Toyota Motor Corporation is merging three of its vehicle customization companies: Toyota Technocraft Co., Ltd., J-TACS Corporation, and Toyota Modellista International Corporation into one entity starting April 1 of this year.

In order to maintain global competitiveness, Toyota aims to reduce overlapping fields of business to streamline its operations. Furthermore, this move is said to better serve their customers’ diversified needs, especially in the field of vehicle customization.

Among the three brands, Toyota Technocraft is the most known because of its brand Toyota Racing Development or TRD. Meanwhile, Toyota Modellista, which sells parts under the Modellista brand is known more in the Japanese Domestic Market offering parts for several Toyota and even Lexus models. J-TACS does modification and conversion of Japanese vehicles for export such as ambulances.

With a capital of 1.7 billion yen (~ P 850 million) the new company’s name will be announced at a later time. What is known is that the new company will deal in the “strengthening of product development capability and cost competitiveness in the conversion and accessories field.” It will also be responsible for supporting various motorsports programs and provide aftermarket parts and accessories to Toyota customers.

Toyota Motor Corporation hasn’t made an announcement yet if this merger will mean the end of its TRD brand.