Toyota Invests in Production of Hybrid Transmissions in Europe
As hybrid tech solutions gain popularity in
the automobile industry, Toyota plans to strengthen the production of spare
parts for hybrid cars in Europe. For this purpose, the Japanese automaker plans
to start production of the 2-nd hybrid transmission solution (e-CVT) at the
TMMP plant in Walbrzych. It is expected that the process of manufacturing will
be launched in two years.
In addition to transmissions, the plant
will also manufacture e-motors, which are also indispensable parts of Toyota’s
e-powertrain unit. The e-CVT design includes a gasoline-powered engine and 2
embedded e-motors.
Video from TMMP on the subject
Together with previously undertaken
commitments and the recent € 70 mln investment, Toyota’s total financial
contribution to 2 manufacturing sites in Poland reached about € 1.2 bln. These
measures are motivated by high Toyota’s sales rates in Europe. The take rate of
Toyota hybrid cars continues to grow, taking more than a half of total sales
volume in the 1-st half of 2019.
Images
from TMMP’s production line
According to TMMP officials, Polish production facilities play an essential role in Toyota’s strategy for manufacturing of e-powertrain elements. The latest steps made by Toyota point out the determination of the Japanese automaker to facilitate the process of electrification of the European auto business. If in Europe the process of car electrification gradually gains momentum, the authorities in China urge Toyota to act decisively. For instance, Toyota has recently entered into agreements with local companies to speed up the production of E-cars in China.
On a global scale, Toyota plans to push up sales of E-cars to 5.5 mln units by 2025 – threefold increase compared to 2018. But it should be noted that 4.5 mln of these cars are planned to be hybrids and PHEVs, while the rest will account for fuel cell vehicles (FCV) and battery-electric vehicles.
