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Toyota Starts CVT Production in China

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Toyota Motor Corporation’s (TMC’s) vehicle powertrain production subsidiary in Changshu, China, Toyota Motor (Changshu) Auto Parts Co., Ltd. (TMCAP), held a ceremony there to officially mark the start of a localised production of continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), which is a first for Toyota outside Japan. Production of transaxles for hybrid vehicles―also a first for Toyota outside Japan―is scheduled to begin in China from 2015.

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The ceremony was attended by Chinese government officials, representatives from the Japanese Consulate in Shanghai and TMC’s Chinese joint-venture partners, and TMCAP Chairman Seiichi Sudo.

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At the ceremony Sudo said: “TMCAP is collaborating with TMEC, our hybrid-focused R&D facility nearby, to develop and produce the environment-friendly vehicles that Chinese consumers want and the future needs.”

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Established in July 2012, TMCAP began production of CVTs for compact cars on July 14. TMCAP-produced CVTs are already being used in new “Corolla” and “Levin” models launched in China this summer, and are also planned for use in other compact vehicles in the future.

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TMCAP is working to address anticipated demand for hybrid vehicles in China, with preparations underway to also locally produce hybrid system batteries and inverters. China-made hybrid components will be used in China-market Corollas and Levins starting in 2015.