Toyota Motor (TM) News Today

Toyota Motor Co. (TM) shares are trading higher today as the automaker reported another string of strong sales records, unveiled fresh electric‐vehicle initiatives and deepened its strategic partnership in the urban air‐mobility sector. Investors are reacting to a mix of robust demand trends, EV expansion plans and a high‐profile investment in Joby Aviation.

• U.S. and global sales hit record highs for the second consecutive month, driven by last‐minute purchases ahead of planned U.S. import tariffs.
• Worldwide production and sales rose for the fourth straight month in April on the back of strong hybrid‐vehicle demand and pre‐tariff buying.
• Announced plans to launch seven U.S.‐built electric‐vehicle models, with a strategy to export any unsold units overseas to manage inventory.
• Unveiled a software platform to challenge Tesla in connected‐car services, underscoring Toyota’s push into automotive software innovation.
• Completed a $250 million investment in Joby Aviation, becoming its largest shareholder and securing manufacturing and operational privileges for electric air taxis.
• Plans to shift GR Corolla production to the U.K. with a $56 million investment in Derbyshire, aiming to alleviate North American supply delays.
• Set an ambitious target to grow plug‐in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales from 2.4% to about 20% of U.S. volumes by 2030, reinforcing its EV roadmap.
• Announced construction of a new Tokyo head office, scheduled to open in fiscal 2030—an important long‐term infrastructure investment with limited near‐term earnings impact.
• Lingering U.S. import tariff uncertainty remains a risk, as post‐tariff demand could taper once the rush to beat levies subsides.