KAZAKHSTAN-BUILT FORTUNER

4x4magazine | 12/06/2014 | 0 Comments

The complete knock-down (CKD) production of the Toyota Fortuner SUV began at a production facility of Saryarka AvtoProm LLP in Kostanay, Kazakhstan. This marks the start of production by Toyota in Central Asia. Plans call for a production of approximately 3,000 units annually and the hiring of an additional 100 employees.

TMC established Toyota Motor Kazakhstan LLP (TMKZ) as a sales and marketing company in May 2008 to import and sell Toyota and Lexus vehicles as well as parts and accessories in Kazakhstan. SAP’s Kostanay plant is now the first production site for Toyota vehicles in Central Asia. Preparing for CKD production, which at the Kostanay plant includes welding, painting and assembly processes, involved approximately 20 highly qualified Toyota engineers and production experts, who provided technical and standards guidance to SAP on a long-term basis.

Kazakhstan was chosen as a location for knockdown production in consideration of its market potential. The Fortuner is a body-on-frame SUV and is well suited to Kazakhstan’s unique climate and multitude of challenging driving conditions. In addition to its proven off-road credentials, the Fortuner is also well suited to urban driving.

The start of production in Kazakhstan is part of Toyota’s ongoing efforts to achieve the goal of strengthening its business in emerging markets, as set out in the 2011 Toyota Global Vision. Recently, Toyota has begun localized production (particularly CKD/SKD production) in a number of countries and regions: production of the Fortuner began in Egypt in 2012, and assembly of the Land Cruiser began in the Russian Far East in 2013. Through these and other efforts, Toyota hopes to exceed expectations and enrich lives around the world.