Toyota Thailand's president, Noriaki Yamashita, has announced that the company intends to start mass-producing an all-electric version of the Hilux pick-up by the end of 2025.
Yamashita told reporters at the Bangkok International Motor Show that the Hilux could be ready for release by the end of next year, according to reports by Reuters.
Although Yamashita didn’t specify where the electric pickup will be produced, Thailand is the obvious choice. The far eastern country is a hub for global pickup production: Versions of the Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, MG Extender, and Toyota Hilux are all produced at facilities in the country, so the odds are stacked in the nation’s favour.
According to Reuters, Toyota has forecast sales of 250,000 vehicles in the region in 2025, further strengthening the territory's manufacturing appeal.
The Bangkok International Motor Show was also the setting of a revelation from Isuzu, as it revealed its D-Max EV electric pickup, which is also set to launch in 2025. Once the battery-electric pickup starts to roll off the production line in Thailand, it will initially be delivered to customers in Europe, with other territories to follow.
Thailand is making steps forward in vehicle electrification, with Chinese brands like BYD, Great Wall Motors, and Changan Automobile making significant investments in the local manufacturing economy.
Alongside Toyota in Thailand, the development of the electric Hilux is being jointly shared with Toyota in Australia. In addition to liaising with large customers in Australia to develop and trial the vehicle, Toyota will provide 12 electrified Hilux prototype vehicles to the town of Pattaya to be trialled as part of a ride-hailing service within the tourist beach town.
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