TOKYO — Toyota will emphasize its growing presence in the China auto market at the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show by rolling out China-made versions of its Toyota Highlander and RAV4.
The Japanese automaker confirmed its plans to display the two in a statement on Wednesday. Toyota noted that both locally built vehicles are being shown for the first time.
The China-made Toyota RAV4 and Highlander are being introduced "in response to the expanding SUV market in China," said Toyota.
Commercial production of the RAV4 began in Tianjin in March. Toyota opened the $527 million Tianjin plant last May, almost doubling the capacity at its venture with FAW Group to 420,000 vehicles per year.
Commercial production of the Highlander is set to kick off in May at a joint-venture plant in Guangzhou, where Toyota is partnered with Guangzhou Auto.
Inside Line says: Toyota goes the politically correct route at the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show, winning over consumers with some local hardware. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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