Toyota Motor Europe Starts Production of New 1.5L TNGA Engine in Poland
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland in Jelcz-Laskowice has started production of the latest generation of the 1.5L petrol engine that has been designed within the overarching framework of Toyota’s New Global Architecture. The modern 1.5L 3-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine is the smaller sibling of the 2.0L unit that has already been in production at the same site since September 2019. The 1.5L engine is destined for the new generation Toyota Yaris, shortly to start production at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France, in Valenciennes, and the recently unveiled Yaris Cross – a new compact, B-segment SUV. Completely new TNGA production lines have been designed with a view to automate some of the processes, increase efficiency and production capacity and improve ergonomics.
The 1.5L engine is a strong piece of advanced engineering. This 3-cylinder gasoline unit with variable camshaft timing, working in an Atkinson cycle with up to 40% thermal efficiency, helps to reduce consumption and CO2 emissions by 20% compared to the previous Yaris generation, whilst increasing its performance by 15%. This engine can be installed in both conventional as well as hybrid electric vehicles. With 52% of TME’s sales being full hybrids in 2019, there is clearly a growing appetite for this affordable and low emission, hybrid electric technology.
The preparation of this new project proceeded according to schedule, even if the regular production at both sites of TMMP, in Jelcz and Walbrzych, came to a controlled stop between mid-March and 4 May, due to the COVID-19 outbreak. To ensure the health and safety of all our members and partners who remained present to implement the necessary TNGA line changes, an extensive range of preventive, sanitary measures was put in place. Our members’ safety being our highest priority, we keep on monitoring the correct and 100% compliance of these hygiene and social distancing measures and continue to review, where necessary.
Source : Strategic Research Institute