KUALA LUMPUR: UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced its move to advance the carbon neutrality initiative through the local manufacturing of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV).

       With its sights firmly set on championing carbon neutrality in Malaysia, UMWT said it would invest a further RM270mil locally into expanding its current manufacturing operations and facility, in addition to an earlier RM2bil investment in the construction and commissioning of its new plant in Bukit Raja.

       “This amount includes, among others, the introduction of a new and technologically advanced generation of HEV, ” it said in a statement.

       UMWT deputy chairman Akio Takeyama (pic) said the mass production and growing acceptance of HEV would lead to the entire automotive eco-system evolving to embrace a more conscious and concerted effort in reducing Malaysia’s carbon footprint.

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       “The technology, service support, current infrastructure, global and domestic policies, level of affordability and cost-effectiveness, as well as consumer awareness and demand are now at its most ideal conditions towards the pursuit of a new and exciting journey in achieving carbon neutrality, ” he said.

       The group said its new plant in Bukit Raja is regarded as one of the most modern, most advanced and most efficient Toyota plants in Asia, and is already well-positioned at the forefront of Malaysia’s aspiration to become a regional automotive hub in energy-efficient vehicles.

       It added that the plant’s environmental footprint includes the installation of 2 MW solar panels and in its ability to collect and recycle 156 cubic metres of rainwater, besides having the lowest volatile organic compound emissions in Asia with the installation of a regenerative thermal oxidiser.

       UMWT president Ravindran K. said the introduction of hybrid electric technology would quickly transform the automotive landscape in Malaysia. — Bernama