Toyota plans to boost activity in China by focusing on intelligence and electrification.

The company recently announced plans to rebrand its largest R&D facility in China, changing its name from Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (China) to Intelligent ElectroMobility R&D Centre by Toyota (China) (IEM by Toyota for short) starting tomorrow (1 August).

Toyota would combine engineers from three R&D facilities in China to collaborate on development projects headed by IEM.

The automaker said it would increase local development work for all electrified vehicles (including FCEVs).

On electric powertrain development, Toyota was also collaborating with Denso and Aisin.

The company would design and develop smart cockpits to enhance user experience through AI and interior space design.

It would also work on autonomous driving and safety features tailored for China.

Initiatives to maintain competitiveness and reduce manufacturing costs are developing a local supplier base, reviewing parts designs and reforming production engineering and manufacturing.

We will share development results and lessons learned in China within China and globally,” said Tatsuro Ueda, Toyota's local CEO for the region.