Toyota plans to make parts for hybrid models in China from 2013, according to Tadashi Yamashina, president of Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing (China) R&D Centre.
The Changshu, Jiangsu-based centre will develop technology for hybrid and electric vehicles in China, Gasgoo.com reported.
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Yamashina said, “[We] hope that production of hybrid power system parts will begin… in 2013.”
Toyota’s hybrids have not sold well in China due to their high prices because, as most parts for the locally-assembled Prius are imported, high taxes are levied. While US and Japanese buyers pay US$28,601 and $23,834 for the Prius respectively, the car costs $36,508 in China.
