Tables Turned: GAC Now Teaching Toyota, Sharing Its EV Technology with Japan
Just a few years ago, China’s GAC was learning from Toyota. Somewhere along the way, the roles quietly reversed.
A few years back, Chinese automaker GAC was looking to Toyota for guidance, adopting the Japanese company’s experience and technologies. But times have changed, and today it’s GAC’s engineers who are passing their own innovations to the Japanese auto giant.
The shift was highlighted by Masato Katsumata, Toyota’s chief technology officer, during a media briefing at their joint venture in Guangzhou. According to him, the most significant knowledge transfer is happening in the electric-vehicle space — an area where Chinese manufacturers have surged ahead and are now sharing their advancements with Toyota.
The GAC–Toyota partnership began in 2004, the same year the companies opened a factory in Guangzhou dedicated to assembling Toyota vehicles.
You may also be interested in the news:
One Issue After Another: Toyota Lands in the Top Three for Vehicle Recalls Last Year
For some automakers, 2025 was a year of success. For others, it was defined by a wave of costly recalls.
Toyota Innova Crysta: The “Bulletproof” Diesel MPV Is Losing Ground, Leaving a Gap in the Market
The diesel-powered Toyota Innova Crysta could be discontinued by 2027 as emissions rules tighten.
Toyota Models Emerge as Vehicles That Effectively Preserve Value: U.S. Market Analysis
Vehicle depreciation plays an important role for many car owners.
The All-New Toyota RAV4 Gets a Style Upgrade: Modellista Rolls Out Lifestyle and Outdoor Packages
One package leans sporty, the other is built with off-road flair in mind.
Toyota Snatches Back Crown: Subaru's Reliability Reign Lasts Just 1 Year
Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru have been locked in a long-running battle for the top spot for years.