(January 10, 2015) ERLANGER, Ky. — After roughly three decades, Toyota North America marks a historic record with 1,985,501 vehicles produced in 2014, a 7 percent increase. In addition, Toyota built a record 1,909,848 engines, an 11 percent increase from 2013. Stronger demand was driven in part by the redesigned Camry, Corolla, Highlander and RAV4 models. 
 
“Market growth, strong demand and customers’ loyalty allows us to focus on building cars and trucks that are relevant today and in the future,” said Osamu “Simon” Nagata, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America.  “While last year’s production is a historic record, what we strive for is exceeding customers’ expectations.”
 
2014 milestones:

    • Mississippi: rolled off the first vehicle for export. Currently, Toyota Mississippi produces Corollas for 18 countries in Central/South America and the Caribbean.

    • Indiana: began Highlander Hybrid production and announced a $100 million investment to boost Highlander production, adding 30,000 units per year and 300 jobs by summer 2016.

    • Kentucky: built its 10 millionth vehicle.

    • Alabama: Increased production capacity to nearly 750,000 per year and startedV6 engine production for the Highlander, generating 125 new jobs.

    • Ontario: began RX450h (hybrid) production. 

2015 will mark:

    • Production of the all-new generation Tacoma in San Antonio, Texas and Baja California, Mexico. Toyota’s full assembly Mexico plant will run with a three crew/three shift operation to meet increased demand.

    • First ever Lexus production in the United States. A $360 million investment, the Lexus ES350 will begin production at the Georgetown, Kentucky facility; generating 750 new jobs to produce approximately 50,000 units per year.

    • Four million engines produced at Toyota’s Huntsville, Alabama facility.

Toyota produces 12 models in North America including: Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Lexus RX350 and Venza and directly employs nearly 40,000 in the region.

In recent years, Toyota has announced new investments of more than $2.1 billion into its North American manufacturing operations and has committed to boosting employment by 4,000 at its facilities.