Japanese carmaker Toyota said on September 3, it will begin producing battery electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries at its existing plant in the Czech Republic, marking the company's first EV and battery output in Europe. The Japanese carmaker will invest EUR680 million (approx. US$792 million) in new welding and painting facilities and a dedicated battery assembly line.
Czech expansion unveiled
At a ceremony at the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic, Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Industry and Trade Minister Lukáš Vlček, and Toyota Motor Europe President Yoshihiro Nakata confirmed the launch of EV production at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Republic (TMMCZ).
The Kolin-based plant will expand from 152,000 to 173,000 square meters to house the new EV and battery operations. Construction will include additional welding and painting shops alongside the new battery assembly facility.
Government support
Toyota announced that the project will require new capex amounting to EUR680 million, with the Czech government contributing up to EUR64 million, specifically for the battery production line.
The existing facility manufactures the Aygo X and Yaris hybrid models, with an annual capacity of approximately 220,000 vehicles. The company also indicated that the majority of electric vehicle components will be procured from local suppliers.
Two decades of presence
TMMCZ has operated in the Czech Republic for more than 20 years and has produced over 4.5 million vehicles. It employs around 3,200 workers and is one of the largest employers in the Central Bohemian region. About 65% of its parts are sourced from Czech suppliers.
The plant also houses Toyota's first large-scale European logistics hub, opened in 2024, which serves dealers in Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
Toyota plans to introduce nine battery electric models across its Toyota and Lexus brands in Europe between 2025 and 2026, as the company steps up efforts to compete in the region's fast-growing EV market.
Article edited by Jack Wu