Toyota Dedicated to Successful Launch of Second Generation Tundra

Washington DC August 11, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that Toyota officials are taking "exhaustive steps" to ensure the new full-size San Antonio born Tundra, is built to last, reports The Detroit News.

As workers-in-training at the automaker's brand new $800 million – not yet open for business – Tundra plant assemble the trucks, manufacturing experts are tearing them down to make sure the job's being done right. "We feel it's the most important launch in Toyota's history in North America," said Norman Bafunno, general manager for production at Toyota's Princeton, IN, truck plant, the location for production of the current Tundra.

Much emphasis has been placed on the ultra-tough truck segment, traditionally dominated by Detroit automakers and ever-increasingly under the gun as gas prices stay at record levels. "We're not going to rush this thing," said Gary Convis, chairman of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky. "It's going to be done right."