Toyota’s bZ4X Electric SUV Aims to Win Over Fleet Buyers in Australia
Will Toyota’s bZ4X be the electric SUV of choice for fleet buyers in Australia?
Toyota Australia is betting on fleet buyers, including government customers, to choose their new bZ4X electric SUV over rivals like Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6. With competitive pricing, decent driving range, and the widest dealership network, Toyota hopes to establish itself in the booming Australian electric vehicle market.
Toyota Australia has high hopes for its new bZ4X electric SUV, particularly among fleet buyers. The company anticipates that government customers, along with other fleet buyers, will be drawn to the brand’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV), due to its competitive pricing and decent driving range. Priced starting at $66,000 before on-road costs, the bZ4X offers a driving range of up to 436km, making it a viable option for fleet needs.
Toyota’s bZ4X also benefits from the widest dealership network in the country, providing convenient service and support for fleet buyers. Compared to its rivals like the Tesla Model Y, Subaru Solterra, Kia EV6, and Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and 6, the bZ4X stands out with its affordability, range, and accessibility.
However, Toyota remains realistic about its sales expectations. The company aims to sell around 1500 bZ4X units per year in Australia, which pales in comparison to the nearly 2400 Tesla Model Ys sold each month last year. Similarly priced models like the Kia EV6 and Polestar 2 also outperformed Toyota’s target. Despite this, Toyota is confident in its ability to attract fleet buyers, thanks to its extensive hybrid model range.
Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s vice president of sales and marketing, acknowledges that other battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are not Toyotas, and this distinction could work in their favor. Hanley believes that people tend to stick with brands they trust when it comes to new technology. He emphasizes Toyota’s long-standing presence and track record as factors that contribute to trust. According to Hanley, this trust is crucial when introducing a new electric vehicle, as it reassures potential buyers that they are choosing a reliable and reputable brand.
In addition to fleet buyers, Toyota is also targeting private customers who are looking to offset their carbon emissions. The company sees bZ4X sales coming from a mix of government, fleet, company, and private customers who are ready to make the transition to a battery electric vehicle.
While Toyota recognizes the potential in appealing to various buyer types, including private buyers, they expect the initial interest to primarily come from fleet customers. Hanley predicts that the fleet mix will eventually settle around 48-52 percent in favor of private buyers. However, government fleets, both at the local and federal levels, present a significant opportunity for Toyota. Many government and corporate entities are actively seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint through electric vehicles, which opens up a sizable market for the bZ4X.
The bZ4X offers two models: a base grade front-wheel drive version and a more luxurious all-wheel drive variant. The base model starts at $66,000 plus on-road costs, while the AWD version is priced at $74,900 + ORC. Both models feature a 71.4kWh battery pack, though the driving range and efficiency differ. The FWD model boasts a WLTP rated range of 436km and an efficiency of 16.9kWh per 100km. On the other hand, the AWD version, being heavier and higher-riding, offers 411km of EV range and an efficiency of 18.1kWh per 100km (WLTP).
- Toyota expects fleet buyers, including government customers, to choose the bZ4X electric SUV
- Competitive pricing, driving range, and dealership network make it an attractive option
- Toyota aims to sell 1500 bZ4X units per year in Australia
- The brand’s extensive hybrid model range still appeals to fleet buyers
- Toyota believes its trusted brand and long-standing reputation will help build a new buyer base
Toyota Australia is banking on fleet buyers, particularly government customers, to choose the bZ4X electric SUV. While the brand expects to sell fewer units compared to its competitors, its competitive pricing, driving range, and extensive hybrid model range give Toyota a strong position in the market. The company also believes that its trusted brand name and reputation will play a significant role in attracting potential buyers. With a big opportunity in both government and private sectors, Toyota is optimistic about the future of its bZ4X electric SUV in Australia.