Japanese automaker Toyota says it will produce its first Europe-made battery electric vehicle (BEV) in Kolín, Czech Republic, Kallanish reports.
For that, it has earmarked €680 million ($791.2m) in new investment, of which €64m is to be provided by the Czech government for a dedicated battery assembly facility. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Republic (TMMCZ) will expand its existing Kolín plant from 152,000 to 173,000 square metres to accommodate new vehicle production, battery manufacturing, and new paint and welding shops.
Currently, TMMCZ produces the Aygo X and Yaris Hybrid at a capacity of around 220,000 units/year. The carmaker believes the new investment will create about 245 jobs in the country and benefit the supply chain, as the majority of parts will be sourced locally.
“This great success is the result of a series of negotiations in both Europe and Japan, which my team and I had the privilege to work on,” comments Lukáš Vlček, Czech industry and trade minister. “Toyota’s investment is crucial for the future of the Czech Republic automotive industry, as well as for transitioning our economy to higher added value, as defined in our economic strategy.”
The government expects its investment will return €250m in “benefits for the state”, noting the automotive industry makes up around 10% of the country’s GDP.
TMMCZ is Toyota’s first logistics EU mega hub location, supplying vehicles to Toyota and Lexus dealerships in Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic. It started production in 2002.
Yoshihiro Nakata, ceo of Toyota Motor Europe, believes adding a BEV to its production line will enhance Toyota’s presence in the European market and contribute towards more efficient transportation.
Production details for both BEV and batteries were not disclosed.
Kallanish Asia
