Toyota Egypt Group has officially entered the electric vehicle (EV) market in Egypt for the first time with the launch of two new models: the Toyota bZ4X and the Lexus RZ.

The introduction of the vehicles, announced during an event at the Grand Egyptian Museum, aligns with the state’s emissions reduction targets and marks a new sector for the company after 45 years of domestic operations.

Ahmed Monsef, CEO of Toyota Egypt Group, stated: “We feel great pride in announcing the official entry of our Group into the electric vehicle sector in Egypt, through two models that represent the pinnacle of development from Toyota and Lexus. What distinguishes this launch is its full reliance on authentic Japanese ‘Know-How’, which is the cornerstone that makes our electric vehicles a unique model in precision, quality, and technological innovation. Our historical leadership of more than 45 years is today further strengthened by presenting future solutions that reflect the excellence of Japanese engineering and its ability to set new standards of distinction in the Egyptian market.”

Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of Japan to Egypt, expressed: “The relationship between Japan and Egypt is built on a long history of friendship and cooperation based on mutual respect and a shared vision for progress and innovation. Over the years, we have witnessed numerous examples of this fruitful cooperation across various fields, from major cultural and developmental projects to technology, industry, and sustainability. Today, the launch of these electric models from the heart of the Grand Egyptian Museum stands as a symbol embodying this intersection between the greatness of history and the vision of the future. We value the role played by Toyota Egypt Group in providing advanced and sustainable mobility solutions to the Egyptian market, reflecting the Japanese philosophy based on continuous improvement and innovation.”

Powertrain and Battery System

Both the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ are built on the global e-TNGA platform and feature battery systems manufactured in Japan.

Toyota bZ4X

The Toyota bZ4X is available in two grades: the Sport FWD (Front-Wheel Drive) and the Premier AWD (All-Wheel Drive). Both grades utilise a 73 kWh battery manufactured in Japan through a collaboration between Toyota and Panasonic.

The model supports DC fast charging in 30 minutes, while charging from 20% to 80% takes approximately four and a half hours. It offers a driving range of up to 567 km (WLTP standard). According to the company, real-world testing has shown the vehicle achieves a range close to the declared figures.

Performance specifications include:

• Sport FWD: Features a motor generating 224 horsepower (HP) and 268.6 Nm of torque, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds. It is equipped with 18-inch wheels.

• Premier AWD: Delivers a total power of 343 HP through a front motor generating 268.6 Nm and a rear motor generating 169.8 Nm, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. It is equipped with 20-inch wheels.

The vehicle includes the X-MODE system for unpaved roads, featuring Multi-Terrain Select and GRIP Control Mode. Safety features include the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, which comprises advanced driver assistance and braking systems. Toyota provides a guarantee that battery efficiency will be maintained at no less than 70% after 10 years of use.

Lexus RZ

The Lexus RZ is offered in two grades: the Executive e350 (FWD) and the F Sport e550 (AWD). It is powered by a 77 kWh Japanese battery. The model supports AC charging up to 22 kW, enabling a home charging time of approximately three hours, while DC fast charging requires about 30 minutes.

Performance and range specifications include:

• Executive e350 (FWD): Delivers 224 HP with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, and a WLTP driving range of 508 km.

• F Sport e550 (AWD): Delivers 408 HP with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, and a WLTP driving range of 450 km.

The AWD version features Steer-by-Wire technology with a Yoke-style steering wheel, Interactive Manual Drive for simulated manual gear shifting via paddle controls, and the DIRECT4 system for intelligent torque distribution. The F Sport grade is equipped with 20-inch wheels and wider rear tyres for improved stability.

Interior features include leather and Alcantara materials, a Dynamic Ambient Light system, a 14-inch main display, and a 3D Digital Panoramic Monitor System. Safety is managed through the Lexus Safety Sense 3+ suite, which is designed to reduce driver fatigue and includes:

• Lane Tracing Assist

• Lane Departure Alert

• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

• Adaptive High Beam System (AHS)

• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)

• Safe Exit Assist

• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

• Pre-Collision System (PCS)

Emergency Equipment and Service

The new models are equipped with a tyre repair kit (including an air compressor and emergency sealant) alongside Type 2 and Type 1 chargers. A home charger unit is currently included with the vehicles for a limited time.

Toyota Egypt Group provides an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty on the battery, electric motors, and main power unit for both brands. An additional 5-year or 150,000 km warranty is provided for the remaining vehicle components.

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Lexus Design Award 2020 finalists:

• Bio.Scales, by Sutherlin Santo (USA): A modular, carbon sequestering air filtration system assembled from robotically 3D printed biopolymer scales.
• Feltscape, by Théophile Peju & Salvatore Cicero (France – Italy / Based in the United Kingdom): A breathing cloud made out of felt which interacts with people and space to enhance well-being.
• Flash Pak, by Yaokun Wu (China / Based in the USA): A smart survival apparatus that protects young students and helps them stay together in flash floods.
• Lick, by Irina Samoilova (Russia): A portable body cleaner for humans with a unique surface similar to a cat’s tongue.
• Open Source Communities, by BellTower (Kenya): A project exploring the future of smart sustainable communities in developing countries using open-source home plans.
• Pursewit, by Aqsa Ajmal (Pakistan): An accessible sewing machine that incorporates sewing skills to assist in income generation for the visually impaired.

Lexus Design Award 2020 judge, John Maeda, commented, “This year’s Lexus Design Award finalists speak to two main themes: consciousness and environment, which are increasingly relevant for their technological progress impacts on our world. Narrowing the massive list of entries down to the small set of representative works was not a simple task. In the end, I think we found the right set of captivating projects to represent the themes of mind and body that are critical to our future.”

