Toyota Alabama launches i-FORCE 2.4L turbo engine line, fortifying commitment to responsive powertrains amid market shifts. The OEM ramps up towards its wider electrification goals
Toyota Alabama has commenced production on its i-FORCE 2.4-litre turbo engine line, specifically tailored for the newly enhanced Tacoma model. The initiative falls in line with Toyota’s commitment to versatile powertrain offerings and consumer demand as the carmaker says it is motivated to foster job stability within its operational ecosystem.
Jason Puckett, President of Toyota Alabama, highlighted the importance of the i-FORCE 2.4-litre turbo engine line: “The completion of this engine line represents a pivotal milestone for Toyota Alabama, reinforcing job security for our dedicated workforce of 2,000 employees.
“With the Tacoma now featuring a hybrid variant, every assembly line at our facility contributes engines for hybrid vehicles, underscoring our team’s instrumental role in Toyota’s electrified future.”
Sustainable power lines for Toyota’s electrification pursuits
Globally, Toyota says it remains steadfast in its pursuit of carbon-reducing and carbon-neutral products, with a commitment to invest over $70 billion in vehicle electrification by 2030.
The introduction of the i-FORCE 2.4-litre turbo engine line marks the sixth expansion of the plant, bringing Toyota Alabama’s cumulative investment to $1.5 billion. In 2023, the facility achieved record production, manufacturing over 777,000 engines for Toyota vehicles across North America.
The plant caters to a diverse range of popular Toyota models, including the Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Cross, Tacoma, Highlander, Sienna, and RAV4, by producing both four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines.
The Toyota Alabama electrification journey: solar powered production
Toyota Alabama, Toyota Tsusho America and Huntsville Utilities, have already inked a power purchase agreement (PPA) for a $49 million solar project spanning 168 acres in the electrification push in the region. Positioned in the North Huntsville Industrial Park around the Toyota engine plant, the 30-megawatt solar system is poised to produce 62,000 megawatt hours yearly, curbing approximately 22,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Jason Puckett, President of Toyota Alabama has said: “Toyota is taking a transparent, science-based approach to address climate change. By relying on the sun to power our operations, we will reduce our carbon footprint and create a model of environmental stewardship in North Alabama.”
The solar facility is slated to commence solar energy generation in the summer of 2024. Having undergone six expansions since 2003, the Alabama plant represents a hefty $1.5 billion investment. Presently, the facility furnishes engines for the Tundra, Corolla Cross, and Sienna models.
Toyota announced two significant initiatives last year, including the $49 million solar array collaboration with Huntsville Utilities and Toyota Tsusho, aimed at providing over 70% of Toyota Alabama’s energy requirements upon completion.
The OEM has also offered grants totaling up to $6.7 million to support Huntsville City Schools in preparing students for future careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
These grants, part of the Toyota USA Foundation’s Driving Possibilities initiative, will facilitate a five-year phased implementation of tailored programming in select schools.
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