Toyota eyes EV production in Cambodia

Japanese automaker Toyota is considering expanding its manufacturing in Cambodia to include electric and hybrid vehicles, as part of the Kingdom’s drive towards cleaner transport.

The plan was discussed in Phnom Penh on Monday between Mines and Energy Minister Keo Rottanak and Toyota Cambodia President Kensuke Tsuchiya, focusing on the company’s long‑term role in supporting Cambodia’s automotive transition.

Toyota already runs an assembly plant in the Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone through Toyota Tsusho Manufacturing (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. Since opening in 2024, the facility has produced popular combustion‑engine models such as the Fortuner and Hilux, steadily expanding its capacity and integrating into local supply chains.

Minister Rottanak said the talks centred on “the current and future production and use of Toyota vehicles in Cambodia, particularly in the hybrid and electric vehicle sectors.” He added that Toyota has invested nearly $100 million and created jobs for more than 1,100 people, making it a strategic partner for the Royal Government.

Cambodia has registered 15,239 electric vehicles between 2021 and June 2026, according to official figures. The government’s National Policy on EV Development (2024–2030) sets an ambitious target of 770,000 EVs by 2030, underscoring the scale of the transition ahead.

For Toyota, the move would align with global trends as automakers pivot towards electric mobility. For Cambodia, it would mean deeper industrial integration, more local jobs and a stronger foothold in the regional automotive market.

After 33 years of operations in the country, Toyota’s potential expansion into EV and hybrid production signals a new phase in its partnership with Cambodia—one that could reshape the Kingdom’s automotive industry over the next decade.

-2026-09-09