended the continuity of the GR sports models equipped with gasoline engines. According to his vision, this type of vehicle still has space in the market thanks to the driving sensations they offer and certain advantages related to weight compared to some electrified models.

Toyoda also assured that within the company itself he has had to defend this philosophy against those who believe that Toyota should have opted for battery electric vehicles sooner.

"If they tell me 'hey, you're too late,' that you should have switched to battery electric vehicles, well, we are people who love cars and those people and I fight even within companies. If I only have to make a good balance or generate profits, or I only have to achieve carbon neutrality, it is not exciting," he said.