Toyota Malaysia Looking to Add Hybrid Production
Topics under discussion include deciding which parts would be localized and which would be imported.
Toyota’s Malaysian subsidiary is in talks with the parent company on assembling hybrid vehicles in the country, but no decision has been made on which model.
The government’s Bernama news agency quotes UMW Toyota President Ismet Suki as saying the auto maker’s strategy is to start complete-knocked-down operations on some hybrid models.
“We need to first establish a hybrid CKD base here and then look at market demand,” Ismet says. “We must also have sufficient volume locally first as far as TMC is concerned.”
Ismet says it could be more than a year before production starts. “Discussions and studies are still ongoing. We need to decide on which parts will be localized and which parts to be imported. So it will take some time.”
Deputy Chairman Takashi Hibi says while it’s not known which hybrid model the auto maker will start with, it’s likely to be a Toyota, rather than a Lexus luxury model.
Honda already has announced plans to assemble hybrid vehicles at its Malaysian plant.
About the Author
You May Also Like
