Hotai Motor Aims for 30,000 RAV4 Sales, Continues to Evaluate US-Made SUVs and Pickups

(CNA, Taipei, 21st, by reporter Chung Jung-feng) Hotai Motor spokesperson Liu Mei-chun stated today that the forecast for Taiwan's new car registrations this year remains in line with initial expectations, with the market size reaching 440,000 units, a growth compared to 2025. The combined new car market target for its three major brands is 165,000 units, with an estimated market share of 37.5%. Regarding the market situation for the redesigned RAV4, Liu explained that current orders have exceeded 15,000 units. Although initial delivery progress will be affected by allocation quotas, it will not impact the annual sales target of 30,000 units. On the progress of American-made vehicles, Liu stated that Hotai Motor continues to evaluate the possibility of importing large American-made SUVs and pickup trucks with the original manufacturer. Hotai Motor held an investors' conference in the afternoon. Reviewing the first quarter operations, Liu pointed out that the total auto market in the first quarter was affected by tariff policy disruptions, leading to a decrease in sales volume compared to the same period last year and a slight decline in core business profit. However, overall profit increased, mainly due to Hotai Insurance benefiting from a favorable stock market and increased investment income. Observing the revenue growth in April, Liu said it was primarily due to increased sales of the RAV4 and COROLLA CROSS, coupled with the consolidation of five Hino dealerships in Japan into the group's revenue, which pushed Hotai Motor's monthly revenue to a record high. Hotai Motor explained that the combined revenue of the five Hino dealerships in Japan accounts for about 12% of Hotai Motor's revenue. Looking ahead to Taiwan's car market this year, Liu stated that positive factors include the commodity tax subsidy policy for passenger cars under 2000cc, expectations of gradual clarification of US tariff policy towards Taiwan, and the upward economic momentum driven by the artificial intelligence (AI) industry chain. Despite variables such as international geopolitical uncertainty and rising global oil prices, the original forecast is maintained: new car registrations in Taiwan this year could reach 440,000 units, a growth from 414,000 units in 2025. Looking at the challenge targets for the three major brands this year, Liu said the initial estimates are maintained, with a combined new car market target of 165,000 units for TOYOTA, LEXUS, and HINO, and an estimated market share of 37.5%. Among them, TOYOTA's sales target for this year remains at 130,000 units, LEXUS's sales target is 28,500 units, and HINO commercial vehicles aim for an annual target of 6,600 units. (Editor: Huang Kuo-lun) 1150521