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Toyota Motor Europe

Toyota first began selling cars in Europe under an official distributor agreement in 1963. Since then, the company has matured into the leading Japanese car manufacturer in this highly competitive market. Toyota has invested over almost €7 billion throughout Europe since 1990, and currently employs approximately 80,000 people, both directly and through retailer channels. Toyota’s operations in Europe are supported by a network of 29 National Marketing and Sales Companies in 48 countries, a total of more than 3,000 sales outlets, and nine manufacturing plants. As an important player in Europe, Toyota continues to grow, both geographically and in terms of market share – with the goal of putting its customers first.

Guided by a clear vision of a sustainable future, Toyota has developed a wide range of vehicles powered by excellent new petrol and diesel engines. The company is also an acknowledged leader in environmental technologies, such as hybrid (petrol/electric), clean diesel and fuel-cell drive systems.

An expanding network and family

Toyota believes in a policy of localization, adapting its vehicles to meet the specific needs of Europe’s varied customers. This means the company’s operations in Europe – be they manufacturing, research and development or marketing – are generally located within the continent to serve the local market. The first Toyota vehicles to be made in Europe were produced under licence in Portugal in 1971. In 1992, Toyota began full production of cars and engines in the U.K. A new Toyota facility in France began producing the Yaris in 2001. In April 2002, Toyota opened a new plant in Poland to build transmissions. Also in 2002, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey (TMMT), located in Adapazari, established itself as a major strategic manufacturing centre for Corolla vehicles, which are now exported to European countries and beyond. In 2004, TMMT started production of the Corolla Verso. Toyota’s new diesel engine plant in Jelcz-Laskowice, Poland, began operations in 2005 as did the new vehicle manufacturing plant in Kolin, Czech Republic, which is a joint venture between Toyota Motor Corporation and PSA Peugeot Citroën. Toyota’s expansion in Europe continues with the start of production at the new manufacturing plant in Russia in 2007. The St. Petersburg plant assembles the Camry and has an annual production capacity of 50,000 units. All of Toyota’s best-selling European models – AYGO, Yaris, Auris, Avensis, and Corolla Verso - are now built in Europe.