Since Toyota first started making vehicles here some 20 years ago, we have experienced rapid growth beyond anyone’s imagination. This has been especially true in the last decade. And thanks to our customers, our production has doubled over this time.

      Consider the following fact: By 2008, Toyota will have the capacity to build nearly two million vehicles and 1.44 million engines per year. This will be an increase of nearly half a million units from only three years ago.

      This big increase will be accomplished by producing trucks in November in San Antonio and adding Camry production at Subaru’s Lafayette, Indiana plant next spring. And in 2008, RAV4 production will begin at our second plant in Ontario.

      Not only are we extremely busy preparing for these launches, but we’re experiencing growth in a market that has been flat.

      Let me tell you about how Toyota has better positioned itself for the next phase of growth in North America.

      In April, Toyota consolidated its R&D and manufacturing operations into one organization called Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., TEMA. TEMA was formed to further enhance our customer focus and team member development. This new company will:

      • Assure better collaboration between R&D and manufacturing; this occurred with our Avalon and the all-new Tundra, and...

...Continued in the pages of Twin Plant News, Subscribe Today!