Toyota Motor has announced plans to start production of two new battery-powered sport utility vehicles (SUVs) at its manufacturing facility in Kentucky, US. The move is aimed at improving manufacturing efficiency and meeting the changing demands of the market, as reported by Reuters.
The upcoming three-row battery electric SUVs will be assembled at Toyota Kentucky, marking a strategic shift in production between its Kentucky and Indiana plants. Toyota Motor North America stated that Toyota Indiana will continue to assemble the Grand Highlander in its west plant and will add assembly of the vehicle to its east plant to accommodate increased production volume.
An anonymous source revealed that the EVs scheduled for production in Kentucky will be models based on the RAV4 and the Land Cruiser. However, this individual was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. In a significant change to its current operations, Toyota will halt the production of the Lexus ES sedan at the Kentucky facility.
The next generation of the luxury model, set to launch next year, will be manufactured in Japan, a decision that Toyota had previously announced in 2021. Currently, Toyota’s US production includes the Lexus ES sedans in Kentucky and the Lexus TX SUVs in Indiana.
In response to a report by the Nikkei newspaper suggesting that Toyota would consolidate its US Lexus production due to high tariffs from the President Donald Trump administration, the company clarified that such information had not been officially confirmed. Toyota emphasized its ongoing efforts to review production structures to enhance the quality of its vehicles.
Recently, Toyota Motor Europe announced that it will begin production of its first battery EV in Europe at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Republic site. This represents a significant investment in the Czech automotive sector, with Toyota allocating approximately €680m for new capital expenditures.
The investment includes a contribution of up to €64m from the Czech Government for the establishment of a dedicated battery assembly facility. Last month, Toyota unveiled plans to launch three fully-electric vehicle models for sale in South Africa in 2026.
Overall, Toyota’s decision to introduce new battery-powered SUVs in the US and expand its production capabilities reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of the market. Stay tuned for more updates on Toyota’s advancements in the electric vehicle sector.
