Toyota Motor Europe has initiated production of the Toyota C-HR, unveiling a plug-in hybrid model that harnesses locally assembled batteries, marking a pivotal step in Toyota’s electrification strategy in Europe. This move comes as part of a €308 million investment aimed at modernizing the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey facility, highlighting Toyota’s push into the hybrid market on the continent.
Since its debut, the Toyota C-HR has been a game-changer for the European C-SUV segment, boasting sales of over 800,000 units and propelling Toyota’s market share in Europe from 4% to a solid 7%. The new model lineup features a suite of electrified powertrains, including 1.8 and 2.0-litre hybrid models, and notably, a 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid variant, positioning Toyota as a key player in Europe’s competitive SUV sector while contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions.
With investments in the Sakarya plant totaling €2.5 billion, Toyota has cemented its commitment to evolving its production capabilities, particularly toward electrification. The plant’s newly established battery assembly line, capable of producing 75,000 units annually, underscores this strategic shift.
Yoshihiro Nakata, President of Toyota Motor Europe, celebrates the new C-HR and TMMT’s enhanced production capacity. The introduction of a plug-in hybrid with domestically assembled batteries is crucial for Toyota’s objective to diminish CO2 emissions entirely from its European vehicle lineup by 2035.
Toyota’s dedication to ecological responsibility extends to its ambitious goals for achieving carbon neutrality. The corporation targets a complete carbon-neutral footprint in Europe by 2040, with all European manufacturing plants hitting this milestone by 2030. TMMT is aligning with these goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy adoption, and innovative technologies to curtail CO2 emissions.
ErdoÄŸan Åžahin, President & CEO of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey, takes pride in the Sakarya plant’s significant role in Toyota’s electrification strategy and its journey toward carbon neutrality. The facility is globally acclaimed for its manufacturing prowess, playing a critical part in Toyota’s efforts to stay at the forefront of the automotive industry.
The launch of the new Toyota C-HR, featuring cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology, and the expansion of TMMT’s production abilities are key milestones in Toyota’s route to a greener future. These steps not only promise cleaner vehicle choices for consumers but also reinforce Toyota’s leadership in the automotive industry’s electrification trend.
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