TOKYO, May 22 – Toyota Motor Corp. on Wednesday unveiled the latest RAV4 to be rolled out in Japan, North America and Europe in the current fiscal year through March, with the revamped model of the compact sport utility vehicle to be the first to incorporate its new software system, Kyodo news agency reported.
“RAV4 marks the start of our journey in building software-defined vehicles,” Simon Humphries, chief branding officer of the Japanese automaker, said in the world premiere for the all-new SUV featuring the Arene software development platform, to be available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid.
Like smartphones, software-defined vehicles can receive updates that add new features or enhance existing ones, allowing customers to upgrade their cars without buying a new vehicle.
The announcement on the sixth-generation RAV4 — one of Toyota’s most popular models worldwide — comes as overseas automakers like U.S.-based Tesla Inc. and Chinese EV makers gain momentum with software-centric vehicles.
In the new RAV4, the Arene system was used to develop software powering the new multimedia system’s cockpit voice agent and center display, as well as advanced safety technologies, Toyota said.
The RAV4 has helped drive the SUV trend and is especially favored in the United States. Toyota sold around 1.04 million units in 2024 globally, making up around 10 percent of the automaker’s total sales.
According to Toyota, the RAV4 is now sold in 180 countries and regions.
