Toyota investing $1.3 billion in Kentucky to build all-electric, three-row SUV

US Markets
Tuesday, February 6th, 2024 6:20 pm EDT

Key Points

  • $1.3 billion investment in Kentucky plant: Toyota Motor is allocating $1.3 billion towards a Kentucky facility to manufacture a new all-electric, three-row SUV designed specifically for the U.S. market.
  • Production timeline and broader investment strategy: The SUV is scheduled to begin production between late 2025 and early 2026, aligning with Toyota’s previously outlined plans to invest $35 billion in battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2030.
  • Diversified approach to sustainability: While committing to EVs, Toyota underscores a broader strategy that includes hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cell technologies, reflecting a pragmatic stance towards achieving carbon neutrality.

Toyota Motor announced a significant investment of $1.3 billion in a Kentucky plant to manufacture a new all-electric, three-row SUV tailored for the U.S. market, a move indicative of the company’s commitment to electric vehicles (EVs). The vehicle is slated to enter production between late 2025 and early 2026 as part of Toyota’s broader strategy to invest $35 billion in battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2030. While specific details about the upcoming SUV remain undisclosed, it’s poised to compete with existing models like the Rivian R1S and Kia EV9. This investment underscores Toyota’s recognition of EVs as a key component in achieving carbon neutrality, yet it emphasizes a diversified approach, as the automaker continues to prioritize hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cell technologies. Amidst slower-than-anticipated consumer adoption of EVs, Toyota’s multifaceted strategy reflects a pragmatic outlook, positioning the company to navigate evolving market dynamics while pursuing sustainability goals.

For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/06/toyota-to-invest-1point3-billion-for-large-all-electric-suv-in-kentucky.html