Do you know UMWT's first CKD hybrid model?

KUALA LUMPUR: It was in early July when Toyota Malaysia officially announced its plan of mass production of hybrid vehicles in the country. The next update came in last week with the automaker saying more details about the plan will be revealed this week. And guess, we have the details! Now we have a much better and clear idea about Toyota's electrification plan and the model with which it all will be initiated.

Akio Takeyama, deputy chairman of UMWT said, “For the immediate future, we are absolutely positive that the HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) is the most accessible and realistic choice for Malaysian customers in terms of practicality and infrastructure, with an enormous potential in Malaysia."

He further added that HEV is a realistic and practical path towards full vehicle electrification, while the auto industry works on developing infrastructure and controlling costs for battery electric vehicles (BEV).

On comparing HEVs and BEVs, Toyota said that from production to the end of 10-year service on road both are almost identical in their CO2 emissions. Thus making the HEVs equally effective as full-electric cars. Furthermore, HEVs do not require a new infrastructure setup and are free of range anxiety. It all makes the HEVs an even more ideal option for markets like Malaysia that still have access to affordable fossil fuels.

Ravindran K, president of UMWT said, “We have the right technology, the right products in support of the existing infrastructure and energy policies. We are in an ideal position to contribute to Malaysia’s ambition of becoming a hub for advanced technologies and to reduce its carbon footprint. This will be an important cornerstone towards ensuring future policies and the people are well positioned and prepared to accept vehicle electrification.”

Now, the big question is, which car will be the first product of UMWTs hybridisation efforts?

Though UMWT hasn't been clear yet but seeing the images in its official press release on the subject, USPs of the fourth-gen Toyota Hybrid Electric System used in its latest HEVs, we think it is the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Further, solidifying our assumption is the fact that the Corolla-based SUV is scheduled for local assembly in Q3 2021. And its hybrid variant is already on sale in Thailand, so Malaysia might be the next one.

On a similar note, UMWT will be investing an additional RM 270 million on its relatively new Bukit Raja, Klang manufacturing facility.

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