Toyota to Expand Lexus Production in Canada

USA - English

Lexus RX Hybrids to be Made in Cambridge, Ontario; 400 new jobs
Toyota Production Capacity in Canada to Climb To 500,000

CAMBRIDGE, ON, July 24, 2012 /CNW/ - Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC) announced today that it will invest more than $100 million and hire approximately 400 employees to increase Lexus RX production at its Cambridge, Ontario facility. Overall Lexus RX capacity will increase by 30,000 vehicles to 104,000 units, including 15,000 RX450h vehicles, the hybrid electric version of the popular Lexus. The investment will take Toyota's annual production capacity in Canada to 500,000 units.

This is the second major investment announcement for Toyota's Canadian manufacturing operation this year.  In March, TMMC announced an investment of $80 million in its Woodstock, ON plant.  Today's announcement increases Toyota's direct job creation in Canada this year to 800 new jobs for a total of 7,300.

"For almost nine years now, Canada has had the only Lexus production outside of Japan," observed TMMC Chairman Ray Tanguay. "New jobs, along with new technology, is great news for Canada."

Toyota is targeting early 2014 for expanded Lexus production. "This is a big and ambitious project with new technology, exacting standards and tight timelines," commented TMMC President, Brian Krinock. "Our Team Members have demonstrated time and time again that they thrive on these kinds of challenges."

In 2011, the Governments of Canada and Ontario partnered with Toyota on a multi-project suite of initiatives designed to sustain and grow Toyota's manufacturing footprint in Canada and encourage the production of greener, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

"Our government's top priority is creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity, and we are pleased to see Toyota expanding production at its Cambridge facility," said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry. "Canada is a great place to build vehicles, and we will continue to encourage investment by providing tax relief, eliminating tariffs on machinery and equipment, and creating an environment that promotes innovation, research and development."

Ontario's Minister of Economic Development and Innovation, Brad Duguid, commented, "Our government understands the critical role of manufacturing in the Province's development and growth. Toyota's announcement strengthens Ontario's position as North America's leading jurisdiction for automotive assembly."

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. has been building quality vehicles in Canada for more than 25 years.  TMMC produces the Toyota Corolla, Matrix, RAV4 and RAV4 EV vehicles and the Lexus RX model in assembly plants located in Cambridge, ON and Woodstock, ON.  The TMMC Lexus plant has received top J.D. Power and Associates plant quality awards for three consecutive years. For more information about Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, visit www.tmmc.ca

SOURCE: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc.

Greig Mordue, [phone]