Daihatsu to Relocate Powertrain R&D Operations

Toyota Motor Corp.'s Daihatsu minivehicle unit plans to move its powertrain development work in 2014 from its main plant in Osaka Prefecture in south central Japan to a subsidiary's engine factory in Fukuoka Prefecture at the southern island of Kyushu, The Nikkei reports.

The Tokyo-based newspaper says Daihatsu Motor Co. will spend $126 million to erect a new research building and built an adjoining road test course.

About 50 engineers will transfer from the main plant initially. But The Nikkei says many of Daihatsu's 3,000 engineers could eventually relocate to the new R&D center.

The facility will initially handle engine and transmission development and testing. The newspaper says the center may expand to include body structure development.