NEW YORK, April 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Akio Toyoda
and several senior Toyota executives announced today that for the
first time, a Lexus vehicle will be produced in the United States. The Lexus ES 350 will be
assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK) in 2015.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130419/NY98089-a
)
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130419/NY98089-b )
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130419/NY98089-c )
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130419/NY98089-d )
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130419/NY98089-e
)
The move will generate 750 new jobs. To support the new
dedicated assembly line, Toyota will invest $360 million in the Georgetown plant. About 50,000 Lexus vehicles
a year will be produced, bringing the plant's total annual
production capacity to more than 550,000 vehicles. It will be the
first time the ES will be assembled outside of Japan.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in North America in 1957 and currently operates
14 manufacturing plants. There are more than 1,800 Toyota, Lexus
and Scion dealerships in North
America which sold over 2.3 million vehicles in 2012. Toyota
directly employs nearly 39,000 people in North America and its investment here is
currently valued at more than $24.5
billion, including sales and manufacturing operations,
research and development, financial services and design. Toyota's
annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from
North American suppliers totals nearly $30
billion. Toyota currently produces 12 vehicles in
North America, including the
Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, RAV4, Sienna, Sequoia,
Tacoma, Tundra, Venza and the Lexus RX 350. For more information
about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com or www.toyotanewsroom.com.
About Lexus
Lexus launched in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to
pursue perfection. Since that time, Lexus has expanded its line-up
to meet the needs of global luxury customers. In every vehicle,
Lexus incorporates innovative technologies, high-quality designs
and luxury materials. With numerous models featuring Lexus Hybrid
Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader and is dedicated to
developing vehicles that are kinder to the Earth. Lexus' current
vehicles incorporate outstanding driving dynamic characteristics
and feature a new design language that includes a spindle grille
and distinctive lights, creating a signature look and feel for the
luxury brand. In the United
States, Lexus models are sold through 232 dealers who are
committed to exemplary customer service.
Contact: Javier Moreno,
212-715-7469, javier_moreno@toyota.com
SOURCE Toyota