GEORGETOWN, Ky., (Oct. 30, 2012) – Toyota celebrated the 25 millionth vehicle manufactured in North America on Tuesday at its Georgetown, Ky., plant coinciding with the start of production for the all-new 2013 Avalon.
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The milestone vehicle – a Classic Silver Hybrid Avalon – represents 26 years of manufacturing, a direct investment of nearly $24 billion in North American operations and 365,000 jobs created in the United States.
The celebration included guest appearances by University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari and Gov. Steve Beshear, as well Toyota officials Bill Fay of Toyota Motor Sales and Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. The event was the official unveiling of the reimagined Avalon, designed and engineered in North America.
Will James, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc., emceed the event, which began with him appearing to float high above the stage to the applause of the employees gathered for the event. He was lowered slowly.
“This is a pivotal time in Toyota’s history,” James said to the enthusiastic crowd of manufacturing team members. “What better way to cap off 26 years of manufacturing excellence than with the all-new Kentucky-built Avalon, a shining example of what our customers have to look forward to in the future.”
As part of the celebration, James and other Toyota officials drew names of team members to receive an autographed basketball from Calipari. They were invited to come to the stage and get the ball from the coach. To Calipari’s surprise and amusement, the second employee drawn was clad in University of Louisville gear, including a hat and jacket.
As she made her way to the stage, the crowd booed, but Calipari laughed.
“That kind of feels like me walking onto the floor at Tennessee,” he joked.
As James called out the next name, he said he hoped the next employee would have on UK attire.
Three employees also received short-term leases for a 2013 Avalon.
The Avalon comes equipped with either a powerful V6 gasoline powertrain or Toyota’s proven Hybrid Synergy Drive. The efficiency offered by the new hybrid model will help the all-new premium mid-size sedan achieve excellent fuel economy with an EPA-rating of 40 mpg combined.
Toyota’s Georgetown plant employs approximately 6,600 workers and builds the Camry, Camry Hybrid, Avalon, Venza, and manufactures 4-cylinder and V6 engines. Toyota’s North American production includes 12 models representing 70 percent of U.S. sales.
North American manufacturing locations
Vehicles
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc. (TMMC), Cambridge, Ontario and Woodstock
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc. (TMMI), Princeton, Ind.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK), Georgetown, Ky.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc. (TMMTX), San Antonio, Texas
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi, Inc. (TMMMS), Blue Springs, Miss.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California (TMMBC), Baja California, Mexico
Parts and Materials
Bodine Aluminum, Inc., St. Louis, Troy, Mo. and Jackson, Tenn.
Canadian Autoparts Toyota, Inc. (CAPTIN), Delta, British Columbia
TABC, Inc., Long Beach, Calif.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama, Inc. (TMMAL), Huntsville, Ala.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California (TMMBC), Baja California, Mexico
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc. (TMMWV), Buffalo, W.Va.
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