Canada – The move is part of a reorganisation which will see Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) become the OEM’s North American hub for sports utility vehicles, with a line-up consisting of the Lexus RX at Cambridge and the RAV4 at both Cambridge and Woodstock. The RAV4 will enter production in 2019; a hybrid version will also be introduced.
In order to accommodate the RAV4, Cambridge North Plant will receive what the vehicle-maker called “significant new investment”, incorporating the Toyota New Global Architecture. Designed as an integrated approach to vehicle development and manufacture, this system involves the implementation of new production equipment and processes.
“With a new platform and the latest technology, TMMC will have the flexibility to respond to the evolving needs of the automotive marketplace,” said Brian Krinock, president of TMMC. “When we implement this project in 2019, we will have been making vehicles in Canada for 30 years. This investment will revitalise our plant and create the foundation for our future success.”
TMMC makes the Toyota Corolla, RAV4, Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h, and was the first operation to build a Lexus outside Japan. Its three plants in Ontario employ over 8,000 personnel.