Korean Media: Toyota's Dependence on Chinese Automotive Components Is Deepening!
On April 17, South Korean media outlet "Today Digital" published an article stating that as Toyota Motor increasingly relies on electric vehicle components manufactured in China, this trend is delivering a significant impact on Japan's automotive industry.
It is reported that Toyota is extensively adopting domestically produced components to ensure its competitiveness in the Chinese electric vehicle market.
China is leading the transition toward electric vehicles and continuously expanding its global market share. According to PwC statistics, global pure electric vehicle sales surpassed 4 million units for the first time in the fourth quarter of 2025, with approximately 3 million units sold in China alone.
Leading Chinese battery manufacturers BYD and CATL accounted for over 55% of global EV battery sales in 2025 alone. Global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) producing cutting-edge batteries, powertrain systems, and critical software components are increasingly sourcing resources from China.
With more than 90% of the components for Toyota’s bZ3X model being produced in China, Japan’s supply chain structure is facing serious challenges. As contracts with Japanese parts suppliers—partnering with Toyota—are being canceled en masse, existing supply chains are undergoing restructuring. The bZ3X was jointly developed by Toyota and its Chinese partner, GAC Group, and sold over 80,000 units within its first year of launch.
The reliance on Chinese components extends beyond the bZ3X. Subsequent models such as the bZ5 and flagship bZ7 also heavily incorporate components made in China, and the company plans to promote Chinese technology in Southeast Asian markets as well.
The entire Japanese automotive industry is undergoing transformation. Nissan is expanding exports of its electric vehicles to Europe and global markets through its Chinese joint venture, Dongfeng Nissan; meanwhile, Honda, having fallen behind in the competition for Chinese EV technology, has also undergone large-scale restructuring.
This case illustrates that future industrial structures may undergo significant changes, depending on how Japanese automakers manage their dependence on Chinese technology and supply chains amid intense global competition in the electric vehicle sector.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862718606828811/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) personally.