The Japanese automaker is deepening collaborations with Huawei, Xiaomi and Momenta as it accelerates its electric vehicle strategy with locally developed platforms and intelligent driving systems.
GAC Toyota has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for its next generation of vehicles, forging key partnerships with China’s leading technology firms while introducing advanced electrification and intelligent driving systems.
The company took the opportunity of its 2025 Technology Day to announce tie-ups with Chinese technology giants Huawei, Xiaomi, and Momenta, in a bid to more closely integrate Chinese market products into the local ecosystem and with the desires of Chinese consumers.
At the same time, the joint venture will work on new dedicated EV platforms, and rollout extended range hybrid drivetrains to some of its most popular products in the market.
The moves are aimed at reinvigorating the brand’s local appeal which has fallen drastically with the shift to electrification, autonomous driving, and intelligent, connected vehicles.
The collaboration with Huawei represents Toyota’s most comprehensive tech integration to date. The premium bZ7 sedan, launching March 2026, will be the first Toyota globally to feature Huawei’s HarmonyOS 5.0 running on Kirin chips.
This partnership extends beyond infotainment, with engineers from both companies co-developing an AI voice assistant that evolves from simple commands to predictive behaviour.
By 2028, the system will recognise individual drivers, analyse usage patterns, and proactively adjust vehicle settings from seat position to climate control.
Toyota’s partnership with Xiaomi surrounds connectivity between vehicles and smart devices.
The bZ7 will seamlessly integrate with Xiaomi’s ecosystem, allowing drivers to control home appliances from their car dashboard and vice versa, much like they do now on Xiaomi’s own SU7 vehicles, marking the first time the electronics brand has collaborated with another manufacturer.
More innovatively, Xiaomi’s proprietary wireless charging technology will be embedded in vehicle consoles, capable of simultaneously powering multiple devices at 50W speeds.
The collaboration also brings Xiaomi’s smart walkie-talkies and emergency flashlights into Toyota’s accessory lineup, with vehicle-specific mounting solutions.
For autonomous driving capabilities, Toyota is leveraging Momenta’s industry-leading perception algorithms.
The updated bZ3X will debut Momenta’s 6.0 intelligent driving system featuring 47 new functions, including a revolutionary “world model” that processes real-time traffic data to predict potential hazards up to eight seconds before they occur.
The system’s voice and gesture controls allow drivers to adjust settings without touching screens, while its simulation-trained AI can handle complex urban scenarios including unprotected left turns and pedestrian-dense intersections.
Underpinning these technologies are Toyota’s new dedicated EV platforms.
The compact/midsize BEV architecture prioritises cabin space through innovative battery packaging, offering class-leading legroom in the bZ3X.
The flexible multi-energy platform supports battery, plug-in hybrid and range-extended configurations, with structural enhancements that reduce noise vibration by 15% compared to current models.
The automaker’s new digital chassis combines SDC electromagnetic dampers with dual-chamber air suspension capable of makingg 1,000 adjustments per second, virtually eliminating body roll during aggressive cornering while maintaining luxury sedan comfort. During emergency braking, it reduces nose dive by 50% compared to conventional setups.
Toyota’s battery management breakthrough comes via AI-powered diagnostics that monitor individual cell health in real-time. The system can predict potential thermal issues up to 30 minutes before they occur, automatically adjusting cooling protocols, while new suppression structures contain any thermal events within single battery modules.
These developments form the core of Toyota’s “China R&D 2.0” strategy, which has seen local teams take the lead on seven new models.
Chinese engineers are reimagining the next Camry with extended-range electric capability, while the 2026 Highlander will debut Toyota’s performance PHEV system delivering 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
With these partnerships and technological investments, Toyota isn’t just adapting to China’s EV market, it’s looking to actively compete at the front by creating vehicles that are as intelligent as they are efficient.
