Toyota to produce hybrid transaxle and new petrol engines in Poland

Toyota Motor Europe has announced that it will start production of a hybrid transaxle in 2018 at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland (TMMP) in Walbrzych, and add two petrol engines – a 1.5-litre unit in 2017 and a 2.0-litre in 2019 – at Toyota Motor Industries, Poland (TMIP) in Jelcz-Laskowice.

Together, the new projects represent an additional investment of approximately 150 million euros (Rs 1,146 crore), bringing the total investment to-date of Toyota’s manufacturing operations in Poland to over 950 million euros (Rs 7,261 crore) since operations started in 2002. 

“We are very pleased to be able to bring additional petrol engine and hybrid transaxle production to the heart of Europe, here in Poland, at TMIP and TMMP, where the members of our plants have developed exceptional quality and competitiveness,” said Johan van Zyl, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe. “Toyota always seeks to increase local content and adapt to market trends, with the goal of achieving sustainable growth in mind,” he added.

The hybrid transaxle to be produced at TMMP is a key part of Toyota’s hybrid powertrain, and will be fitted into the 1.8-litre ZR engine. This hybrid engine equips all Toyota Auris and Auris Touring Sports Hybrid vehicles sold in Europe, and will equip the new crossover Toyota C-HR when it starts production at the end of this year. 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 localisation of hybrid transaxle parts.

Hybrid is a key differentiator 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.”

New engines of growth

TMIP, which currently produces 1.4-litre and 2.2-litre diesel engines, will add two petrol engines to its production. Assembly of a 1.5-litre petrol engine will start in February 2017 and will equip the Toyota Yaris, and a 2.0-litre 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.”