Czech Republic in focus: Toyota to build its first electric vehicles in Europe

According to a new report by Nikkei, Toyota is planning to manufacture electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe for the first time.

The Japanese automaker is expected to begin production at its new megacentre in the Czech Republic from 2028.

Once fully operational, the facility is projected to produce around 100,000 EVs per year.

The news follows a 17 million euros (19.5 million dollars) investment made by the company in 2024 to upgrade the site and strengthen its presence in Central Europe.

It’s worth noting that earlier this year, Toyota unveiled a range of new electric SUVs and crossovers set to arrive on the continent in the coming months.

By the end of 2025, the Japanese manufacturer is expected to launch three new electric SUVs, including an updated bZ4X, the CH-R+, and the Urban Cruiser. In 2026, three more electric models will follow.

Meanwhile, Lexus – Toyota’s luxury brand – will also introduce several new EVs. The company plans to launch three new electric models over the next year, starting with the updated RZ SUV.

Toyota Among the Best-Selling Brands in Europe

In the first half of 2025, Toyota sold a record 591,115 units in Europe, making it the second best-selling brand after Volkswagen.

Although EV sales from Toyota and Lexus rose by 42% during the first half of the year, the Japanese manufacturer is facing growing competition from other Asian brands.

Chinese automakers — led by BYD, Jaecoo, Omoda, Leapmotor, and Xpeng — surpassed Mercedes-Benz in European sales last month.

So far this year, they have also outsold Ford in Europe, with a combined market share of 5.1%.

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