Toyota expands electric vehicle production in Europe

In a ceremony at the Office of Government of the Czech Republic, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček, and President of Toyota Motor Europe (TME) Yoshihiro Nakata announced the production of a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Republic (TMMCZ). The new BEV, the first to be produced in one of Toyota’s European plants, is a significant milestone for both the company and the Czech Republic.

This announcement represents a significant investment as TMMCZ’s plant in Kolin will be expanded from 152,000m² to 173,000m² to accommodate production of the new vehicle and its battery, and new paint and welding shops. Funding for the construction of the new BEV manufacturing activity will be met by new capital expenditures of approximately €680 million by Toyota which includes a Czech Government investment of up to €64 million toward a dedicated facility for battery assembly. For Toyota, this decision signals a further roll-out of its multi-pathway strategy designed to achieve its objective of carbon neutral operations in Europe by 2040.

"This new battery electric vehicle production is testament to the dedication of our employees and the vision shared with the Czech Government to advance sustainable mobility and innovation,” Nakata says. “We fully appreciate this investment, the historical support and recognition of the Czech Republic, and our contribution to Czech society will continue as a ‘Best in Town’ company’. This advanced technology project will enhance our presence in the European market and contribute alongside our other solutions  towards more efficient transportation.”

Toyota currently produces Aygo X(2) and Yaris Hybrid at TMMCZ at a capacity of approximately 220,000 vehicles per year.

TMMCZ has a rich history in the Czech Republic, with a manufacturing presence going back more than two decades and producing more than 4.5 million vehicles across that period. Toyota acquired full ownership in 2021 and has continued to expand its activities so TMMCZ is one of the largest employers in the Central Bohemia region, with a workforce of around 3,200 members and 65% of its supply parts sourced in the Czech Republic. TMMCZ is also the location of the Toyota’s first logistics European mega hub, established in 2024 to supply vehicles to Toyota and Lexus dealerships in Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic across six Central European markets.