Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has taken full ownership of the TPCA joint venture manufacturing plant, founded in 2002 by Toyota and Groupe PSA (PSA) in Kolin in the Czech Republic.

Its new name, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Republic, was unveiled today at an opening ceremony attended by Koreatsu Aoki, the plant President, Martin Peleska, director of Toyota Czech Republic and Michael Kaspar, Mayor of Kolín. A new company logo was also introduced and, following the abbreviation example of other European Toyota plants, the business will be known as TMMCZ.

The Kolin plant has built the Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 108 and Citroën C1 A-segment city cars since 2005. TMMCZ will continue production of the vehicles for both Toyota and PSA. The site is one of the largest exporters in the Czech Republic and is the largest employer in the local area, employing more than 3,500 people. It has influenced development in the Kolin region in the past 15 years, creating jobs and supporting good causes.

Toyota invested more than four billion Czech crowns (approximately £137 million) in increasing capacity and modernising the site. This investment has enabled the introduction of Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) manufacturing, allowing the plant to start producing the new Toyota Yaris – including hybrid electric technology – in the second half of 2021.

Koreatsu Aoki, plant President, said: “As from today, our plant is part of the Toyota Group, which now has eight fully owned manufacturing centres across Europe. Increased demand for our cars and preparation for the start of production of a new model mean that our operations will move to three shifts from 28 February. The factory, one of the biggest exporters in the Czech Republic, uses an extensive automotive supply chain within the country.”

Martin Peleska, director of Toyota Czech Republic, added: “Toyota has been growing its market share to hold fifth place in the Czech Republic. The full takeover of this modern production plant and further investments in Toyota Yaris production are further good news for the country.”

Dr Johan van Zyl, TME President and CEO, said: “Our commitment to the Kolin plant demonstrates Toyota’s philosophy of making cars where we sell them and our long-term manufacturing presence in Europe. Introducing both TNGA and hybrid at TMMCZ is in line with our strategy throughout the European region.”