Is this an article about Toyota or an advertisement for BYD?
The event showcased around 90,000 parts from 16 foreign automakers, and around 70 auto parts companies were in attendance.
BYD’s Atto 3 electric SUV, which starts at under $20,000 (140,000 yuan) in China, stole the show. One guest asked, “How can it be produced at such a low cost?”
I don't think Toyota is in any danger of becoming irrelevant as they build vehicles that have been some of the most popular on the road for decades. They haven't jumped head first into EVs but they've always been a methodical company that builds solid products and were the first to roll out hybrids nearly 30 years ago. The winds are certainly changing but consumer preferences don't just shift overnight and hybrids will continue to be relevant for the foreseeable future.
Something about the $10,000 price tag that just sticks in people's head.
That's the purpose of all the marketing they've been doing and why the Chinese government is subsidizing them so heavily to appear cheaper than they really are.