Toyota is taking a significant step forward in its European strategy with a major investment in its operations in the Czech Republic. The automaker announced that its factory in Kolín will be the site of its first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) to be produced in Europe. This move marks a milestone for the brand as it seeks to strengthen its presence in the region and align with the growing demand for electrification across the continent.
Although Toyota has confirmed the scope of the project and the scale of financial resources involved, the company has yet to provide any official details about the electric model itself. The investment amounts to €680 million, a substantial sum that will enable Toyota to expand the Kolín facility from 152,000 square meters to 173,000 square meters. Beyond creating an entirely new production line dedicated to EV manufacturing, the expansion also includes modern paint and welding shops, ensuring the plant is fully equipped for advanced production processes. Notably, the Czech government is backing the project by contributing as much as €64 million toward the total investment.
At present, the Kolín factory is best known for producing the Yaris Hybrid and the Aygo X, with an annual production capacity of around 220,000 vehicles. While speculation has arisen about the possibility of the new EV being based on the TNGA-B platform used for the Yaris, Toyota has previously made clear that it does not consider the timing right for a small electric car. Instead, the company is focusing on larger C-, D-, and E-segment vehicles that align more closely with market demand and the brand’s long-term EV strategy.
The magnitude of Toyota’s decision has been met with strong approval from Czech leadership. Prime Minister Petr Fiala emphasized both the economic and strategic benefits of the project. He expressed satisfaction that the Czech Republic had succeeded in attracting Toyota’s investment, noting that other countries had also vied for the opportunity. Fiala stressed that the expansion not only boosts the production capacity of Kolín but also strengthens the nation’s technological foundation. This is particularly important since the automotive industry plays a crucial role in the Czech economy, accounting for approximately 10 percent of national GDP.
While details of the upcoming electric model remain under wraps, the announcement represents a key turning point for Toyota. It will be the first time the company manufactures a BEV within a European facility, highlighting both a regional commitment and a strategic step toward balancing its global EV approach. For Toyota, the Kolín investment is not only about producing a new vehicle—it’s about positioning itself as a stronger player in Europe’s rapidly shifting automotive landscape, where the move away from combustion engines is accelerating faster than ever before.