Toyota City, Japan, Feb 19, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) will launch the new RAV4 (PHEV) in Japan on March 9, 2026.Z (PHEV) (Models with options shown)GR SPORT (PHEV) (Models with options shown)Built on the concept that "Life is an Adventure," the all-new RAV4 has been reborn as a new-generation SUV that meets diverse customer lifestyles while maintaining the RAV4's signature solid and powerful design and packaging. The hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) model launched in December 2025 has been well received by many customers.This new PHEV model further expands the 6th generation RAV4's go-anywhere, do-anything spirit by combining high off-road performance with a power supply system that makes it possible to use large amounts of electricity, even outdoors.The RAV4 (PHEV) uses a plug-in hybrid system built on an energy-efficient hybrid platform, featuring a large-capacity drive battery and support for high-output chargers. This significantly increases BEV-mode driving range and output, enabling powerful driving while remaining considerate of the environment.A new GR SPORT has also been added to the lineup, pursuing a sporty style while offering the unique power and excellent maneuverability of a PHEV. This model completes the diverse range of styles for the RAV4: Z (PHEV / HEV), Adventure (HEV), and GR SPORT (PHEV).PHEVs are one of the many important powertrains for achieving carbon neutrality. Going forward, Toyota intends to continue its multi-pathway approach, offering diverse choices to customers around the world under its new brand spirit of "to you"―car-making for a specific someone.Manufacturer's Suggested Retail PricesZ2.5-liter Series Parallel Plug-in Hybrid System (A25A-FXS)E-FourElectric continuously variable transmission6,000,000GR SPORT6,300,000* Separate pricing applies for Okinawa. Includes consumption tax and does not include recycling fees.Vehicle Outline1. New-generation plug-in hybrid system (a Toyota first*1)Realizing the RAV4's signature powerful off-road performanceThe RAV4 (PHEV) features a new-generation plug-in hybrid system achieving world-leading*2 energy efficiency that incorporates a newly developed large-capacity battery with significantly increased capacity, enabling the system to deliver a maximum output of 242kW (329 PS). This delivers the RAV4's signature fun and powerful driving experience.Improved BEV-mode driving rangeThe BEV-mode driving range of the RAV4 (PHEV) has increased from approximately 95 km*3 in conventional models to approximately 150 km*3 on a full charge thanks to the increased battery capacity and the adoption of silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors in the power control unit (PCU) to reduce power loss. This enables zero-emission travel for the majority of daily activities, from commuting and shopping to short trips.*1As of February 2026*2Comparison in mid-size SUV class. As of December 2025 according to Toyota Motor Corporation research*3As of February 2026. Internal measurement value in BEV-mode with a full charge2. Power supply system that can also be used outdoorsThe power supply system can be used as a power source, making it possible to utilize the electricity stored in the large-capacity battery for purposes beyond driving, such as using household appliances outdoors. Alongside in-vehicle use via the outlet installed in the luggage area, the included vehicle power connector*4 can also be plugged into the standard charging inlet for use as a 100V external power socket providing up to 1,500W total.In addition, the RAV4 (PHEV) can also be used as a power source in the unlikely event of emergencies such as power outages and disasters. By adopting HV Power Supply Mode, the vehicle can provide electricity for approximately 6.5 days at a 400W load starting from a fully charged battery and a full tank of gasoline. When Power Supply Time Priority Mode, which extends the number of days power can be supplied, is selected, the vehicle can provide electricity for approximately 7 days*5.Connecting to the vehicle power connector*4The vehicle power connector cannot be used while driving*5Test value obtained using an in-house simulator3. Addition of a special PHEV design to the ZThe sophisticated styling of the Z features special black accents around the front, underbody, and wheel arches that are exclusive to the PHEV, enhancing its advanced and sporty appearance.Special front lower bumper (piano black)Special LED accent light4. GR SPORT: Accelerating responsive driving performanceWe have newly added the GR SPORT grade to the RAV4 lineup to bring the spirit of the GR sports car series to a wider range of customers―refined through motorsports and Toyota's commitment to making ever‑better cars.The special style of the GR SPORT achieves functional beauty that combines performance pursuing front-to-rear aerodynamic balance with a sporty design. It also utilizes the drive battery as a reinforcing member to enhance body rigidity and lower the center of gravity. Furthermore, stability and controllability have been improved by using GR Performance Dampers®*6 and GR Braces to enhance handling performance.A design that combines coolness and functionalityThe front lip spoiler and wing-type rear spoiler have been designed with functional beauty in mind, not only suppressing