• Toyota has commenced production at its $13.9 billion battery plant in North Carolina.
• The automaker plans to invest an additional $10 billion in U.S. operations over the next five years.
• This investment will create approximately 5,100 jobs in the U.S.

Toyota Motor Corporation has initiated production at its $13.9 billion battery facility located in North Carolina, marking a significant milestone as the company ramps up hybrid vehicle production. The plant is expected to create around 5,100 new jobs and has plans to invest an additional $10 billion into U.S. operations over the next five years, which will bring Toyota's total investment in the U.S. to more than $60 billion, as stated by Ted Ogawa, president of Toyota Motor North America, during the announcement. The North Carolina facility will produce batteries for various hybrid models, including the Camry HEV, Corolla Cross HEV, RAV4 HEV, and an upcoming all-electric vehicle, according to Reuters and CBS News.

This announcement underscores Toyota's strategic push towards electrification and highlights their commitment to a "multi-pathway approach," which includes conventional gas engines alongside electric and hybrid technologies. According to Ogawa, “We know there is no single path to progress,” reflecting the company’s adaptation in the evolving automotive landscape. Additionally, the facility will support production for plants in Kentucky and a joint venture with Mazda in Alabama. This move is seen as a strong demonstration of confidence in the current U.S. administration's policies aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing, as noted by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, reports Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Overall, Toyota's new facility, the 11th plant in the United States, is situated on a substantial 1,850-acre site and will host 14 battery production lines, with the capability of generating 30 GWh of energy each year upon reaching full capacity. This development plays a crucial role in enhancing the local job market and revitalizing the economy, marking a pivotal moment for Toyota and its operations in the U.S., according to CBS News, Reuters, and Al Jazeera.