Big Day for Toyota and Indiana as Toyota Sequoia Makes its Debut
28 September 2000
Big Day for Toyota and Indiana Officials as Toyota Sequoia Makes its Debut and Company Breaks Ground for Latest Expansion
PRINCETON, Ind., Sept. 27 Toyota's first Sequoia rolled
off the line today to mark the beginning of production for the all new, full-
sized sport utility vehicle.
Toyota Motor Corporation president Fujio Cho and Indiana
Governor Frank O'Bannon were the honorary passengers, as the Sequoia debuted
before more than a thousand cheering team members who make the new vehicle
alongside the Tundra pick-up truck. Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana
(TMMI) is the exclusive manufacturer of both products and currently has
combined capacity to produce 150,000 units each year.
"I was fortunate to be here two years ago to see the first Tundra roll off
the line, and I'm delighted to actually ride in the first Sequoia," O'Bannon
said. "Toyota's investment in its Princeton operations has been of great
value to all Hoosiers, and Indiana is proud to continue its partnership with
such an outstanding corporate citizen."
TMMI also broke ground today for its expansion plant -- an $800 million
addition which is slated to produce the Sienna minivan beginning in 2003.
This will increase plant capacity at the Princeton plant from 150,000 to
300,000 units per year, and is a major part of Toyota's overall plans to
increase North American capacity to 1.45 million vehicles.
"Toyota has invested heavily in North America," said Cho at the ceremony.
"Global production is crucial to keeping our products cost-competitive in
every market. At Toyota, 'global' means localizing production in principal
markets."
TMMI currently employs some 2,400 people, and will add another 2,000 when
the expansion is complete. Total investment at the Princeton plant will be
$2 billion with the additional facility.
With the Sequoia joining the Toyota line-up, total production in North
America this year will be more than 1.1 million vehicles.