lift but also thoroughly pursuing front-to-rear aerodynamic balance. Repeated computer analysis (CFD) and wind tunnel testing have been carried out to generate downforce not only at high speeds but also at low and medium speeds, improving stability and controllability.Special front lip spoilerSpecial rear spoiler wingSpecial rear side spoilerMeticulously crafted equipment that enhances driving performanceGR Performance Dampers®*6 and special rigidity-enhancing GR BracesThe addition of Performance Dampers imparts damping characteristics to the vehicle body itself, quickly reducing body deformation while driving and reducing unpleasant torsion and instability. Furthermore, brace reinforcement of the rear suspension members enhances direct steering feel.GR Performance DamperGR Brace*6"Performance Dampers" is a registered trademark of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.Specially tuned suspensionThe specially tuned suspension of the GR SPORT meticulously controls friction even at very low speeds, generating optimal damping force to deliver outstanding stability and controllability.Special EPS tuningThe electric power steering has been specially tuned for the GR SPORT.The Normal and Sport modes of the Drive Mode Select offer a responsive steering feel and precise operability.Sales Outline1. Base sales volume for JapanPHEV: 700 units per month2. UPGRADE SELECTIONS by TOYOTA UPGRADE FACTORYThe new RAV4 offers a wide variety of genuine parts and accessories to meet various customer needs. To make these items easily accessible even after purchasing your vehicle, a selection of genuine items will go on sale online via UPGRADE SELECTIONS by TOYOTA UPGRADE FACTORY around spring 2026. In addition, upgrades to further enhance the functionality and equipment of currently owned new RAV4 models will be offered in sequence via the website below.Click here for details (https://factory.kinto-jp.com/products/vehicle/RV006/)"Achieving zero, and adding new value beyond it"As part of efforts to pass our beautiful "Home Planet" to the next generation, Toyota has identified and is helping to solve issues faced by individuals and overall society, which Toyota calls "Achieving Zero," hoping to help reduce the negative impacts caused by these issues to people and the environment to zero. Additionally, Toyota is also looking "Beyond Zero" to create and provide greater value by continuing to diligently seek ways to improve lives and society for the future.About Beyond Zero https://global.toyota/en/mobility/beyond-zero/Toyota Motor Corporation works to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all. We believe that true achievement comes from supporting our customers, partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate. Since our founding over 80 years ago in 1937, we have applied our Guiding Principles in pursuit of a safer, greener and more inclusive society. Today, as we transform into a mobility company developing connected, automated, shared and electrified technologies, we also remain true to our Guiding Principles and many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to help realize an ever-better world, where everyone is free to move.SDGs Initiatives https://global.toyota/en/sustainability/sdgs/ Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
Osaka, Kawasaki, Tokyo, Japan, Feb 19, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Japan Community Healthcare Organization Osaka Hospital (JCHO Osaka Hospital), Fujitsu Japan Limited, and Fortience Consulting Inc. today announced the commencement of a project aimed at establishing a system for the safe utilization of generative AI across all medical operations at JCHO Osaka Hospital. This initiative, formalized through an agreement signed on February 13, 2026, seeks to achieve work style reform and sustainable hospital management by leveraging the expertise of Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd.In this project, Fujitsu Japan will introduce and provide generative AI-powered services for creating discharge summaries and nursing handovers at JCHO Osaka Hospital. Scheduled for operation in June 2026, the project will involve developing internal guidelines for generative AI utilization, establishing an information infrastructure, and building operational governance to promote and embed generative AI usage throughout the hospital.The three parties and Microsoft Japan aim for this project to serve as a model case for AI adoption in public and general hospitals nationwide, and will also share their knowledge with other medical institutions, contributing to the acceleration of AI adoption and digital transformation (DX) in healthcare.Figure: Hiroya Kuwahara, Head of Healthcare Business at Fujitsu Japan, Toshirou Nishida, Director of JCHO Osaka Hospital, Norihiro Shimizu, Head of Healthcare at Microsoft Japan, and Takuya Shigenobu, Social Value Creation Division Division Head Senior Managing Director at Fortience Consulting, at the signing ceremony for this project on February 13, 2026. Dr. Ryuji Hamamoto, Representative Director, Japanese Association for Medical Artificial Intelligence comments:"This is an excellent project that safely implements generative AI for clinical document creation and integrates governance and education. Ensuring safety, reducing the burden on those working