GAC Toyota announced at the GAC Toyota’s “2025 Technology Day” on June 12 that it is significantly deepening its collaboration with Huawei, moving beyond basic in-car system integration to a comprehensive, full-domain partnership.

The initial phase of cooperation between the two companies was limited to the development and connectivity of in-car systems.

Source: GAC-Toyota

However, the newly announced "deepened partnership 2.0" means that GAC Toyota will not only fully integrate HarmonyOS Cockpit 5.0 into its vehicles but will also adopt Huawei's advanced DriveONE electric powertrain and NearLink digital key technology.

Huawei's DriveONE electric drive system is an integrated power solution that combines key components like the motor, power electronics, and reducer into a single powertrain unit.

The NearLink digital key technology, on the other hand, is Huawei's next-generation short-range wireless communication standard to unlock cars with smartphones as digital car keys.

It is designed to offer higher speed, lower latency, stronger anti-interference capabilities, and greater security compared to traditional Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

The first Toyota model to showcase this deepened integration of Huawei is the all-new Toyota bZ7. This D-segment sedan, which made its debut at this year's Shanghai Auto Show, is expected to launch in 2025, with a rollout incorporating the HarmonyOS Cockpit slated for 2026.

Source: GAC-Toyota

The bZ7 is a large saloon, exceeding 5 meters in length, and boasts a sleek coupe-style fastback design with an impressive drag coefficient of 0.21.

Its exterior features a closed grille with Toyota's signature "C" shaped headlights and taillights, complemented by a subtle spoiler at the end of the panoramic roof.

The bZ7 will offer an exclusive "Daiyun Cui" (黛云翠) color option that uses a nano-level metallic coating to create a gradient light and shadow effect.

Source: GAC-Toyota

Inside, the bZ7 embraces a clean, minimalist design. It is equipped with a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, an embedded full LCD instrument cluster, and a large 15.6-inch HarmonyOS central control screen. A HUD (Head-Up Display) is also included to enhance the driving experience.

This strengthened partnership aligns perfectly with Toyota's new localization strategy, unveiled in April this year, with the core philosophy of "More Chinese, More Global."

This initiative was designed to accelerate Toyota's development in China. As part of this strategy, Toyota has established a "One R&D" system, transferring product decision-making authority from its Japanese headquarters to its Chinese operations.

Furthermore, a "China Chief Engineer" system has been implemented, empowering Chinese engineers to lead product development and create new models specifically tailored to meet the demands of the local market.

The Toyota bZ series, which began its development in China in 2022, has already diversified its product portfolio.

The upcoming bZ7, alongside models like the bZ5, are direct results of Toyota's commitment to leveraging local talent and technology for future EV models.

Source: GAC-Toyota

Toyota's Joint Ventures in Chin

Toyota operates in China primarily through two major joint ventures (JVs): FAW-Toyota and GAC-Toyota. These JVs are common structures for foreign automakers operating in China, allowing them to leverage local manufacturing expertise and distribution networks.

• FAW-Toyota is a joint venture between Toyota Motor Corporation and China FAW Group Corporation (FAW) was formally established in 2003. It is a 50:50 partnership. FAW-Toyota has been responsible for manufacturing a wide range of Toyota models in China. Within the bZ series, FAW-Toyota has launched the Toyota bZ3 sedan (co-developed with BYD) and the Toyota bZ4X SUV (until 2023). It has also introduced the bZ5 sedan and the upcoming bZ3C crossover.

• GAC-Toyota is the other joint venture, between Toyota Motor Corporation and GAC Group (Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd.) and was founded on September 1, 2004. It is also a 50:50 partnership. GAC-Toyota began production in May 2006 with the Camry model. For the bZ series, GAC-Toyota is responsible for producing models such as the Toyota bZ4X SUV and the Toyota bZ3X SUV. The upcoming Toyota bZ7, which is central to the expanded Huawei partnership, is also a product of GAC-Toyota.