Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA (TME) is playing a significant role in supporting the next phase of Energy Observer's global journey. TME oversees the wholesale sales and marketing of Toyota, GR (Gazoo Racing), and Lexus vehicles and parts across Europe. Since 1990, Toyota has invested over EUR 11 billion in Europe, employing more than 25,000 people. Its manufacturing operations span eight plants located in Portugal, the UK, France, Poland, Czech Republic, and Turkey.
The company reports that approximately 14.7 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles are currently on European roads. In 2024 alone, TME sold over 1.2 million vehicles in Europe, achieving a market share of 7.1%. These drivers are supported by a network of 28 National Marketing and Sales Companies and about 2,800 retail outlets across 53 countries.
"Toyota believes that when people are free to move, anything is possible," emphasizing its mission for "Mobility for All." The company aims to create safer and more sustainable mobility solutions to produce "Happiness for All." In alignment with this vision, TME has launched the KINTO mobility brand offering various services in 20 countries.
Contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals is part of Toyota's strategy as it works towards carbon neutrality throughout its European business operations. Aiming for a full CO2 reduction by 2035 in all new vehicles sold in Western Europe, TME continues to offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
Toyota considers hydrogen essential for achieving carbon neutrality through its fuel cell technology applicable beyond transportation into broader economic sectors. Advanced fuel cell technology is already utilized in passenger cars as well as buses, trucks, trains, marine applications among other OEMs' products. To address increasing demand within Europe since January 2022 production commenced on their second-generation compact fuel cell modules locally.
Regarding infrastructure development goals: "Toyota's long-term vision is to establish 700bar as a standard for fuel cell electric vehicles and products."