in the field, and improving quality is extremely important. I look forward to this project’s nationwide expansion."Background Currently, medical institutions face urgent challenges in balancing improved medical quality with work style reform and ensuring sound financial management. The adoption of technologies such as AI is therefore imperative. However, disparities in IT literacy among staff and a shortage of digital talent often lead to AI being used only partially, posing challenges for its sustained adoption. Since November 2024, JCHO Osaka Hospital, with support from Microsoft Japan and Fortience Consulting, has been implementing generative AI for non-clinical tasks, such as creating meeting minutes and building a chatbot system for staff using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). Having achieved good results in these areas, the hospital has now expanded its collaboration to apply generative AI to clinical domains. Project Overview1. Streamlining discharge summary creation and nursing handovers As the first phase of generative AI application in clinical domains, Fujitsu Japan's generative AI-powered medical document creation support service will be introduced for approximately 16,000 discharge summaries annually at JCHO Osaka Hospital. Additionally, generative AI will be utilized in nursing to summarize key points for handover tasks. These efforts aim to improve operational efficiency, enhance medical quality, and promote work style reform. Furthermore, the four parties plan to extend the scope of this service beyond JCHO Osaka Hospital to other public hospitals within the Japan Community Healthcare Organization, supporting the utilization of electronic medical record data. This will expand the use of generative AI in clinical operations while ensuring personal information protection and improving medical quality. 2. Establishing operational governance Prioritizing safety and security in medical settings, a mechanism for continuous utilization of generative AI will be established. JCHO Osaka Hospital will develop operational rules for handling data and generative AI output results on Microsoft Japan's AI platform, emphasizing security, privacy, and compliance, given the confidentiality of medical information. This will systematize operational governance for generative AI utilization, adhering to legal and ethical considerations.Moreover, JCHO Osaka Hospital will establish "DX Ambassadors" (in-house promotion leaders) comprising multi-disciplinary members, including doctors, nurses, and administrative staff, to promote generative AI utilization in clinical settings. These ambassadors will collectively drive the identification of on-site challenges, validation of use cases, and support for generative AI adoption. The knowledge gained will be organized into a generative AI utilization framework to strengthen operational governance, facilitate its expansion into clinical domains, and continuously advance healthcare DX.3. Enhancing organization-wide digital literacy Based on the generative AI implementation expertise of the four parties, Fortience Consulting will lead the formulation of a basic policy for generative AI utilization. This will include developing operational guidelines for other medical institutions to adopt generative AI and usage guidelines for healthcare professionals. Fortience Consulting will also provide and support the implementation of educational programs to enhance overall digital literacy within the hospital and ensure the sustained adoption of generative AI. Roles of Each Company JCHO Osaka Hospital: Providing the medical setting for establishing a system for safe generative AI utilization across all medical operations, and for demonstrating work style reform. Planning to expand generative AI utilization in clinical domains to other public hospitals.Fujitsu Japan: Providing generative AI for medical document creation support services and nursing handover tasks, supporting the utilization of electronic medical record data, and offering expertise in generative AI implementation.Fortience Consulting: Supporting the establishment of effective operational governance, including the formulation of guidelines and educational programs for appropriate generative AI utilization in medical institutions, and assisting in expanding the scope of generative AI application to other public hospitals.About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuPress ContactsJapan Community Healthcare Organization Osaka Hospital InquiriesFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiriesFortience Consulting Inc. Inquiries Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
