Toyota Motor Corp., already falling behind competitors in China's car market, is encountering a backlash from Chinese media over Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's endorsement of its new Mirai fuel cell sedan.
The automaker will face "turbulence" in its China sales after delivering its first hydrogen-powered Mirai to Abe earlier this month, according to a report on the websites of Xinhua, the state-backed news agency, and the People's Daily.
Abe told reporters the Mirai was "very comfortable" after a Jan. 15 test drive at his official residence, and said he wants all ministries and agencies to have it.