At the Japan Mobility Show 2025, Toyota CEO Koji Sato introduced the next-generation Corolla, a model that marks a major evolution in the company’s history. For the first time, the world’s best-selling car will feature a fully electric version, symbolizing Toyota’s strategy to merge multiple energy technologies under one inspiring goal: to thrill the driver.
🌍 A New Era for Toyota: Emotion Meets Engineering
Koji Sato used the global stage to outline Toyota’s guiding principle for its new era. The brand aims to unify all propulsion systems—combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric—around a single idea:
“Whether it’s an electric car, a plug-in hybrid, a conventional hybrid, or even a combustion engine vehicle, we will manufacture beautiful cars that everyone wants to drive,”
— Koji Sato, CEO of Toyota.
This statement captures Toyota’s evolution from a purely efficiency-driven company to one equally focused on design, performance, and emotional connection.
🏁 Corolla: The Heart of Toyota’s Philosophy
Since its debut in 1966, the Toyota Corolla has sold over 54 million units worldwide, becoming a benchmark for reliability and practicality. Now, Toyota is reinventing the iconic model for a new generation of drivers.
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CLICK HEREAccording to Sato, the new Corolla is “full of innovations” and represents a turning point for the brand. It maintains its identity as a “car for everyone” while embracing electrification and modern design trends.
⚡ The Fully Electric Corolla: A Symbol of Transition
At the Japan Mobility Show, Toyota presented the Corolla Concept, previewing the first-ever 100% electric Corolla. While remaining true to its practical roots, this concept introduces a more dynamic and futuristic aesthetic.
🔧 Key Highlights of the New Corolla Concept:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Propulsion | Combustion, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and Fully Electric |
| Design | Angular lines, aerodynamic body, and a sleek sedan-like silhouette |
| Charging | Front charging ports (for the electric version) |
| Body Styles | Hatchback, Sedan, and Station Wagon |
| Launch Year | 2026 (60th Anniversary of the Corolla) |
🧩 Multi-Technology Strategy: Flexibility for Every Market
Toyota continues to follow its multi-energy strategy, defending its “Just in Time” philosophy—introducing new technologies only when they are ready for the market.
This approach enables Toyota to serve different regions effectively:
| Region | Primary Powertrain Focus |
|---|---|
| Europe | Hybrid and Electric |
| United States | Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid |
| Japan | Hybrid and Hydrogen |
| Africa & Developing Regions | Combustion and Hybrid |
Sato emphasized that this flexibility is Toyota’s strength: the ability to adapt to the unique demands of each market while keeping production efficient and sustainable.
🎨 Design with Purpose
The new Corolla adopts a bolder design philosophy, emphasizing both emotion and aerodynamics. The prototype showcases sharp lines, expressive lighting, and a dynamic profile reminiscent of sports sedans.
Toyota’s commitment to maintaining a strong link between its concept cars and production models suggests that much of what was shown at the Japan Mobility Show will appear in the 2026 production version.
🗓️ Global Launch in 2026: A Celebration of 60 Years
Toyota plans to launch the new Corolla globally in 2026, aligning with the model’s 60th anniversary. The company promises to deliver a balance of price, range, and technology, while maintaining the Corolla’s timeless virtues:
- Reliability
- Low running costs
- Efficient use of space
- Driving pleasure
If successful, this new chapter could reaffirm the Corolla’s motto — “a car for everyone” — now redefined for an era of zero-emission mobility.
💬 Koji Sato’s Vision in One Sentence:
“Toyota’s mission is not just to build cars — it’s to build excitement behind the wheel.”
Estimated Starting Price (Global Markets): around $25,000 to $28,000, depending on powertrain and region.
With this move, Toyota signals that its future isn’t about choosing between combustion or electric — it’s about uniting all technologies to serve one timeless purpose: the joy of driving.
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