(Phnom Penh): Toyota’s vehicle assembly plant has continued to expand steadily after more than two years of operation in Cambodia. Today, the company marked another milestone by officially launching the assembly and production of the new Toyota Hilux Travo, a model assembled entirely by Cambodian engineers.
The inauguration ceremony was held on Thursday morning (Jul. 2) at the Toyota Tsusho Manufacturing plant located in the Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone, owned by Neak Oknha Kith Meng.
The event was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), and Ueno Atsushi, Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia. Also in attendance were Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation; senior officials from various government ministries and institutions; company executives; and numerous distinguished guests.
Toyota officially commenced operations of its vehicle assembly plant in Cambodia in May 2024, under the presidency of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. With strong support from the Royal Government, the plant has become an active player in Cambodia’s automotive manufacturing sector, assembling the Toyota Fortuner SUV and the Toyota Hilux pickup truck.
Encouraged by strong customer support in Cambodia, Toyota has now expanded production to include the new Toyota Hilux Travo, assembled by skilled Cambodian engineers.
Minister Hem Vanndy described the launch of Toyota’s new locally assembled model as another significant milestone that demonstrates Toyota’s confidence in Cambodia’s political stability, investment climate, and industrial development strategy.
He said the achievement aligns with the government’s Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I, particularly the National Automotive Development Policy 2024–2030, which aims to position Cambodia as a regional automotive manufacturing hub and an integral part of the regional automotive value chain.
Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol congratulated Toyota on its decision to invest in assembling a new vehicle model in Cambodia, noting that the move reflects the company’s strong confidence in the country’s economic potential.
He added that the launch of a new model assembled by Cambodian engineers serves as clear evidence that Cambodia’s workforce is capable of mastering advanced technologies when provided with proper training.
He described the investment as a strategic model that the Royal Government actively prioritises and warmly welcomes, as it goes beyond establishing factories to contribute to the development of the industrial ecosystem, human capital training, and Cambodia’s long-term growth.
Sun Chanthol further noted that the introduction of Toyota’s latest model by one of Japan’s leading automobile manufacturers is expected to encourage more Japanese companies to invest in Cambodia. Since opening the assembly plant in 2024, Toyota Tsusho Manufacturing has assembled a total of 6,250 vehicles, including the Fortuner and Hilux.
The company has also increased its procurement of locally sourced automotive parts and components by approximately 20 per cent, a positive sign that Toyota’s investment is generating broader economic benefits through the development of supporting industries and greater domestic value addition.
Looking ahead, Toyota’s vision for Cambodia’s automotive industry extends beyond producing vehicles. Guided by the philosophy “From Our Hands, For Our Homeland,” the company is committed to building world-class vehicles proudly manufactured by Cambodians for Cambodians.
By supporting employment, families, and everyday livelihoods, Toyota aims for the new Hilux Travo to become a trusted vehicle for the Cambodian people and a symbol of the country’s continued progress and development.
=FRESH NEWS
