CAMBRIDGE, ON, July 31, 2015 /CNW/ - Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) announced today that it is spending $421 Million to launch the next generation Lexus RX 350 and 450h vehicles at its Cambridge, Ontario assembly plant. The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario are supporting the investment with funding totaling $100 Million.
The governments' support, facilitated by the federal Automotive Innovation Fund and the Ontario Jobs and Prosperity Fund, will support the introduction of advanced technology at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada and strengthen Toyota's Canadian automotive manufacturing operations.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada President Brian Krinock said, "Over the past three years, we have invested more than $1 Billion in capital expenditures at our Canadian manufacturing facilities. The spending we are announcing today, along with recent investments in other aspects of our Canadian operations, demonstrates our ongoing commitment to this country, to our Team Members, and to the community in which we do business." Mr. Krinock also explained that "the new technology we're bringing here will ensure Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada continues to lead the way."
TMMC will introduce a range of new technologies to support the new RX 350 and 450h. In fact, several features and technologies will be introduced at TMMC for the first time globally; others for the first time in North America.
For example, the all-new 4th generation RX will involve a stiffer body structure. To help make that happen, TMMC is introducing updated laser screw welding procedures and increasing the content of lightweight, high-strength steel used in assembly. In addition, the new RX relies on aluminum back door and hood panels to help control body weight. In fact, more than $40 Million has been invested in Toyota's Woodstock plant to build a new stamping line capable of creating aluminum parts. In the quest to enhance vehicle durability, appearances and elements of tactile feel, the new RX built in Canada will add new materials ranging from aluminum, to new paint formulations and resins to help create a superior vehicle.
The announcement was made at a media event held in the Lexus Plant in Cambridge, Ontario, and was attended by both the Federal Minister of State, and Ontario's Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure.
The Minister of State, the Honourable Gary Goodyear, said "Canada's automotive sector is a global leader in vehicle production and our Government is proud to support projects that promote Canada as a destination for future automotive investment. Our Government will continue to support policies that help create well-paying, high-quality jobs and grow the Canadian economy."
The Honourable Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure said, "Our government is proud of Toyota's success in building vehicles in Ontario, with its industry-leading track record for quality and innovation. Our partnership allows Toyota to build on that success by securing their future in Ontario and leveraging new, innovative technologies to strengthen their exports and increase their competitiveness. These types of investments in Ontario's auto sector are crucial in generating significant economic activity and ensuring we continue to compete for the next generation of vehicle production."
TMMC has more than 8000 people employed at its Cambridge and Woodstock assembly plants. The announcement today supports Toyota's longstanding practice of providing stable employment and will help the company prepare for the future.
SOURCE Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc.
Pat Clement, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Telephone: 519-653-1111 extension 2224, Email: [email protected]
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