Toyota mulls production of key components of hybrid vehicles in U.S. and Asia

Toyota Motor Corp. said it may manufacture key components of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles at some of its plants in the U.S. and Asia. The move is being considered as a means to improve profitability which has been affected by the strong yen. The company also plans to make hybrid components in China. Toyota already exports parts for hybrid cars to its overseas factories. The company said it hopes to finalize details of the plan within one or two years. Overseas production of key components for hybrid vehicles could start in three to four years. (September 18, 2011)