Toyota’s best-selling Corolla is going electric, and it will be made in China — SkimNews
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- Toyota plans to start next-generation Corolla production in China in 2028 through FAW Toyota, its joint venture with state-owned FAW Group; the nameplate is slated for electric, plug-in-hybrid, hybrid and gas versions.
- Toyota will use its "multipathway" platform on the next Corolla across electric, plug-in-hybrid, hybrid and combustion versions; several Lexus models already use the same platform.
- Toyota's 2028 Corolla project in China is expected to cut costs and accelerate development and output, although the automaker has not released battery or powertrain specifications.
- Corolla's EV version is expected in single- and dual-motor configurations with at least 250 miles of range; its hybrid version is estimated at 134 horsepower with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder and 10%-20% better efficiency than the current model.
- Corolla pricing is estimated at about $25,000 for the gas model, $27,000 for the hybrid and $30,000 for EV and plug-in-hybrid versions, while the EV's U.S. availability remains unclear.
- Toyota's China sales dropped 23%, extending declines to a seventh straight month amid weak demand for gas and hybrid vehicles and soaring fuel prices; the company is restructuring FAW Toyota and GAC Toyota.
- Corolla has sold more than 57 million vehicles worldwide since 1966; after 12 model changes, Toyota describes the 2028 redesign as the nameplate's biggest transformation to date.
Why it matters: Toyota’s China sales dropped 23% as declines extended to a seventh straight month amid weak gas and hybrid demand, while the company restructures FAW Toyota and GAC Toyota. The 2028 Corolla’s China build on Toyota's multipathway platform is expected to lower costs and speed development and output.
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