The Shanghai factory is expected to start production in 2027 and will develop a new BEV under Toyota's premium Lexus brand.

The push comes as worries grow about a potential trade war brewing after President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on China and China retaliated.

Japan's Toyota said Wednesday it will build an electric vehicle plant in Shanghai for its luxury Lexus brand, at a time when many foreign car companies are struggling in China. Toyota said it had "decided to establish a wholly owned company for the development and production of Lexus BEVs (battery electric vehicles) and batteries in Shanghai,

Toyota Motor will establish a wholly owned company in Shanghai to develop and produce electric vehicles and batteries for the Lexus brand, with production set to start in 2027, the world's top-selling automaker said on Wednesday.

By bno - Taipei Bureau Toyota Motor Corp. has revealed plans to establish a wholly-owned electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing facility in Shanghai, China. In doing so, the Japanese car giant is marking a significant departure from its traditional joint venture approach in the country according to AFP.