Exide Batteries for Toyota Highlander

Toyota recently signed a deal with Exide Technologies to provide around 105,000 batteries that are to be installed on the Highlander at the Princeton, Ind. plant. The battery manufacturer is already collaborating with Toyota in the supplying business, as several US-bound models, such as Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Matrix, Venza, Tundra and Sequoia come equipped with its battery packs.

The lead-acid batteries are manufactured at Exide's Bristol, Tennessee facility and shipped directly to the Toyota manufacturing facility in Indiana.

"Exide's long-standing partnership with Toyota reflects our Company's ability to provide a consistently higher degree of service and product quality," said Bruce Cole, President of the Transportation Americas business division for Exide Technologies. "We believe this new supply agreement with Toyota proves that Exide is meeting today's exacting worldwide vehicle manufacturer standards."

Toyota invested $450 million in the Indiana plant to accommodate production of the Highlander which started in early October. Before the Highlander, the Indiana plant was in charge with the Tundra pickup, a model which has been moved to Texas. Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, also referred to as TMMI, also builds the Sienna and Sequoia.

"Highlander production gives us better use of our capacity and demonstrates our continued commitment to the U.S. and the state of Indiana," said Wil James, TMMI senior vice president. "The result is long-term sustainability of this factory, which is important to our customers, team members, suppliers and the local community."

At this time, the Japanese manufacturer builds 12 vehicles in North America: Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, RAV4, Sienna, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra, Venza and the Lexus RX 350.