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.
This particular plant will work with approximately 30 Tier 1 suppliers, Toyota stated, who will provide parts and components, including steel, brake parts and interior parts.
"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."
Toyota is currently building 12 vehicles in North America, as followed: Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, RAV4, Sienna, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra, Venza and the Lexus RX 350. However, the biggest adjustment is surely the closure of NUMMI, a joint venture between Toyota and General Motors that will end early next year.
“After the decision by General Motors to withdraw from the NUMMI joint venture, Toyota conducted a thorough review of its alternatives in light of current and anticipated market conditions. Based on this review, we have determined that over the mid- to long-term, it just would not be economically viable to continue the production contract with NUMMI. This is most unfortunate, and we deeply regret having to take this action,” Atsushi Niimi, TMC vice president said in a press release, back in August.
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