Toyota to Debut In-House Gigacasting at China Lexus Plant

Toyota Motor plans to implement its own in-house gigacasting technology at a new US$2 billion Lexus factory in Shanghai, China. Scheduled to begin production in 2027, the plant will utilize giant presses to mold entire chassis sections in single pieces, a process designed to reduce labor, equipment, and production costs.

Chief Technology Officer Hiroki Nakajima stated the move represents a significant opportunity to change the company's manufacturing system. The strategic shift follows a 19 percent decline in Toyota's Chinese sales during the first eight months of the year as the company struggles to compete with local electric vehicle brands.

Toyota is currently conducting trials of the technology in Japan and recently showcased the process at its technical centre in Brussels, Belgium. The company continues to pursue a multi-pathway strategy that includes hybrid engines and hydrogen fuel cells alongside the new casting methods.