Electric vehicles manufactured by Toyota to be assembled in Europe revealed
Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has announced plans to produce a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Republic (TMMCZ) in Kolin, marking a significant milestone for both the company and the Czech Republic.
The new BEV production will be a part of Toyota's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and increasing the production of electric vehicles. The decision to build an electric car in Kolin is an important step in keeping automotive production in the Czech Republic, according to Prime Minister Petr Fiala.
The expansion of the TMMCZ plant will increase its size from 152,000 to 173,000 square meters. The plant's capacity potential for implementing a multi-pathway strategy will also increase, leading to an increase in direct employment. The production of the new electric vehicle is expected to create additional jobs at the TMMCZ plant.
Toyota Motor Europe CEO Yoshihiro Nakata stated that the advanced technology project will strengthen Toyota's presence in the European market and contribute to more efficient mobility. The new investments, amounting to around 680 million euros by Toyota, will cover the financing for the new BEV production site.
The TMMCZ plant in Kolin currently produces the Aygo X and Yaris Hybrid with an annual capacity of about 220,000 vehicles. With the expansion, the plant will accommodate the production of the new EV and its battery, as well as new painting and welding facilities. Most components for the electric vehicle to be produced at TMMCZ are sourced in the Czech Republic.
Toyota has not yet disclosed details about the model being developed in the Czech Republic or the production timeline for the electric vehicle. However, it is expected to be a new fully electric compact SUV model, with production likely starting around 2028.
The automotive industry contributes about 10 percent to the Czech Republic's GDP. The expansion and new production of the electric vehicle will contribute to the growth of the Czech Republic's automotive industry. The new BEV production site will be located at the TMMCZ plant in Kolin, Czech Republic.
Earlier this year, Toyota announced that it will launch a total of nine fully electric models in Europe for its Toyota and Lexus brands by 2025 and 2026. The introduction of BEV production at TMMCZ is a testament to Toyota's commitment to this goal. The company's decision to invest in the Czech Republic is also aided by a contribution of up to 64 million euros from the Czech government for a special battery production line.
In conclusion, Toyota's decision to produce a new electric vehicle in the Czech Republic is a positive step towards reducing carbon emissions, boosting the local economy, and strengthening Toyota's presence in the European market.
