Japan car giants still pushing anti-EV narrative even as China rivals close sales gap

A new analysis by InfluenceMap reveals Japanese automakers, including Toyota and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, are promoting a 'multi-pathway' strategy that delays electric vehicle adoption by emphasizing hybrids and alternative fuels, while Chinese automakers dominate EV sales and policy support. Japanese influence in global automotive associations, such as those in Brazil, Colombia, and Indonesia, is pushing anti-EV narratives, slowing electrification in emerging markets despite China’s growing EV market share." "article": "Japanese automakers, including Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Suzuki, are actively resisting the global shift to electric vehicles (EVs) by advocating for a 'multi-pathway' approach that prioritizes hybrids and alternative fuels over battery EVs, according to a new analysis by the climate risk think tank InfluenceMap. The report examines corporate policy engagement from ten Japanese and Chinese automakers—BYD, Geely, Chery, SAIC Motor, FAW, Changan, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Suzuki—alongside automotive associations in five countries, between January 2024 and December 2025. While Chinese automakers like BYD and Geely are leading the EV market with increasing global sales, Japanese firms dominate policy debates and regional industry associations, pushing narratives that delay EV adoption. In Japan, EVs accounted for less than 3% of sales in 2025, compared to nearly 55% in markets where electrification is prioritized. The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) and Toyota frequently promote alternatives like hydrogen and hybrids, framing them as viable long-term solutions despite their lower emissions benefits. InfluenceMap’s analysis highlights how Japanese automakers leverage their influence in Brazil, Colombia, and Indonesia—where they hold key roles in automotive associations—to oppose pro-EV policies. In Brazil, electrified vehicles made up just 9% of sales in 2025, with only 44% of those being BEVs, while Colombia saw a 10% share but only 8% BEVs. Chinese automakers, despite their market dominance, remain largely absent from these policy discussions, leaving Japanese narratives unchallenged. The report warns that if the anti-EV stance gains traction in emerging markets, global EV adoption could stall, favoring hybrids over cleaner battery-powered vehicles. Emily Zhang, an analyst at InfluenceMap, noted that Japanese automakers consistently push for slower EV transitions across markets, from Japan to Brazil and Indonesia, while Chinese firms focus on production rather than policy engagement.