Toyota Truck and SUV Production to Increase as Demand Grows
As you may or may not have heard, Americans are starting to buy bigger vehicles. Back when gas was hovering around the $4 to $5 mark, it made sense for drivers to buy smaller, more efficient cars. But now, with gas prices below $2 in many states, Americans are getting back to their roots, meaning their beloved trucks and SUVs. In order to keep up with projected demand, Toyota is adjusting its production to include more pickups and SUVs in its North American plants.
In 2015, Toyota truck and SUV production will increase, which means more Tacoma, Tundra, and Highlander models available for purchase. In order to do so, Toyota is injecting an additional $100 million to its Princeton, Indiana plant in order to boost Highlander production. This move will add an estimated 300 jobs, and will produce around 30,000 additional Highlanders per year.
In addition to the expansion of Toyota’s Indiana plant, the automaker plans on adding a third shift at its Baja California, Mexico plant to help increase Tacoma and Tundra production. This will add another 300 workers, and give the plant the ability to build 89,000 trucks—a 39% increase from its current capacity. The Tundra is also produced in San Antonio, Texas, where Toyota increased the line speed to build more trucks.
Sounds to us like 2015 will be the year of the large vehicle!
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