First engine line of its kind for Toyota in North America
GEORGETOWN, Ky. (May 18, 2023) – Toyota’s portfolio approach to providing customers with carbon-reducing options reached another milestone today with a new flexible engine line at Toyota Kentucky. The flex line, representing a $145 million previously announced investment, can now produce three different engine types simultaneously on one line, making Toyota Kentucky the only Toyota plant in North America with this capability.
This advancement reflects a core goal of the Georgetown facility’s transformation to increase flexibility to align with a shifting market. The new line will supply 2.4L turbo and 2.5L engines for hybrid Toyota and Lexus products, with the ability to increase hybrid volume as needed to meet customer demand.
“With this exclusive new flexible line beginning production, we continue delivering products that meet customer preferences and needs,” said Mark Klee, head of powertrain at Toyota Kentucky. “We are proud of this accomplishment, a direct result of our entire team’s continued commitment to innovation.”
In addition to providing engines for vehicles assembled on site, Toyota Kentucky’s powertrain plant supplies engines to six of the automaker’s seven vehicle plants across North America. In December 2023, it will become the sole manufacturer of dual-stacked hydrogen fuel cell modules for use in commercial heavy-duty trucks.
“Our Kentucky team continues to set the standard in innovation and advanced manufacturing,” said Susan Elkington, president of Toyota Kentucky. “Our recent investments are paying off as we are now able to expand the products our facility produces, provide a variety of choices to our customers and lead the company’s electrification plans in the U.S.”
Toyota is the leader in electrified vehicles with more on the road than all other automakers combined, and it’s not stopping there. The company will introduce 23 new, refreshed or special edition vehicles in 2023, and plans to launch battery electric vehicle (BEV) production in North America as recently announced by Toyota Motor Corporation President Koji Sato.
Toyota continues to invest heavily in its North American manufacturing operations, nearly $3 billion in 2022 alone, mainly supporting the company’s electrification efforts. Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina, the company’s newest North American facility, will begin production of lithium-ion batteries in 2025 for use in Toyota hybrid electric vehicles and BEVs.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 22 electrified options.
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 virtually 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.
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