Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. begins Production of the Crown in China

Tokyo ― Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co., Ltd (TFTM) held a line-off ceremony for the Crown luxury sedan at TFTM’s second plant, the construction of which was recently completed. TFTM is a joint venture company established by Toyota Motor Corporation and China FAW Group Corporation (FAW) for the production of passenger vehicles in the Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Zone in Tianjin, China.

The line-off ceremony was attended by approximately 1,000 people, including FAW President Zhu Yanfeng, TMC President Fujio Cho, TFTM President Shozo Takemoto and Deputy President Wang Gang, officials from Chinese local and central governments, Japanese administration officials, members of the media and various suppliers and dealers.

Representing TFTM, President Takemoto opened the ceremony by saying, “Because of FAW and Toyota’s collaboration, Tianjin will become one of the biggest bases for the Chinese auto industry. In turn, this will help young, future employees to further grow and develop, demonstrating our deep regard in helping to develop people’s lives. As one of the principal guests, FAW President Zhu continued, “Cooperation between FAW group and Toyota has advanced smoothly and on schedule, producing results through the efforts of both companies. FAW and Toyota would like to offer their customers in China a more pleasurable car experience and enjoyable life through the Crown.” Toyota President Cho likewise addressed those present with the following words, “The establishment of the second plant, from the bare lot to the final construction of the plant, is a symbolic phase in the joint project between FAW and Toyota. As we begin the first non-Japanese production of Toyota’s original car, the Crown, we are hoping to witness the onset of China’s high-quality car market.”

TFTM began production of the VIOS compact sedan in October 2002 and the Corolla in February 2004. In the belief that quality must be built-in during the manufacturing process, quality standards are stringently maintained in all processes of TFTM’s production activities. At the same time, energy is devoted to fostering human resources, which is based on the principle: “People make our automobiles, but nothing gets accomplished until we train and educate our people.”

The recently completed TFTM second plant, which specializes in luxury passenger car production, has been equipped with numerous cutting-edge facilities. The plant’s welding process adopts the Global New Body Line (GBL) system so as to improve ergonomic characteristics and the paint shop is the first in China to use water-based paints. High quality is thus combined with environmental friendliness. The building is also air-conditioned and as an effective measure against sand, dust and salt-carrying wind, all of the building’s entrances and exits are fitted with double doors, while the vehicles that deliver parts to the plant undergo an air shower.

In August 2002, the China FAW Group Corporation (FAW) and Toyota Motor Corporation agreed to establish a strategic and long-term cooperative relationship covering their respective automobile businesses in China. This basic agreement also aims at advancing the Chinese automotive industry and centers on active joint-management in various fields. FAW and TMC then agreed to move forward with preparations for production of three types of vehicles: medium/large-class luxury sedans, minivehicles and medium/large-class luxury SUVs. So far, production has already begun for six vehicle series, namely the Coaster (since December 2000) and the Land Cruiser Prado (since September 2003), at the companies’ subsidiary Sichuan Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. (SCTM), the VIOS (since October 2002) and Corolla (since February 2004) at Tianjin Toyota Motor Co., Ltd., (TTMC), the Terios (since October 2003) at FAW Huali (Tianjin) Motor Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of FAW, also a joint subsidiary, and the Land Cruiser (since October 2003), at Changchun FAW Fengyue Auto Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of FAW.

In addition to the collaborative production system, FAW and TMC have established FAW Toyota Motor Sales Co., Ltd, (FTMS), which began operations on Nov. 1, 2003, in order to establish joint operations on the sales front and to further solidify their relationship.

In September 2004, the two companies reached a basic agreement on jointly promoting the development and widespread use of hybrid vehicles built in China and to begin assembly of the Prius in China by the end of 2005. The initiatives covered by the agreement are progressing smoothly.

The Crown has won a lot of acclaim in China and by seeking to offer a fuller range of luxury passenger vehicles, producing for the first time outside Japan, Toyota’s tradition-rich flagship model and by offering levels of quality and service that match the Crown’s high standards, the forthcoming launch of the Crown responds perfectly to the needs of Chinese customers. This project has enjoyed the full dedication of both manufacturing and sales staff and it can be said to be the crystallization of the wide-ranging and long-term cooperative relationship between FAW and TMC.

Characteristics

The new TFTM-produced Crown seeks to enhance the series’ traditional feeling of "hospitality" and, as Toyota’s flagship car, it embodies the world's highest levels of sedan luxury through innovative and dynamic styling and superior driving performance.

The new Crown displays innovative elegance and dynamic styling typified by the side view, which is inspired by vigorous brushstrokes of calligraphy, and the impressive quarter pillars, which integrate the Crown’s sophistication and individuality.

The interior design seeks to bring the sense of hospitality and elegance to a new level creating a calming and comfortable space for all passengers.

The newly developed rear-wheel-drive platform, the also newly developed V6 3.0-liter gasoline engine with Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent), and the sequential 6-speed automatic transmission give the Crown superior driving performance that achieves unprecedented excellence in maneuverability and cruising stability. Reduced cabin noise and excellent fuel efficiency are also incorporated. Furthermore, in order to better cope with the wide variations of road conditions in China, the new Crown will be specially tuned, as well as exhibiting other features, such as incorporating a chassis that is 10mm higher than conventional models.

The Crown is equipped with many advanced features befitting of a world class luxury vehicle, including a Smart Entry and Start System that uses a push button for engine starting and an 8-inch, wide-screen, fine-detail DVD voice navigation system. The Crown also features knee airbags and other equipment for world-leading safety and environmental safeguard performance.