Prius Production to Mississippi, All Tundra to Texas
There’s been a good deal of curiosity lately about when we might begin building our Prius Hybrid here in North America. Now we can satisfy that curiosity.
As part of a sweeping set of changes that reflect the state of the automobile business in the United States, Prius assembly will begin here in late 2010 at a brand-new plant currently under construction in Blue Springs, Mississippi. Prius thus will join the Camry Hybrid, assembled in Kentucky, as the second Toyota hybrid produced in North America. This important step will allow us to better respond to increased demand for hybrid vehicles.
Assembly of the Highlander midsize SUV, originally scheduled for the new Mississippi plant, will shift to our Princeton, Indiana plant. That change becomes effective Fall 2009.
With Highlander’s move to the Princeton plant, assembly of the Tundra will be consolidated at our San Antonio, Texas plant, effective Spring 2009.
Part of what’s driving these changes is the declining market for fullsize pickups and SUVs. Because of that declining market, Toyota is temporarily suspending Tundra and Sequoia production beginning August 8th. Work is scheduled to resume in November. Production of V8 engines at our Huntsville, Alabama plant also will be suspended.
Team members at all three facilities will be provided employment during this period.
These changes are intended as a way to minimize – for us, at least - the effects of the economic influenza that has swept through the ranks of the automotive industry, and to be sure that we have the right factories producing the right products.
- Jon F. Thompson, Editor, Open Road
Bravo for facing realities squarely and providing employment for the workers also. The expansion for the Tundra and Sequoia was high profile, recent, and expensive - however, Toyota is not clinging to pride, but following their plan - "make what sells".
Posted by: Boris | July 10, 2008 at 08:25 AM
Another common sense decision from Toyota that keeps production lines lean without bootimg off workers. Good work.
Posted by: Ed | July 10, 2008 at 10:38 AM
One question I have is: Is Toyota planning on expanding the Prius into its own line of hybrid cars?
Posted by: Mitch | July 10, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Yeah, but what happens if demand drops in the colder months, like what happened last year? After a summer much like this one, they were having to slap incentives on the Priuses to move them. But I guess in the long run, it's a good idea, and why Toyota is doing relatively well.
http://blog.buyingadvice.com/
Posted by: Matt | July 10, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Bravo Toyota! How about a little diesel in states? VW cant keep TDI's on their lots. Imagine how many you would sell.
Posted by: Les Campbell | July 10, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Hello,
I'd love to see a small "car based" hybrid truck. Something like the old El Caminos. Maybe if you do a Prius line of vehicles this could be included.
I need to haul stuff. I like this website and learning what your up to. Thanks.
Posted by: Steve C | July 14, 2008 at 04:19 AM
Hi,
Toyota is heaven sent! You are a big help in our oil crisis. We shall love seeing your hybrid car in the Philippines.
Posted by: Atty. Lauro E. Fontanilla | July 16, 2008 at 05:54 PM
when will toyota expand their hybrid technology to their mini-van line?
Posted by: Bella | July 17, 2008 at 06:13 PM
Toyota is moving forward. The ability to change assembly line production at a fast pace is something the Big 3 should take note. Now Toyota needs to ramp up the A-BAT Plug-in Hybrid Pickup. That will be a big seller as Toyota has always sucessfully marketed pickups.
Posted by: Bruce Meland | August 02, 2008 at 08:03 AM
Any info about engine problems in 2008 Tundra. I remember hearing about engine failures or camshafts with recall of vehicles built before june 08. thanks
Posted by: Reggie | August 10, 2008 at 11:58 AM
If Toyota rushed out the small hybrid pickup truck tomorrow, I'd buy one. Though the Synergy Drive may be too complex... I expect cars to move to fuel cells or something in fairly short order, so it would make sense to make power plants modular and replaceable with primary drive electric.
Posted by: Stephen | August 20, 2008 at 09:43 AM
Will the new 2009 Pruis be available with electric plug in?
Will the new Pruis get the estimated 80 MPG that we keep hearing about?
Posted by: John | September 26, 2008 at 08:41 PM
I have a Prius. My husband is waiting for Toyota to come out with a hybrid pickup truck.
Posted by: Linda New Orleans, LA | November 12, 2008 at 01:16 PM