Toyota is expanding its U.S. manufacturing to meet the growing demand for hybrid cars. As part of its plan to invest up to USD 10 billion in the U.S. over the next five years, Toyota is putting USD 912 million into its operations and adding 252 new jobs at five plants. This investment will help increase the production of hybrid vehicles, including hybrid-electric Corollas.
The plants in West Virginia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Missouri will benefit from this expansion, further showing Toyota's commitment to investing in its U.S. operations.
This investment is part of Toyota’s larger plan to spend up to USD 10 billion over the next five years in U.S. manufacturing. Toyota makes about half of the cars it sells in the U.S., with its North American plants making 76% of the vehicles sold in the country.
Toyota’s strategy of using different types of powertrains (like hybrids, plug-ins, and all-electric cars) is helping the company see steady growth in electric vehicles, which now make up nearly 50% of Toyota’s sales in the U.S.
In addition to investing in manufacturing, Toyota is also preparing the future workforce. The Toyota USA Foundation has started a USD 110 million initiative called Driving Possibilities. This program supports education from PreK to 12th grade and beyond.
Executive Statement
According to Kevin Voelkel, senior vice president, manufacturing operations, customers are embracing Toyota’s hybrid vehicles, and their U.S. manufacturing teams are gearing up to meet that growing demand. Toyota’s philosophy is to build where they sell, and by adding more American jobs and investing across our U.S. footprint, they continue to stay true to that philosophy.
According to Alivia Luikart, team member, Toyota West Virginia, they are proud of the plant’s continued growth and honored to help lead Toyota’s transition into a mobility company.