Toyota's North American Production Reaches Five Million Units
25 November 1997
Toyota's North American Production Reaches Five Million Units - North American Annual Capacity Goal of More Than 1,000,000 Units in Sight -NEW YORK, Nov. 25 -- Toyota Motor Corporate Services announced today that cumulative North American production of Toyota vehicles surpassed five million units during October. Toyota, the fourth-largest automaker in the U.S., began producing automobiles here in 1986. Year-to-date, Toyota's three North American manufacturing facilities have produced a total of 699,869 vehicles, an increase of 5.8 percent compared to the same period in 1996. In 1998, Toyota's plan calls for North American production capacity to top one million units. Toyota's ability to maintain production volumes while executing model changes accounts for the overall increase of annual production. All three North American production facilities had more responsibility this year than just producing vehicles. At Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, (TMMK), the all-new Sienna minivan was added to the production mix along with the Camry and Avalon. The redesigned 1998 Toyota Corolla is manufactured at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, (TMMC), and New United Motor Manufacturing Inc., (NUMMI), Toyota's joint venture with GM in Fremont, Calif. With all three assembly facilities handling model changeovers, the increase in North American production is even more impressive. "In a little more than ten years, Toyota has accomplished something remarkable," said Mikio Kitano, President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America. "This achievement is evidence of the dedication and hard work of our team members and suppliers across North America," he continued. For the month of October, TMMK manufactured more than 40,692 vehicles, a 9.7 percent increase as compared to 1996. This includes more than 7,500 Sienna minivans. For 1997, TMMK has produced 364,481 vehicles, representing a 12.5 percent increase compared to the same period in 1996. U.S. sales of North American produced vehicles continue to be more than 60 percent of the total vehicles sold. This number will continue to grow as Toyota opens two new facilities; Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana will produce the T100 pickup truck and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia will produce engines for North American built Toyota Corollas. SOURCE Toyota Motor Corporate Services