Chief Representative of Middle East & Central Asia Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, Kei Fujita, said, “We are excited to see that the Lexus Design Award, now in its eighth year, is increasingly becoming recognised amongst creatives from around the world. The submissions this year were exceptional in terms of ideas, and we set a new record of over 2,000 entries from 80 countries. Design and craftsmanship have always been a fundamental part of the Lexus brand. The Lexus Design Award builds on this rich heritage through empowering the next generation of creators, allowing them to develop unique ideas and work under the expert guidance of distinguished mentors to showcase their designs to the world.”

The Lexus Design Award, in its 8th round, is an international design competition that targets up-and-coming creators from around the world. The award seeks to foster the growth of ideas that contribute to society by supporting designers and creators whose works can help to shape a better future.

First launched in 2013, the Lexus Design Award provides a unique opportunity for each finalist to work with globally recognised designers as mentors to create prototypes for their designs, and then exhibit them at one of the design calendar’s most important events.

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Lexus Egypt is launching two new models. The first is LS 500. It is considered Lexus’ leading model globally and an icon of luxury vehicles. The car has a long history in terms of offering exceptional performances.

Lexus carries pride in its successful exterior designs with its L-finesse design which makes the car different, relying on design technology, in addition to smooth lines and a wider front, which give the car a bolder look.

The LS 500’s interior design mainly revolves around the human element, starting with giving extra care to the driver and passengers and their needs.

This is clearly seen in how the car welcomes its driver once he or she approaches it, as a halo of light appears outside and inside the car.

The seat’s position is also altered in order to ensure the driver’s safety once they get into the car. There are about 28 different patterns for the seat’s position, in addition to a heating, cooling, and massage system, besides a large 12.3-inch display and control screen.

There is also great care given to the materials used to manufacture the car and their quality. The car has an analogue clock inside with lights and aluminium. The car’s leather also clearly shows the extent of the interior’s luxury.

The LS 500 is designed to be equipped with a new 3.5-litre V6 cylinder engine, with a twin turbo charger generating 415 hp and 600 Nm torque. The engine is designed in a way that improves its thermal efficiency while generating the highest torque from the second the engine starts, providing speeds that suit the driver’s desire.

The engine comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission engine. It is the first of its kind. The car can move from 0-100 km/h in only 4.6 seconds.

The driver’s seat is equipped with a 24-inch colour display screen, the first in the world. It displays a range important information about the vehicle, in addition to performance data in a way that allows the driver to still have their eyes on the road.

The car also provides its passengers with the highest safety standards and accuracy levels in terms of the precision of its control. It is equipped with the latest technology to control the body of the car, such as the vehicle dynamics integrated management (VDIM) system, which is connected to many other systems, such as e-brakes in order to allow optimal control of instant response based on the road’s information to make the vehicle extremely safe. There are also about 14 airbags inside the car.

The LX 570 model, meanwhile, is seen as a leap in of multi-use SUVs category. It offers a distinct four-wheel drive experience because it combines the spirit of adventure with luxury.

Its exterior design combines a sense of strength and stability while bringing out the luxury and beauty of the vehicle.

The interior, along with practical performance, gives a feeling of elegance through the harmony between several materials, such as metal, natural leather, and wood.

The control panel, with its vertical position, allows ease in evaluating the vehicle’s position. There is also a wide 12.3-inch screen that combines display functions and luxury entertainment functions, as well as temperature control and many other features.

The LX 570 relies on a V8 engine with a 5.7-litre capacity of 362 hp. The car can move from 0-100 km/h in only 7.5 seconds. Its maximum speed is 220 km/h.

Lexus was keen to equipp its LX 570 model with a range of safety features that aim to enable a driver to move with ease, safety, and confidence. There are the front high-radiation headlights in addition to over eight air bags on the sides and the rear, as well as an anti-theft system.

The car has a family design with eight seats. The second and third row seats are retractable and are equipped with an independent AC system and an 11.6-inch entertainment screen. The car has the option to display information on the front glass.

Toyota Egypt’s marketing officer told Daily News Egypt that the company seeks to sell 20 cars by the end of 2018, and 60-70 cars by the end of 2019.

Ahmed Monsef, CEO of Toyota Egypt, expressed his happiness at launching Lexus in Egypt. He believes it will create a leap in the car market with its Japanese technology and the enjoyment it gives its users.

“Launching luxurious Lexus in Egypt for the first time emphasises the keenness of Toyota to offer all that is unique in the global car market,” Monsef added.

The Lexus LX starts at EGP 5.1m, while the LS starts at EGP 5.75m.

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“There is tense competition in the Egyptian car market, but Lexus, with its great potentials, will rearrange car market shares,” said Ahmed Monsef, CEO of Toyota-Egypt, after signing the Lexus distribution contract in Egypt.

He added that Lexus, with its various models, will be an influential and powerful addition to the automotive market in Egypt, which comes in the framework of Toyota-Egypt’s efforts to provide various models to meet the needs of different segments and customers in Egypt.

In 2012, a new assembly line of Toyota Fortuner was launched at the Arab Organisation for Industry (AOI) with $8.5m worth of investments. Another assembly line of Toyota Fortuner was launched in July 2017 in the presence of the Minister of Investment and International Cooperation Sahar Nasr and the Japanese Ambassador in Cairo Takehiro Kagawa.

The General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) has 65 Japanese companies with issued capital estimated at $303.2m, besides $500m investments in petrochemicals industries. According to GAFI, there are 18 Japanese companies operating in the industrial sector, 26 in the service sector, three in the finance sector and nine in the construction sector, in addition to a number of other companies in the ICT, agricultural, and tourism sectors.

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