The Lexus LF-ZC study at its presentation in late 2023.Image: ToyotaAccording to Nikkei Asia, Toyota has fully discontinued development of the production version of its battery-electric Lexus saloon. If the report proves accurate, the Lexus LF-ZC concept unveiled at the end of 2023 will not progress into a market-ready production model.Toyota originally planned to launch the battery-electric saloon for the Lexus brand in late 2026 before postponing the market introduction to mid-2027. The latest reports now indicate that the company will not build the model at all.Toyota had originally planned to build the vehicle at a factory in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture using gigacasting technology, which combines multiple components into large aluminium sections through a casting process. Despite cancelling the model, Nikkei reports that Toyota will continue its research and development work on gigacasting and solid-state batteries.According to the report, the company could still introduce next-generation electric vehicles at a later stage, potentially with a stronger emphasis on other body styles such as SUVs.Alongside gigacasting, Lexus had reportedly planned a further production overhaul for its future electric models, at least according to the presentation of the LF-ZC concept in 2023. The company intended to replace the conventional assembly line with a ‘self-driving assembly line,’ effectively an autonomous carrier system.Lexus expected the concept to provide greater flexibility in factory planning, reduce lead times for mass production and lower investment costs.asia.nikkei.com
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