Toyota Motor Europe announced today that it will start production of a hybrid transaxle in 2018 at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland in Walbrzych. It will also make two gasoline engines, a 1.5-liter in 2017, and a 2-liter in 2019 at Toyota Motor Industries, Poland (TMIP) in Jelcz-Laskowice.
TMIP is currently manufacturing only diesel engines. However, the European market is moving towards an increased share of gasoline, hybrid and electric vehicles. (European Diesel Car Sales Continue to Decline)
Combined, the projects represent an additional investment of approximately €150 million bringing the total investment to-date of Toyota’s manufacturing operations in Poland to more than €950 million since operations started in 2002.
TMMP
The hybrid transaxle at TMMP is key to Toyota’s hybrid powertrain. It will be attached to the 1.8-liter ZR engine. This hybrid engine is used in all Toyota Auris and Auris Touring Sports Hybrid vehicles sold in Europe. It will also be in the the new crossover Toyota C-HR when it goes into production late in 2016.
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 localization of hybrid transaxle parts.
Hybrids, of course, is a key differentiation 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
TMIP, which currently produces 1.4-liter and 2.2-liter Diesel engines, will add two gasoline engines to its production. Assembly of a 1.5-liter petrol engine will start in February 2017 and will equip the Toyota Yaris. The 2-liter 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.-liter gasoline engines and transmissions for the AYGO produced in the Czech Republic and the Yaris produced in France. It also makes transmissions for vehicles with 1-liter to 1.8-liter 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 1.4-liter 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-liter and 2.2-liter 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.
