Pure electric Toyota bZ, Lexus RZ coming to PH

Toyota Motor Philippines were among the first manufacturers the country to introduce Hybrid vehicles with the Prius. Currently, their electrified lineup has expanded on the popular Corolla sedan, the Corolla Cross and the Camry. 

And during the launch of Toyota Mobility Solutions Philippines, TMP Chairman Alfred Ty also revealed what to expect from Toyota in the future - the brand is set to bring in fully-electric models. 

Ty said they are planning to launch the Toyota bZ4x and the Lexus RZ crossovers as early as 2023, which could make them the next Japanese brand to introduce a fully-electric vehicle in the country after Nissan's Leaf EV. 

Earlier in the year, the bZ4X made its ASEAN debut in Thailand and will go on sale by the end of this year. The EV that arrived in Thailand was an imported CBU or a completely built-up model, but there are reports that Toyota is looking at building the bZ4X in the ASEAN region. 

If it does happen, then the bZ4X could be spared from the struggles of the Leaf EV when it comes to pricing, and could be acquired for a lower cost thanks to AFTA.