Toyota eyes 25 pct production capacity hike in N. France plant

PARIS, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macon confirmed on Monday that Toyota would invest 300 million euros (368 million U.S. dollars) in its plant in Onnaing, north France.

During a visit to the Japanese auto maker site where it produces Yaris model, Macron told workers: "If Toyota decides to invest 300 million euros and create 700 permanent jobs here, it's because you're good."

"The French site of Toyota will become the European platform of the group," he said.

With the new investment, the world's second largest car maker aims to assemble 300,000 units per year in the future, compared with 240,000 currently.

Established in 1999, Toyota's Onnaing plant had produced 3 million vehicles. It employs 4,000 workers.