UMW Toyota's RM200m production expansion plan

KLANG: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd is investing RM200 million to expand its production facilities, and plans to launch the locally-assembled Toyota Camry by mid-next year.

Its deputy chairman Takashi Hibi said that it was necessary for UMW Toyota Motor's production unit Assembly Services Sdn Bhd (ASSB) to expand its facility in order to produce Camry models that are up to quality.

"RM200 million investment is needed in order to secure a total production facility for the Camry. We needed to increase our production capacity as well and set-up a body and paint centre," he said at the opening of UMW Toyota Motor Integrated Quality Hub on Monday, Oct 10.

The RM200 million is part of the RM1 billion investment plan to develop ASSB, expand its network, and build a new centralised stockyard.

UMW Toyota launched the Quality Hub here, which consists of a centralised stockyard, accessory centre, test track, body and paint centre, and production parts warehouse.

Toyota Motor Corp executive vice president Yukitoshi Funo said that auto supply has fully recovered from the March 11 quake, and the group has already begun full production at its facilities.

Meanwhile, Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the government is talking to various stakeholders about the New Automotive Policy (NAP) and it is getting "good feedback".

"We hope to reveal the NAP next year. Until then we cannot reveal anything yet," he said.