17:20 02-02-2026

Toyota Gosei airbags used in Chinese electric vehicle for the first time

Toyota Gosei's side curtain airbags are installed in a Chinese EV, marking a shift in the global automotive industry. Learn how this impacts safety and market dynamics.

Toyota Gosei, a Japanese automotive components manufacturer, has taken a significant step in the Chinese market. The company's airbag curtains have been used for the first time in an electric vehicle from a Chinese automaker, reflecting a shift in the global automotive industry's power dynamics.

Premium Chinese EV Gains Japanese Protection

Toyota Gosei's side curtain airbags have been installed in the IM Motors LS9 model. This marks the first instance of a Chinese carmaker using the Japanese company's side inflatable curtains. The system is designed to protect passengers' heads in side-impact collisions, deploying instantly to cover the side window area.

Compact Design Meets Chinese Standards

The deployed system meets the requirements of China's C-NCAP safety rating, while being approximately 15 percent more compact than previous solutions. The use of CAE technologies played a crucial role, allowing for optimized design and accelerated development—a particularly important factor for fast-growing Chinese brands.

Chinese Market Reshapes Global Supplier Strategy

Against the backdrop of rapid EV segment growth and intensifying competition in China, Toyota Gosei is strengthening its local safety system development. The company emphasizes its intention to continue adapting products to meet Chinese automakers' requirements, aiming to maintain competitiveness and its status as a preferred supplier in the world's largest automotive market.

Conclusion

The first use of Toyota Gosei airbags in a Chinese electric vehicle signals a new reality for the automotive industry. Chinese brands are increasingly opting for proven global technologies, while Japanese suppliers adapt to the speed and scale of China's market development.