SINGAPORE, Feb 19, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Asia’s largest food retailers, manufacturers, restaurant chains, and hospitality groups remain behind international better practice on sustainable and responsible protein sourcing, but progress is accelerating across the region, according to The Asian Protein Buyers 100: An Assessment of Responsible and Sustainable Sourcing released today by Asia Research & Engagement (ARE). The APB100 is a benchmark based on investor-backed priorities - assessing how 100 of Asia’s largest listed protein-buying companies — headquartered or operating across Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mainland China, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam — manage environmental, social, and governance risks embedded in meat, dairy, poultry, and seafood supply chains. Collectively, the companies assessed represent more than USD500 billion in market capitalisation and sit at the choke point of Asia’s protein system, where procurement decisions shape production standards, risk management and food-system outcomes.The companies assessed include some of Asia’s most recognisable food and retail groups. These include China Mengniu Dairy, Yili Group, Yonghui and Yum China (Mainland China); AEON, Seven & I Holdings, Meiji, Nissin and NH Foods (Japan); CJ CheilJedang, Lotte and E-Mart (South Korea); Charoen Pokphand Foods and Thai Union (Thailand); Jollibee, Century Pacific Food and San Miguel Food & Beverage (Philippines); Vinamilk (Vietnam); and Hindustan Lever, Nestle India, Jubilant, Devyani, DMart, Westlife Foodworld (McDonald’s India) (India), among others.Scores are improving, but the baseline remains lowNow in its second edition, the benchmark shows clear momentum since 2023 — but also highlights that most companies remain at an early stage of credible implementation.The average overall score increased from 9% in 2023 to 16% in 2025, with around 80% of companies improving year-on-year. More than half of comparable companies moved up at least one performance tier.However, no company reached the top two performance tiers, underscoring a persistent gap between sustainability commitments and on-the-ground execution.A growing group of leaders is emergingThe number of companies in the leading Tier 3 group more than doubled from 10 in 2023 to 26 in 2025, while the lowest-scoring group halved from 44 to 21 companies.Progress, however, remains uneven and concentrated among a subset of early movers and sustainability themes, while a significant minority of companies continues to disclose little or nothing across several material risk areas.Climate, labour, and waste are moving fastestCompanies performed strongest on Water & Waste, Labour , and Climate Change, reflecting wider uptake of international disclosure frameworks and growing expectations around supply-chain due diligence.Climate and labour show the fastest improvement since 2023, driven by emerging regulatory pressure and investor scrutiny, particularly around Scope 3 emissions and labour standards in supply chains.Governance and protein diversification remain critical gapsSeveral material risk areas continue to show weak performance. Governance in relation to protein sustainability, remains the lowest-scoring theme, averaging just 4.5%, with most companies scoring zero. Few have board-approved protein sustainability strategies, capital allocation plans, or accountability mechanisms.Protein diversification also remains underdeveloped at 7.4%, indicating that most companies have yet to articulate how they will shift product portfolios toward truly low carbon plant proteins at scale.Disclosures on deforestation and biodiversity, animal welfare, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) also remain thin and rarely quantified. The intersection of climate and deforestation is still not being duly harnessed. Similarly, policies and procurement practices that strengthen animal welfare and enable antibiotic reduction remain a low point, with average animal welfare performance at just 14.1% and only one company aligned with recognised higher-welfare standards or independently certified disclosure.Why this matters: Asia is the decisive region for global protein systemsCompared with innovative international peers, many of Asia’s protein buyers remain behind on deforestation-free sourcing, antibiotic stewardship, higher-welfare policies and procurement, plant-protein targets and science-based climate transition planning.However, Asia now represents the most important opportunity for global leadership in responsible protein systems. And with less than five years to implement meaningful change towards various 2030 United Nations and related targets, the vision of a more responsible and sustainable food system is at risk.“Asia is the world’s fastest-growing protein market, which means what happens here will determine the future of global food systems,” said Kate Blaszak, ARE Director, Protein Transition. “ThisAPB100 shows that disclosure and awareness are improving and aims to trigger a shift from Policy to Practice. With a realm of better practice examples in the report to also assist companies, the next phase must focus on full supply-chain coverage, measurable targets, and annual progress with board-level accountability.”Download the APB100 Report HERE.About Asia Research & Engagement (ARE)ARE brings leading investors into dialogue with Asian-listed companies to address sustainable development challenges and help companies align with investor priorities. With decades of Asia experience, our cross-cultural team understands the region’s unique needs. Our high-quality independent research, robust investor network, and engagement expertise, provide corporate leaders and financial decision makers with insights leading to concrete action.For media interviews and further enquiries, please contact:Wani DiwakarAsia Research & Engagement (ARE)wani.diwakar@asiareengage.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
