Toyota said to explore opening factory in Saudi Arabia

Japanese automaker Toyota plans to launch a feasibility study this year to build a factory in Saudi Arabia, Nikkei Asian Review magazine reported.

Toyota is expected to sign a memorandum with the Saudi government after King Salman meets with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on Monday, the report said.

The study will focus on the possibility of manufacturing sport utility vehicles in eastern industrial cities, such as Jubail.

The motor parts required by the factory in Saudi Arabia might be imported from neighboring countries like Turkey and Egypt, or from Japan, the news agency said.

Toyota currently exports finished vehicles to Saudi Arabia.

King Salman arrived in Japan today as part of his month-long Asia tour, which aims to build bilateral relations with oil-importing nations and promote investment opportunities in the kingdom.