Toyota City, Japan, Oct 31, 2012 - Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that its R&D and production headquarters in North America, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA), held a ceremony today commemorating cumulative production of 25 million units in North America*. The ceremony was held at one of TMC's production affiliates, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK), in Georgetown, Kentucky, the United States.
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and other government officials attended the ceremony, as well as TEMA Executive Vice President Steve St. Angelo and Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Group Vice President Bill Fay. At the ceremony, St. Angelo said: "Toyota's 25 millionth vehicle signifies the tireless work of thousands of Toyota team members and hundreds of supplier partners in North America giving their best every day. We continue to evolve as a company, thanks to their commitment to build the best vehicles in the market."
Toyota began production in North America in 1986, with cumulative production there reaching 10 million units in 2002 and 20 million units in 2009. The 25 million-unit mark was reached this year at the end of October. Total investment and employment in relation to production in North American has thus far amounted to approximately 24 billion U.S. dollars and 365,000 jobs.
On the day of the ceremony, TMMK also began production of the new "Avalon" premium mid-size sedan, designed and engineered in North America. A new hybrid model of the Avalon achieves class top Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon.
Currently, 12 vehicle models including the Avalon and the "Camry" are produced in North America, with 70 percent of vehicles sold in the region produced locally.
TMC will continue to promote activities that contribute to the economies and societies of North America, and as a good corporate citizen, Toyota will continue to manufacture vehicles locally to meet the needs of consumers.
*North American production compromises production (including CKD production) in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
About Toyota
Supported by people around the world, Toyota Motor Corporation (TSE: 7203; NYSE: TM), has endeavored since its establishment in 1937 to serve society by creating better products. As of the end of March 2012, Toyota conducts its business worldwide with 50 overseas manufacturing companies in 27 countries and regions. Toyota's vehicles are sold in more than 160 countries and regions. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.
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