Toyota commits to building here beyond 2016

The commitment comes after Holden this week could not guarantee the Commodore brand beyond five or six years, possibly replacing it with a smaller global car.

Toyota sales and marketing director Matthew Callachor said they were in the midst of launching new versions of their locally produced medium-sized cars (Camry and Camry Hybrid) and the Aurion large car.

"It is not generally recognised that Toyota Australia secured its investment for the new-model Camry, Aurion and Camry Hybrid without government co-investment support,'' he said referring to government support for both Ford and Holden.

He said the majority of Toyota's new $300 million engine plant at Altona would be funded by the company with financial support from the federal and Victorian governments.

"All these investments have provided Toyota Australia with the opportunity to improve its competitiveness and efficiency beyond the current model cycle,'' he said.

"Planning for the next generation of cars is well under way and, as is normal for any Toyota affiliate, we will develop the business case to secure the next model.

"Our firm intention is to build cars beyond 2016. In the long term, we intend for our local suppliers to provide more components.''

Callachor said their commitment to the Camry Hybrid and its 2.5-litre petrol engine had secured the new engine plant.

The 20,000-square-metre engine plant was gutted last year and has since had a new roof and deeper foundations to support more than 350 heavy machines.

Callachor said the first official trials for the casting plant would start in April, followed by the machining lines later that month and engine assembly trials from May.

Engines will undergo durability testing from July to October in Australia and in Japan with plant production starting in November and "in full swing from early next year''.