Toyota Explores Assembling Hybrid Cars In Malaysia

Petaling Jaya, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- Toyota is exploring the possibility of assembling hybrid cars or manufacturing its components in Malaysia. UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd president, Ismet Suki, said the plan depended on the hybrid market's volume and what the new National Automotive Policy has to offer. "We would look and monitor the situation. We're beginning to see the awareness of hybrid cars and if the market improves and the volume is at a reasonable figure, we will look into that. "Meanwhile, we're exploring the possibility," he told reporters after the launch of all-new Prius and Prius C here Monday. Ismet said the new NAP would also define the definition of EV (electric vehicle) which was still unclear at this point of time. "It's difficult for us to say 'yes' we will come in (without clear definition) because once we come in, we will come in big. "We can't move in and then four years down the road things changed. We have to be very confident," he said. Ismet said money was not an issue for international car companies to invest in Malaysia. "What they need is stability, long-term commitment and policy and perhaps tailor-made incentives," he said. UMW Toyota Motor is a joint venture between UMW Corp Sdn Bhd, Toyota Motor Corp Japan and Toyota Tsusho Corp Japan. -- BERNAMA