Source: stellantis
Stellantis announced that it would supply new cars to TME, a Japanese automaker, and use the Toyota brand to sell them in Europe. These vans will be manufactured at stellantis' plants in Gliwice, Poland, and ATESSA, Italy. Stellantis said in a statement: "the new large commercial van planned to be launched in the middle of 2024 marks the first time TME will enter the field of large commercial vehicles."
The cooperation between stellantis and TME began in 2012, when stellantis' factory in hordin, France, was responsible for the production of Toyota light commercial vehicles (LCVs). In 2019, stellantis' plant in Vigo, Spain, began to produce compact LCVs for Toyota. Through this cooperation in the field of large commercial vehicles, the two sides have deepened their cooperation, enabling Toyota to obtain a complete lineup of LCV products in Europe, while optimizing the development and production costs of both sides.
This cooperation has also optimized stellantis' artessa factory, which currently produces large vans that are being sold through Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat and other brands. Stellantis said: "this cooperation is an important supplement. We have improved the product line for Toyota's European customers. Previously, Toyota only provided light commercial vehicles in Europe."
At present, automobile manufacturers are increasingly reaching cross manufacturing agreements to reduce the cost of vans. Due to the vigorous development of package delivery, the market has a great demand for vans, and the sales of electric vans are also rising. These models are suitable for providing "last mile" distribution services in urban central areas.