UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMW Toyota) has introduced its Beyond Zero initiative, in line with Toyota's worldwide endeavor to achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2050. Held at Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil, the event highlights innovative initiatives demonstrating the brand's dedication to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
Acknowledging the imperative for Malaysia's transition to sustainable energy, Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz emphasized the country's motivation stemming from international pledges, as well as the opportunities for economic expansion and enhanced energy stability.
"Malaysia, being recognized as the best country in Southeast Asia in the Energy Transition Index 2023 by the World Economic Forum, is on the right track to becoming a regional leader in the energy transition. Toyota's innovative efforts in clean energy, through its diverse approach, align seamlessly with our national goals", he said in a statement.
On another note, Datuk K. Ravindran, President of UMW Toyota, underscored the importance of acknowledging Malaysia's distinctive automotive industry landscape, which positions it as a key hub for electrical and electronics manufacturing in Southeast Asia. This recognition is vital for appropriately situating the group in this trajectory.
The symbolic launch of the Beyond Zero event aims to spotlight a diverse array of electrified technologies, encompassing hybrid EVs (HEVs), battery EVs (BEVs), and fuel cell EVs. These vehicles epitomize the forefront of automotive sustainability, integrating cutting-edge technologies and design features geared towards mitigating environmental impact. With a track record of proven reliability on Malaysian roads since 2009 and globally since 1997, UMW Toyota has successfully marketed 41,600 HEVs since 2009, resulting in commendable decarbonization effects equivalent to the absorption of approximately 150,000 tons of carbon dioxide, akin to the impact of 500,000 trees.
Alongside HEVs, UMW Toyota introduced BEVs and fuel cell EVs for the first time, featuring models such as the sleek bZ4X, robust Hilux BEV, and the distinctive C+pod, an environmentally-friendly two-seater ultra-compact BEV. In the realm of fuel cell EVs, the automaker presented advanced models like the Toyota Mirai FCEV, GranAce FCEV, and Hilux FCEV.