Toyota has unveiled the Hilux Travo in Phnom Penh, the first vehicle assembled entirely by Cambodian engineers, marking a milestone in the country’s automotive industry and showcasing its growing technical expertise.

The launch ceremony on 2 July was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol and Japanese Ambassador Ueno Atsushi. Chanthol hailed the achievement as proof that Cambodian workers can master advanced technologies when given proper training, describing Toyota’s investment as a strategic model that strengthens human capital and builds an industrial ecosystem.

Shigeru Harada, CEO of Toyota Tsusho Corporation’s Mobility Division, highlighted the company’s three‑decade journey in Cambodia. “Starting with vehicle sales, we have grown into after‑sales services and related industries. Today, we have advanced further into local manufacturing. This journey represents not merely business expansion, but a shared path of growth together with Cambodia,” he said.

Harada noted that 77 per cent of Toyota Cambodia’s workforce has been trained through Technical and Vocational Education and Training programmes, with young Cambodian professionals now central to manufacturing operations. “This Hilux is created by young and talented Cambodian professionals, for the people of Cambodia,” he added.

Chanthol emphasised that the Hilux Travo launch reflects not only Toyota’s success but also the continued rise of Cambodia’s automotive industry. He said the project would promote technology transfer, job creation and strengthen the local supply chain.

Industry Minister Hem Vanndy pointed out that Toyota Cambodia has already assembled more than 6,200 vehicles, including Fortuner and Hilux models, underscoring the broader benefits of the investment for supporting industries and local value addition.

The Hilux Travo is seen as a landmark in Cambodia’s industrial development, signalling confidence in the country’s workforce and its ability to compete in regional manufacturing.

-2026-07-03

Cambodia going after Thailand’s lunch with Toyota’s most famous vehicle in asean . Vietnam may be too independent for Toyota to control but Cambodia may be just the one to keep thailand on a leash instead.

9 minutes ago, Ctkong said:

Cambodia going after Thailand’s lunch with Toyota’s most famous vehicle in asean . Vietnam may be too independent for Toyota to control but Cambodia may be just the one to keep thailand on a leash instead.

They are assembling vehicles (Same as Ford, Byd, Izuzu) using imported componants.

1 hour ago, Ralf001 said:

They are assembling vehicles (Same as Ford, Byd, Izuzu) using imported componants.

Yes indeed.

Reference Google -

Cambodia's automotive assembly industry is rapidly expanding, with over 10 operational plants producing passenger cars, pickups, and commercial trucks. Major global brands—including Toyota (Hilux Travo and Fortuner), Ford (Ranger and Everest), Hyundai, Kia, BYD, and Isuzu—are actively assembling vehicles

Vehicles assembled in Cambodia are primarily produced for the domestic market to lower consumer costs, though select manufacturers have begun targeting regional ASEAN and global markets. Major primary destinations for vehicle and auto parts exports include Thailand, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and the Central African Republic.

Edited July 4Jul 4 by Burma Bill

That’s really nice…

On 7/3/2026 at 9:46 AM, geovalin said:

…though hard telling how well it was assembled with it hiding in the photo. We’ll have to wait and see after hitting the first couple of potholes.

1 hour ago, novacova said:

That’s really nice…

…though hard telling how well it was assembled with it hiding in the photo. We’ll have to wait and see after hitting the first couple of potholes.

For improved photo ( reference Khmer Times)

Toyota's new assembley plant in Phnom Penh -

Edited July 4Jul 4 by Burma Bill

3 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

For improved photo ( reference Khmer Times)

Toyota's new assembley plant in Phnom Penh -

https://cdn.cambonomist.com/media/images/ELECTRIC-CARS.2e16d0ba.fill-960x504.jpg

How does it hold up to the pothole gauntlet?

I'll admit I'm uncomfortably ignorant of the economic environment here, it's not that easy to get information with the limited quality press environment. Good to read about this progress and positive prospects for the future hopefully.