A RAV4 Hybrid was the 13 millionth vehicle assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky. It rolled off the line yesterday.
TMMK, which also produces the Camry and Avalon, began production of the RAV4 Hybrid in January, 2020, as a result of multiple investments by Toyota, totaling more than $1.5 billion since 2017. These investments were part of a larger commitment by the company to invest more than $13 billion in its North American manufacturing operations from 2017 to 2021.
Production started at TMMK’s Georgetown campus, its first in North America, in 1988. Toyota invested $8 billion and employed more than 10,000 Kentuckians. It is also home to a powertrain facility on track to reach its own milestone this year, producing its 13 millionth engine.
“On one hand, it’s hard to believe we have produced 13 million vehicles,” said Susan Elkington, TMMK president. “However, when you consider the dedication and skill of our Kentucky team it isn’t so hard to imagine.”
Toyota Kentucky is recognizing the milestones with a $1.3 million commitment to furthering STEM education and workforce development programs across the Commonwealth. Funds will be used to engage diverse and under-resourced youth by exposing them to manufacturing career opportunities. A few of the grant recipients are: Rise STEM Academy for Girls, Jobs for America’s Graduates, Black Male Working Academy, Prichard Committee and Partners for Youth.
Later this year, Toyota Kentucky will celebrate its 35th anniversary and the production of its 10 millionth Camry.
