Australia – The move comes as a result of “various negative factors”, according to Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC). He said these included “an extremely competitive market”, “a strong Australian dollar” and “forecasts of a reduction in the total scale of vehicle production in Australia”. Toyoda described the decision as “painful”.
At present, a 3,900-strong workforce at the company’s Altona plant manufactures the Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion. Vehicle and engine production will cease by the end of 2017 and Toyota Motor Corporation Australia (TMCA), which was established in 1959, will become a sales and distribution operation.
In addition to the change at TMCA, the vehicle-maker is also considering a reduction in the scale of operations at Toyota Technical Center Asia Pacific Australia (TTCAP-AU), its development base in the country. TTCAP-AU currently employs 150 people.