Toyota Motor Corporation’s (TMC’s) vehicle powertrain production subsidiary in Changshu, China – Toyota Motor (Changshu) Auto Parts Co (TMCAP) – has begun localised production of continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), which is a first for Toyota outside Japan. Production of transaxles for hybrid vehicles― also a first for Toyota outside Japan ― is scheduled to begin here in 2015.

The official ceremony earlier today was attended by Chinese government officials, representatives from the Japanese Consulate in Shanghai and TMC’s Chinese joint-venture partners, and TMCAP chairman Seiichi Sudo.

At the ceremony Sudo said: “TMCAP is collaborating with TMEC, our hybrid-focused R&D facility nearby, to develop and produce the environment-friendly vehicles that Chinese consumers want and the future needs.”

Established in July 2012, TMCAP began production of CVTs for compact cars on July 14. TMCAP-produced CVTs are already being used in the new Corolla and Levin models launched in China this year, and are also planned for use in other compact vehicles in the future.

TMCAP, the company statement says, is working to address anticipated demand for hybrid vehicles in China, with preparations underway to also locally produce hybrid system batteries and inverters. China-made hybrid components will be used in China-market Corollas and Levins starting in 2015.

Photograph: The TMCAP CVT manufacturing line.