Toyota Indiana to Expand Wildly Popular 2015 Highlander Production, Add 300 More Jobs

The Indiana factory, that builds the Highlander for sale in the US, is expanding to meet the growing demand. More than 4,500 people currently work at Toyota’s Princeton plant, which produces Highlander and Sequoia sport utility vehicles and Sienna minivans.

In December 2013, sales have been strong in the Indiana plant.  From January through July 2014, Toyota sold about 90,000 Highlanders, an increase of 16 percent over the same period the previous year.

Toyota will add 300 new American jobs to support the Highlander and also pour over $100,000,000 into the factory that builds the 8-passenger crossover. This means that Toyota will have an investment of over $4,000,000,000 in just this Indiana facility. The added jobs and capacity will take about two years to come to fruition. Toyota expects the workers and new facility expansion to be in place by summer of 2016. 

Like many of its models, they are built proudly in Indiana. The Toyota Highlander is exported to Australia, New Zealand and Eastern Europe, as well as being sold right here in the U.S. Additionally, Toyota Indiana exports the Sienna to South Korea and the Pacific Islands, among other countries; and the Sequoia to the Middle East. Truly, Toyota Indiana is a global supply base for Toyota SUVs and minivans. With the latest expansion, which will add 300 jobs, things can only go up from here.

“The Highlander has been a great product for our plant,” said Toyota Indiana President Norm Bafunno.  “Establishing Highlander as the ‘bridge vehicle,’ as we call it, between the East and West plants increases our ability to meet customer needs for our outstanding products.  This exciting news is a true testament to the capability of our hard-working and dedicated team members.”

Indiana is a state that works when it comes to building the cars that keep America moving forward,” said Gov. Mike Pence. “Hoosier-built products like the Toyota Highlander are known around the world for their precision and quality. And with suppliers in all corners of the state, Toyota is helping to strengthen and grow Indiana’s economy.”

New Toyota trucks Hit the Beach to Help San Diego Lifeguards with the New fleet

Toyota recently provided the San Diego lifeguards with 34 new Toyota trucks all decked out with 4×4 capabilities to better handle the slippery sand on the beach, and the lifeguards love the way the trucks handle!

Toyota celebrated the start of the summer beach season by announcing its continued support of the San Diego Lifeguards emphasizing safe practices in the water and on the beach. The partnership includes a donation of 34 brand-new Toyota trucks and SUVs to the city for lifeguard rescue and operations. Toyota began its partnership with the City of San Diego’s lifeguards in 2011.

The new vehicles arriving to the fleet include 15 Tacomas, 12 Tundras, three 4Runners, three Sequoias and a RAV4.

For example, using a Tacoma and 4Runner will enable lifeguards to effectively navigate through soft sand and rocky beach terrains, while the Tundra and Sequoia will add heavy-duty water craft towing capabilities.

In honor of National Water Safety Month, Toyota joined San Diego mayor Kevin L. Faulconer, along with the Council member Ed Harris, San Diego City Lifeguard Chief Rick Wurts and San Diego City Fire Chief Javier Mariner, in Mission Beach to dedicate the new lineup of vehicles.

“San Diego is one of the country’s most popular beach destinations, and Toyota recognizes the critical role the city’s lifeguards play in keeping our beaches safe,” said Doug Eroh, Toyota Motor Sales Los Angeles Region general manager.  “We are committed to ensuring San Diego has the best available resources to do that, along with educating this great community and its visitors on water safety.”  

“San Diego’s lifeguards perform vital services to San Diego residents and visitors every day.  Water Safety Days and our partnership with Toyota are a part of our City’s commitment to creating safer beaches for San Diego families and visitors to enjoy,” Mayor Faulconer said.

The trusty new Toyota vehicles are used in the daily routine to ensure safety both on water and on the beach.