02-08-2025
Toyota expands procurement of Chinese parts in Thailand
Toyota Motor looks to use more Chinese components in Thailand, the home of its biggest production hub in Southeast Asia. (Photo by Yuki Kohara)
KENYA AKAMA
BANGKOK -- Toyota Motor is expanding procurement of Chinese parts in Thailand, home to its largest Southeast Asian production hub, seeking less costly components to improve the competitiveness of a new electrified model scheduled for 2028.
The Japanese automaker has begun full-fledged procurement of components made by Chinese companies in Thailand, sources say. It connected Thailand's Summit Group, a major supplier in the country, with China's Wuhu Yuefei Sound-absorbing New Materials. The two companies formed a joint venture in January and plan to build a Thai plant that produces parts for Toyota, a source said.
