GEORGETOWN, Ky., March 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A very
special RAV4 Hybrid rolled off the line at Toyota's largest plant
worldwide in Georgetown, Ky.,
earlier this month. What is so unique about it? Its striking
exterior finish or its finely tuned hybrid powertrain capable of
thrilling performance and efficiency? Yes! But the bestselling SUV
also marked the 13th millionth vehicle assembled at Toyota Motor
Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) since production started in 1988.
"On one hand, it's hard to believe we have produced 13 million
vehicles," said Susan Elkington,
TMMK president. "However, when you consider the dedication and
skill of our Kentucky team it
isn't so hard to imagine. It's incredible to think about our
customers, their families, and all the places they've gone in our
13 million vehicles. Looking forward, we are excited about the
future of mobility and being able to take more people, more
places."
TMMK, best known for producing the Camry and Avalon, began
production of the RAV4 Hybrid in January
2020 as the result of multiple investments by Toyota,
totaling over $1.5 billion since
2017. These investments were part of a larger commitment by the
company to invest over $13 billion in
its North American manufacturing operations from 2017 to 2021. That
goal was reached a year early while creating over 6,500 jobs.
The 1,300-acre Georgetown
campus, Toyota's first plant in North
America, represents an $8
billion investment and employs over 10,000 Kentuckians. It
is also home to a powertrain facility on track to reach its own
milestone this year, producing its 13 millionth engine.
"The engine is the heart of every vehicle and our powertrain
team takes that responsibility very seriously," said David Rosier, TMMK powertrain head. "We're
especially proud to be a part of Toyota's commitment to alternative
fueled vehicles and the future of mobility in North America."
For 21 consecutive years, Toyota has been the leading
manufacturer of alternative powered vehicle sales in the United States. By 2025, Toyota's goal is
to have 40% of new vehicle sales be electrified models, and by 2030
expects that to increase to nearly 70%. Globally, this commitment
to alternative fueled vehicles has resulted in the avoidance of an
estimated 139 million tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) into the
atmosphere.
Toyota Kentucky is proud to
recognize both milestones with a $1.3
million commitment to furthering STEM education and
workforce development programs across the Commonwealth. Funds will
be utilized to engage diverse and under-resourced youth by exposing
them to great manufacturing career opportunities. A few of
the grant recipients include:
- Rise STEM Academy for Girls
- Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG)
- Black Male Working (BMW) Academy
- Prichard Committee
- Partners for Youth
2021 is a year full of milestones for the automaker. In
February, the company celebrated its 30 millionth North American
produced vehicle - a Toyota Sienna produced at its Princeton, Ind., plant. Later this year,
Toyota Kentucky will celebrate its 35th anniversary and the
production of its 10 millionth Camry.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of
the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is
committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility
through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500
dealerships.
Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly
employs more than 36,000 in the U.S. The company has contributed
world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 30
million cars and trucks at our 9 manufacturing plants, 10 including
our joint venture in Alabama that
begins production in 2021.
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 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.
Media Websites:
ToyotaNewsroom.com
LexusNewsroom.com
Media Contacts:
Kim
Ogle
256-746-5407
kim.ogle@toyota.com
Justin Posey
469-292-8839
justin.posey@toyota.com
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America