Toyota delays opening of new Myanmar plant in wake of coup

Japanese carmaker fears backlash while street protests continue

Toyota cars are popular in Myanmar, and there are many of the Japanese automaker's used cars on the country's roads. © Reuters

YOHEI MURAMATSU, Nikkei staff writer

February 25, 2021 22:09 JST

Updated on February 25, 2021 22:25 JST

BANGKOK -- Toyota Motor has decided to postpone the opening of a new plant in Myanmar amid heightened political uncertainty following the Feb. 1 coup, Nikkei Asia has learned. The plant was scheduled to open this month.

As a showdown continues between the military and demonstrators, the Japanese automaker has concluded it will be difficult to open the plant as scheduled.