Toyota was surprised by the speed and agility of Chinese automaker BYD during a joint EV development project.
Chinese automakers have drastically cut EV development timelines to just two years, forcing traditional automakers like Toyota to adapt to the faster pace.
BYD's Silicon Valley-like approach of moving fast and making quick iterations contrasts Toyota's meticulous and reliable engineering culture.
BYD's focus on speed and lower labor costs has enabled it to become a global brand, offering modern EVs at competitive prices, challenging traditional automakers.