British vehicle performance specialist Prodrive is operating and staffing the production of enhanced performance versions of Toyota vehicles branded TRD (Toyota Racing Development) at a new facility in Victoria state, Australia.
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Toyota Australia said the Prodrive operation is “totally independent” of the UK firm’s other operations in Australia.
Toyota’s corporate manager TRD, Greg Gardner, said the assembly operation would apply TRD-designed enhancements using predominantly locally supplied components.
Gardner added the upcoming Aurion large car – the Australian developed V6 version of the latest Camry – would be the first vehicle to receive the TRD treatment and other models would be added progressively.
Gardner said Prodrive’s involvement was an important part of the recipe for TRD success.
“Prodrive’s ability and commitment in the assembly of TRD enhancements is an important step in delivering quality vehicles,” he added.
“Toyota will draw on Prodrive’s vast experience and credibility in delivering performance vehicles for a range of manufacturers.
“Unlike other operations involving Prodrive, TRD will design, develop and hold the intellectual property to the TRD enhancements,” Gardner noted.
Staff recruitment will begin shortly and TRD will deliver its first vehicles in 2007.
