Toyota to start producing EVs in Czechia

Major Japanese automaker Toyota announced on Sept. 3 its plans to produce an all-electric vehicle at its facility in Kolín, Czech Republic, the company’s first such model to be manufactured in Europe. The Japanese auto giant also said that it’s set to invest a substantial €680 million to expand the plant with a new battery assembly facility, Reuters reported.

The outlet noted that the carmaker has not specified either the production timeline or details of the upcoming model. Furthermore, according to Toyota, the Czech government is also set to invest up to €64 million in the battery unit.

Notably, another Japanese carmaker has already begun manufacturing EVs overseas. On Aug. 26, Suzuki Motor’s Indian subsidiary rolled out the company’s first battery-electric SUV, the e-Vitara.

Kazakhstan’s Astana Motors is also expanding into the Czech market. In late July, Kursiv Cars reported that the company plans to launch sales of Chery’s Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 models and serve as the brand’s official distributor in the country.