Toyota is expanding its R&D facilities at its Motor Engineering & Manufacturing China (TMEC) centre.
The plan includes improvements to the existing facility, construction of a new laboratory, creation of a battery evaluation and test centre, as well as improvements to test tracks on the premises. These are scheduled to be completed from late 2018 onwards.
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TMEC was established in 2010 in line with Toyota’s aim to produce cars in China for the Chinese market. Since then TMEC has worked towards the promotion and expansion of cars equipped with China-made hybrid systems for the Chinese market.
In 2012, Toyota Motor (Changshu) Auto Parts was created as the local production company for the main hybrid system (hybrid vehicle transaxle). This was followed by the establishment of the Sinogy Toyota Automotive Energy System (STAES), a hybrid battery production company in 2013.
These developments led to the October, 2015 launch of the Corolla Hybrid and the Levin Hybrid which are fitted with China-made hybrid systems.
The Chinese government is currently promoting eco-cars under its Energy-Saving and New Energy Automotive Industry Development Plan. In line with the initiative, Toyota is planning the introduction of plug-in hybrids under its Corolla Levin line-up in addition to its current effort to promote wider use of hybrid vehicles.
Preparations are also underway to begin demonstration tests for fuel cell vehicles in China, and to conduct research for electric vehicles into the China market.
“Efforts are being directed toward the reinforcement of local R&D capability for the long term,” said Toyota China Region senior managing officer and CEO, Hiroji Onishi.
“We hope to train as many local engineers as possible and develop more cars that would satisfy the needs of our customers in China.”
