Automotive News - May 14, 2007
Economic development leaders in several states say Toyota officials have signaled privately that more investment is coming...
Since it opened its first auto assembly line in Fremont, Calif., in
1987, Toyota's pattern in North America has been to go back and double its investment. The Georgetown, Ky., plant opened in 1988 to produce 200,000 cars a year. It now builds 500,000 a year as well as engines.Future expansions probably will mean more investment in the $1.28 billion San Antonio plant, where Toyota began making Tundra pickups in November. Toyota also has a small assembly plant in Baja, Mexico, where it makes Tacoma pickups
Ray Tanguay, the Toyota executive vice president responsible for strategic needs, says the company plans to add a line at its Kentucky engine plant. Toyota declined to reveal details, but the plans are emerging as it launches production of Camry sedans at Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. outside Indianapolis.
The company also will need engines to power the Highlander SUVs it will start building in Tupelo, Miss., in early 2010. That project is relatively close to Toyota's truck engine plant in Huntsville, Ala., but the company has not revealed its sourcing plan.
Woodstock, Ontario - RAV4 assembly is to start this year near Toyota's Cambridge, Ontario, plant, which has expanded repeatedly.