TIANJIN (Nikkei)--The 50-50 automaking joint venture between Toyota Motor Corp. and Tianjin Automobile Xiali will produce from 2002 a 1.3- to 1.5-liter new-type subcompact car based on the New Basic Car platform which is used in the subcompact Vitz.

Toyota and Tianjin Auto held a ceremony to inaugurate the new company here Wednesday.

Tianjin Toyota Motor Co. will start with an annual capacity to produce 30,000 vehicles for sale under the brand name of Toyota.

"The Vitz, which has the same platform, is highly regarded in Japan and Europe," Toyota Chairman Hiroshi Okuda said. "I have confidence the Chinese people will also like it."

Toyota will also offer technical support in helping Tianjin Auto remodel a car it has been producing with the assistance of Toyota affiliate Daihatsu Motor Co. since 1987. The remodeled car, due to be released next year, will also use the same platform as the Vitz.

(The Nihon Keizai Shimbun Thursday morning edition)