Toyota has been building vehicles in Kentucky since the mid-80s. Valley Hi Toyota is pleased to announce that Toyota plans to expand its Kentucky manufacturing to include battery electric vehicles. The plan estimates a $1.3 billion investment in its flagship Georgetown, Kentucky facility.
While more than one EV is expected to be built there, Toyota specifically mentioned plans for a new all-electric three-row SUV to be sold in the U.S. market, which is currently expected to be called the bZ5X. A battery pack assembly line will also be added to the facility using batteries from Toyota’s battery manufacturing plant in North Carolina. Those batteries may be used for both battery electric vehicles and Toyota’s many hybrid models.
“You cannot think of the Bluegrass region and Scott County without thinking of Toyota,” said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. “We are grateful that they continue to invest in our commonwealth and continue to set a standard for high-quality, well-paying jobs for our citizens. Thank you, Toyota for yet another $1 billion-plus investment coming to Kentucky.”
Toyota’s Kentucky operations are currently building two of their most popular models, including the Camry and RAV4 Hybrid, along with the Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h. In the U.S., Toyota makes Highlanders, Grand Highlanders, and the Lexus TX in Indiana, Tundras and Tacomas in Texas, and Corollas in Mississippi. More Corollas and RAV4s are built in Canada. On a more local level, in Long Beach, they produce sheet metal and aluminum components, weld subassemblies, steering columns, catalytic converters, and painted service parts for both Toyota’s North American manufacturing facilities, with exports to Toyota’s facilities in Japan.
“Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to vehicle electrification and further reinvesting in our U.S. operations,” said Kerry Creech, President of Toyota Kentucky. “Generations of our team members helped prepare for this opportunity, and we will continue leading the charge into the future by remaining true to who we are as a company and putting our people first for generations to come.”
Toyota has announced $17 billion in its U.S. manufacturing operations to support electrification efforts. Bringing BEV assembly into the U.S. advances Toyota’s portfolio approach to electrification and their commitment to build where they sell.
“Every investment Toyota makes is proof of its commitment to employees,” said Chris Cohelia, Group Leader at Toyota Kentucky. “I joined this company 26 years ago as a production team member. Job stability, competitive pay and opportunities for growth are all reasons I love working here. It’s also exciting to be a part of the team building Toyota’s first battery electric vehicle in North America.”
Odds are that the Toyota you buy here at Valley Hi Toyota was built somewhere in North America. When the all-electric three-row bZ5X finally arrives, you’ll know that it came straight from Georgetown, Kentucky.
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