Toyota announces new electric model to be produced in Europe

Toyota Motor Europe has announced the start of production of a new all-electric vehicle (BEV) at its plant in the Czech Republic. This will be the company’s first BEV to be manufactured at a European facility, a significant milestone for both the Japanese automotive giant and the Czech car industry.

The announcement was made at a special ceremony in Prague, attended by Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček, and Toyota Motor Europe President & CEO Yoshihiro Nakata. The project represents an investment of €680 million, of which €64 million will be provided by the Czech government to establish a new battery assembly facility.

Toyota plans to expand the TMMCZ plant from 152,000 to 173,000 square meters, adding new paint and welding lines, and creating at least 245 new jobs in the region. The new BEV will be produced alongside the existing Aygo X and Yaris Hybrid, enhancing the plant’s “multi-pathway” production capability, a key element of Toyota’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040.

The Czech Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the investment:

“The automotive industry represents around 10% of our GDP. If we want to preserve it, we must bring it to a higher technological level. Projects like this strengthen competitiveness and create high-quality new jobs.”

Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček added that this investment aligns with the country’s strategy for transitioning to a high value-added economy:

“Thanks to its stable business environment and skilled workforce, the Czech Republic is a natural partner for global technology leaders.”

Toyota Motor Europe President Yoshihiro Nakata stated:

“The production of our new BEV demonstrates our commitment to sustainable mobility and our close collaboration with the Czech government. This project strengthens our European presence and will contribute to more efficient transportation.”

The TMMCZ plant has a rich history in the Czech Republic, with more than 20 years of operation and over 4.5 million vehicles produced. It employs approximately 3,200 people and sources around 65% of its components from Czech suppliers. Since 2024, the plant has also served as Toyota’s first major logistics hub in Europe, supporting markets in Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

To date, Toyota has invested more than €1.3 billion in the Kolín plant (2002–2024). With this new investment, the company further strengthens its contribution to the local economy and its broader European strategy. The introduction of the new BEV underscores Toyota’s commitment to clean mobility and reinforces the Czech Republic’s role as a key pillar of the European automotive industry.