Beginning production of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) at Toyota's Czech factory

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has announced plans to launch three fully-electric vehicle models for sale in South Africa in 2026, marking a significant step towards achieving carbon neutrality in its European operations by 2040. This announcement was made in the presence of TME CEO and president Yoshihiro Nakata, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, and Industry and Trade minister Lukáš Vlček.

The expansion of Toyota's electric vehicle production is set to take place at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Republic (TMMCZ) plant in Kolin, Czech Republic. TMMCZ, which has been in operation for over 20 years, has produced over 4.5 million vehicles since its inception. In 2024, TMMCZ became the site of Toyota's inaugural logistics mega hub in Europe.

The TMMCZ facility is set to expand to accommodate new BEV production lines and associated facilities. Toyota is investing around €680m for new capital expenditures, including a contribution of up to €64m from the Czech Government for a specialized battery assembly facility. Most of the components for the BEV are expected to be locally sourced.

The expansion is expected to generate more direct jobs and have a positive impact on the local supply chain. The workforce at TMMCZ currently consists of approximately 3,200 people.

Toyota Motor Europe will produce its first battery electric vehicle (BEV) in Europe at TMMCZ. The Aygo X will be exclusively produced as a hybrid model from November 2025, and the BEV version is expected to join the production line in the following years. The production of the new BEV models is a testament to the dedication of TME employees and the shared vision with the Czech Government to advance sustainable mobility and innovation.

Toyota has demonstrated its commitment to the Czech Republic by investing €1,069m in TMMCZ's commissioning and production from 2002 to 2005, and a further €251m between 2020 and 2024. The company's entry into the Just Auto Excellence Awards, which celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact in the automotive industry, further underscores its dedication to showcasing its achievements and elevating its industry profile.

The deadline for submitting entries for the Just Auto Excellence Awards is not provided in the text. However, it is clear that Toyota's expansion into electric vehicle production in the Czech Republic is a significant step in its journey towards carbon neutrality and a more sustainable future for the automotive industry.