Toyota produces 25 millionth North American-built vehicle

MILESTONE COINCIDES WITH START OF PRODUCTION OF ALL-NEW AVALON

But First Snide's Remarks: Bob Gordon co-publisher of The Auto Channel attended this event in Georgetown KY read his thought HERE

GEORGETOWN, Ky., Oct. 30, 2012 -- Toyota celebrated the 25 millionth vehicle manufactured in North America today at a ceremony at its Georgetown, Ky. plant coinciding with the start of production for the all-new 2013 Avalon. The milestone vehicle -- a Classic Silver Hybrid Avalon -- represents 26 years of manufacturing, a direct investment of nearly $24 billion in North American operations and 365,000 jobs created in the U.S.

"Toyota's 25 millionth vehicle signifies the tireless work of thousands of Toyota team members, hundreds of North American supplier partners, and great dealers giving their best every day," said Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. "We continue to evolve as a company thanks to their commitment to build the best vehicles in the market."

Wil James, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc., the company's largest manufacturing operation in North America, emceed the event. "This is a pivotal time in Toyota's history," James said to an enthusiastic crowd of manufacturing team members. "What better way to cap off 26 years of manufacturing excellence than with the all-new Kentucky- built Avalon, a shining example of what our customers have to look forward to in the future."

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and University of Kentucky Men's Basketball Coach
John Calipari also addressed the audience. Toyota's Georgetown plant employs approximately 6,600 and builds the Camry, Camry Hybrid, Avalon, Venza, and manufactures 4-cylinder and V6 engines. Toyota's North American production includes 12 models representing 70 percent of U.S. sales.

"We thank the millions of customers, some of the finest team members in the world, hundreds of excellent North American suppliers and our outstanding dealers who have supported us in reaching this milestone," said Bill Fay, group vice president & general manager, Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

The following are rounded production figures for NA Toyota plants by vehicle:

North American Manufacturing Locations

Vehicles

• Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc. (TMMC),
  Cambridge, Ontario and Woodstock
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc. (TMMI), Princeton, Ind.
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK), Georgetown, Ky.
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc. (TMMTX), San Antonio, Texas
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi, Inc. (TMMMS), Blue Springs, Miss.

Parts and Materials

• Bodine Aluminum, Inc., St. Louis, Troy, Mo. and Jackson, Tenn.
• Canadian Autoparts Toyota, Inc. (CAPTIN), Delta, British Columbia
• TABC, Inc., Long Beach, Calif.
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama, Inc. (TMMAL), Huntsville, Ala.
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California (TMMBC), Baja California, Mexico
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc. (TMMWV), Buffalo, W.Va.

All-New 2013 Avalon

Toyota's 25 millionth vehicle, the all-new, North American designed and engineered 2013 Avalon, comes equipped with either a powerful V6 gasoline powertrain or Toyota's proven Hybrid Synergy Drive. The efficiency offered by the new hybrid model will help the all-new premium mid-size sedan achieve excellent fuel economy with an EPA-rating of 40 mpg combined.

In addition to offering a hybrid powertrain, the new Avalon features a stunning design, improved dynamic performance, a greater degree of refinement, and a highly spacious, comfortable interior experience with an abundance of outstanding convenience technologies.