- Hybrid transaxle production to start in late 2018 at TMMP
- New petrol engines to be added to production line-up at TMIP in 2017 and late 2019
- Combined additional investment of 150 million euros
Jelcz-Laskowice and Walbrzych, Poland, 20 October 2016―Toyota Motor Europe announced today that it will start production of a hybrid transaxle in 2018 at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland (TMMP) in Walbrzych, and add two petrol engines―a 1.5L in 2017 and a 2.0L in 2019―at Toyota Motor Industries, Poland (TMIP) in Jelcz-Laskowice. Combined, the new projects represent an additional investment of approximately 150 million euros, bringing the total investment to-date of Toyota’s manufacturing operations in Poland to over 950 million euros since operations started in 2002.
“We are very pleased to be able to bring additional petrol engine and hybrid transaxle production to the heart of Europe, here in Poland, at TMIP and TMMP, where the members of our plants have developed exceptional quality and competitiveness,” saidJohan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe. “Toyota always seeks to increase local content and adapt to market trends, with the goal of achieving sustainable growth in mind,” he added.
The hybrid transaxle to be produced at TMMP is a key part of Toyota’s hybrid powertrain, and will be fitted into the 1.8L ZR engine. This hybrid engine equips all Toyota Auris and Auris Touring Sports Hybrid vehicles sold in Europe, and will equip the new crossover Toyota C-HR when it starts production at the end of this year. The hybrid transaxle for Auris is currently being produced at Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan and imported to Europe. Additionally, some R&D functions through testing materials for production will be started at TMMP to support the localisation of hybrid transaxle parts.
Hybrid is a key differentiator for Toyota in Europe. Going forward, Toyota Motor Europe expects its hybrid sales in Europe to increase from today’s 31% of total sales to a target of 50% hybrid vehicles by 2020.
“We are committed to further strengthen our presence in Poland,” said Eiji Takeichi, President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland. “Adding the hybrid production makes our operations sustainable for the future for the benefit of our members and local community.”
TMIP, which currently produces 1.4L and 2.2L Diesel engines, will add two petrol engines to its production. Assembly of a 1.5L petrol engine will start in February 2017 and will equip the Toyota Yaris, and a 2.0L petrol engine will be added to the plant’s output in late 2019.
“Although TMIP is currently manufacturing only diesel engines, the European market is moving towards an increased share of petrol, hybrid and electric vehicles,” said Kazunori Masuoka, President of Toyota Motor Industries Poland. “It was therefore important for us to diversify our output and develop our petrol engine manufacturing skills, which will help secure our future.”
About Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland
Established in 1999, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland started operations in April 2002 in Walbrzych, Dolnoslaskie Province, Poland. It currently produces 1.0L petrol engines & transmissions for the AYGO produced in the Czech Republic and the Yaris produced in France. It also makes transmissions for vehicles with 1.0L to 1.8L engines for the Auris and Avensis produced in the UK, the Corolla and Verso made in Turkey, and the Corolla made in South Africa. Its production capacity is around 371,000 engines per year and 720,000 transmissions per year. Last year’s production was 220,000 engines and 410,000 transmissions and (2015). TMMP employs around 1,500 permanent employees.
About Toyota Motor Industries Poland
Established in 2002, Toyota Motor Industries, Poland started production in 2005 in Jelcz-Laskowice, Dolnoslaskie Province, Poland. It currently produces 1.4L D-4D Diesel engines for the Yaris produced in France, the Auris produced in the UK, and the Corolla produced in Turkey and South Africa. It produced 2.0 and 2.2L D-4D Diesel engines for Avensis, Auris, and Verso until April 2015 and continues to produce some of these engines for export and service parts. Its current production capacity is 180,000 engines. Last year’s production was 75,500 engines. TMIP employs around 500 permanent employees.