TOKYO (XFN-ASIA) - Toyota Motor Corp plans to install production lines capable of simultaneously handling up to eight car models at its domestic and overseas plants starting this year, the Nikkei reported, without citing sources.
Japan's largest automaker will spend some 30 bln yen to install the production line at its key Takaoka Plant, in Aichi Prefecture, which manufactures the Corolla and other models, the business daily said.
The Nagoya-based firm will add sublines for assembling parts and use robots for conveying car bodies. A completed car will be rolled off every 50 seconds, down from 60, raising efficiency by around 20 pct, it said.
After increasing completion rates at the Takaoka factory, Toyota will then study installing the production line at its North American and Asian plants, the report said.
(1 usd = 116.81 yen)
yasuhiko.seki@xfn.com
ys/mas