BUFFALO, W.Va., Nov. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Long known for
providing the get-up-and-go for many of Toyota's most popular
vehicles, Toyota West Virginia
(TMMWV) announced today a new $240
million investment to add a dedicated production line of
hybrid transaxles.
The new hybrid transaxle line investment will provide new
equipment and operational upgrades to modernize the facility. One
important result of the new line is that it will allow TMMWV team
members to diversify their skillset and play a larger role in
Toyota's future producing electric vehicles in North America.
"Toyota West Virginia is preparing for future market needs as
demand increases in the area of vehicle electrification," said
Srini Matam, president of TMMWV.
"The investment will fund targeted improvements that will increase
our flexibility and competitiveness, allowing us to be in a better
position to directly respond to shifting customer demand for higher
efficiency vehicles."
What is A Hybrid Transaxle?
Hybrid vehicle systems combine two separate sources of
propulsion or motive power, such as an internal combustion engine
and an electric motor, to take advantage of their respective
benefits while also compensating for their respective limitations.
While a hybrid system adds vehicle mass with the addition of
components and is more complex than a conventional vehicle, the
same system allows the vehicle to be more efficient and a hybrid
transaxle can effectively transfer power seamlessly between the
engine, electric motor and wheels in any number of
combinations.
Carbon Neutral Commitment
Toyota has committed to offering an electrified option across
its entire lineup of both Toyota and Lexus vehicles by 2025.
Advancing its production of electrified vehicles and their
components, such as these hybrid transaxles, plays a part in
helping Toyota to achieve its goals for carbon neutrality.
In fact, alternative-powered vehicles (APVs) – made up of
hybrids, plug-ins, fuel cells and batteries – are nothing new for
Toyota, as the company has put more electrified powertrains on U.S.
roads than all other automakers combined and has remained the
leading manufacturer and seller of APVs for 21 consecutive
years.
West Virginia's Leading
Role
Toyota's West Virginia team has
and continues to play an active and important role in Toyota's
manufacturing operations in the U.S., through a series of
expansions and updates since it was established.
"This project is more than just a new product. It demonstrates
the need for TMMWV and our path forward as we increase our
powertrain capabilities to better support Toyota Motor North
America's growing manufacturing footprint by building vehicles
where we sell," adds Matam.
Today's announcement comes on the heels of another recent plant
expansion. In February, TMMWV announced a $210 million investment and added 100 new jobs to
expand capacity of its four-cylinder and V6 engine lines.
"Toyota has long been an outstanding corporate partner and
engine for economic growth in our state," said West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice. "I'm proud
knowing that it'll be West Virginians helping lead the way as
Toyota continues to invest in future technologies and products
that'll help get our friends and neighbors to their destinations
more efficiently and safer than ever before."
Senator Joe Manchin, former
governor of West Virginia, had the
following thoughts on today's news.
"Every year on Veterans Day, I'm honored to pay tribute to our
Veterans who gave so much to protect our nation and to our Gold
Star families. Our brave Veterans are the glue that holds our
nation, our state and our communities together. Their service and
sacrifices will never be forgotten. Toyota Manufacturing West
Virginia has been a strong partner for 25 years, and their
commitment to employing our Veterans when they return home and
investing in Veterans organizations through generous donations
shows their dedication to the Mountain State and our people.
Today's special commemoration shows that Americans and West
Virginians love our Veterans and those who have sacrificed for our
great country. May God continue to bless our great state and all
those who fought to keep our nation free," Manchin said.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito said
she was delighted by the announcement, and she looks forward to
seeing Toyota continue to thrive in West
Virginia.
"Toyota's presence in West
Virginia represents more than just good jobs. It's also a
company that has committed to improving our economy and investing
in our workforce for more than two decades. I'm thrilled that the
Buffalo plant is making this
meaningful investment, which demonstrates the company's ability to
continue incorporating additional technologies that will advance
their production. West Virginia
has a long and productive relationship with Toyota, and this
announcement today further solidifies their commitment to investing
in our state and our workers," Senator Capito said. "In the
meantime, I will continue doing all I can to make sure our
West Virginia workers — like those
at the Toyota Buffalo plant — are protected. Earlier this week, I
made my intentions known to put forth an amendment that would
eliminate an unfair special interest subsidy in the Democrats'
reckless tax-and-spend spree should the legislation move forward.
We should not be prioritizing some American workers over others,
and this amendment will allow our hardworking West Virginians to
compete on a level playing field."
TMMWV annually produces about 1 million engines and
transmissions for many North American-assembled vehicles. This year
marks its 25th anniversary from groundbreaking, and
it has since been expanded or received new investment 11 times.
In addition to today's investment announcement, Toyota
celebrated Veterans Day by recognizing veterans employed at the
plant and by making three donations to local veterans' support
groups. Toyota donated $75,000 each
to Gold Star Mothers of West
Virginia, The Fisher House at the Hershel Woody Williams VA
Medical Center in Huntington and
The Woody Williams Foundation.
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
began production in September
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 Contact:
George Gannon
304-593-8096
George.gannon@toyota.com
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America