Toyota Motor says it is beefing up its research and development in China to meet accelerating local demand for electric vehicles.

Japan's biggest automaker plans to speed up the development of car models, self-driving systems and advanced safety features suited for conditions in China.
The company will also revamp parts designs and boost its local supplier base to cut production costs and strengthening competitiveness.

Toyota says it will assign more workers to its development hub in the eastern province of Jiangsu. They are currently at three R&D facilities belonging to Chinese joint-venture firms.

Engineers from group parts-makers Denso and Aisin will also work on Toyota's development projects.
The automaker unveiled a new name for the hub effective Tuesday. "Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing" is now "the Intelligent ElectroMobility R&D Center by Toyota."

The changes are in response to stepped-up competition from Toyota's Japanese rivals in China. Mazda and Nissan have also announced plans to roll out new EV models there.