- All-new, three-row, battery electric SUV will be assembled at
Toyota Kentucky starting in 2025
- New SUV will use batteries from Toyota North Carolina which
begins battery production in 2025
- New $2.1 billion battery plant
investment will allow for an expanded role in support of
electrification
PLANO,
Texas, May 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Advancing its
commitment to vehicle electrification and building where it sells,
Toyota will assemble an all-new, three-row, battery electric SUV at
Toyota Kentucky starting in 2025. The company's first
U.S.-assembled BEV will be powered by batteries from Toyota North
Carolina. The new battery plant, which is currently under
construction, will receive an additional $2.1 billion investment to support the company's
drive toward carbon neutrality.
"We are committed to reducing carbon emissions as much as
possible and as soon as possible," said Ted
Ogawa, president and chief executive officer, Toyota Motor
North America. "To achieve this goal, customers must have access to
a portfolio of options that meet their needs now and in the future.
It is exciting to see our largest U.S. plant, Toyota Kentucky, and
our newest plant, Toyota North Carolina, drive us into the future
together with BEV and battery production for our expanding
electrified lineup."
Kentucky to Launch Toyota's
First U.S. BEV
Today's announcement confirms that Toyota
Kentucky will lead the company's vehicle carbon reduction efforts
with its first U.S.–assembled BEV, a 3-row SUV.
"Toyota Kentucky set the standard for Toyota vehicle
manufacturing in the U.S. and now we're leading the charge with
BEVs," said Susan Elkington,
president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky. "Our incredible team of Kentuckians
is excited to take on this new challenge while delivering the same
great quality and reliability that our customers expect."
The decision to assemble a BEV in the U.S. demonstrates the
company's belief in electric vehicles and its commitment to design,
engineer and produce vehicles for the market.
"This is incredible news that furthers Kentucky as the center of the electric vehicle
sector," said Kentucky Governor
Andy Beshear. "Toyota has long been
a vital part of the automotive industry in the commonwealth, and
now the company is positioned to help lead us into the future. I
want to thank the company's leaders for their commitment to our
state's incredible workforce, and I can't wait to see what's next
for Toyota and Kentucky."
North Carolina Brings the
Power
Toyota is investing $2.1
billion in its North
Carolina battery manufacturing plant for new infrastructure
to support future expansion. This brings total investment in Toyota
North Carolina to $5.9 billion.
"Toyota's significant investment in our state, now nearly
$6 billion, is terrific news and more
evidence that North Carolina is a
leader in the clean energy economy," said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. "Toyota believes in our world-class
workforce to power its future success and I appreciate this
enormous commitment here."
The facility will be Toyota's hub for developing and producing
lithium-ion batteries needed for its expanding portfolio of
electrified vehicles. Production at the Liberty plant is slated to
begin in 2025 with six battery production lines, four for hybrid
electric vehicles and two for BEVs.
"The future is bright at Toyota North Carolina," said
Sean Suggs, president, Toyota
Battery Manufacturing, North
Carolina. "With this proactive infrastructure investment, we
will be able to quickly support future expansion opportunities to
meet growing customer need."
Additional Quotes from North Carolina
Officials
"Toyota's continued commitment in North Carolina confirms our status as a
manufacturing powerhouse," said North
Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger. "This expansion further cements our
thriving partnership, and it wouldn't be possible without the
reforms the General Assembly implemented to transform North Carolina into a jobs-friendly
state."
"Toyota and the State of North
Carolina have formed a strong partnership that will
transform the future for North
Carolina," said Tim Moore,
Speaker of the North Carolina
House of Representatives. "Our state has proven to be –again and
again – one of the best locations for companies of all sizes to do
business, and Toyota's continued investment in our state is
indicative of that recognition."
Clear Leader in Electrification
A pioneer in
electrified vehicles, Toyota has put more than 23 million hybrids,
plug-in hybrids, fuel cell electric and battery electric vehicles
on the road globally – more than all other automakers combined. The
company currently offers 22 electrified vehicle options in the U.S.
across the Toyota and Lexus brands, the most among any automaker.
By 2025, the company plans to have an electrified option available
for every Toyota and Lexus model globally.
Over the last two years, the company has invested more than
$8 billion in its U.S. manufacturing
operations primarily to support its product electrification
efforts.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of
the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is
committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility
through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500
dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S.
who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of
more than 33 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing
plants. By 2025, Toyota's 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture
automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more
electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota
currently offers 22 electrified options.
To help inspire the next generation for a career in
STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual
education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an
immersive experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S.
manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free
STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips
and more. For more information about Toyota,
visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
Kentucky Media Contact:
Kim Ogle
256-746-5407
kim.ogle@toyota.com
North Carolina Media Contact:
Emily Holland
662-507-5148
emily.holland@toyota.com
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America