Toyota begins production of Lexus SUV at Princeton plant
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Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana in Princeton has begun production of a new Lexus SUV.
The three-row luxury vehicle called the Lexus TX is the first Lexus SUV assembled in the United States and the first Lexus produced by Toyota Indiana.
“When Toyota Indiana was selected to assemble two brand-new vehicles, we were thrilled,” Toyota Indiana President Leah Curry said in a news release. “Being designated as a Lexus plant brings honor and prestige to the work we do every day and it’s extremely gratifying to see our team recognized for their dedication and expertise.”
The company announced an $803 million investment in 2021 to assemble two new SUVs, including the new Lexus vehicle and the Grand Highlander. The Princeton facility began production of the Grand Highlander in August. Production of the two new vehicles is expected to bring 1,400 jobs to the Princeton plant by the end of the year.
Toyota officials describe the new Lexus TX as strong, sophisticated and building upon the company’s commitment to electrification. Production of the new Lexus vehicle came following years of evaluation at the Princeton plant and education of how to produce the Lexus product.
“At Toyota Indiana, we hold ourselves to an unwavering standard of excellence,” Vice President of Manufacturing Tim Hollander said in the news release. “That’s why Lexus chose us. Adding the Lexus TX to our already exclusive production lineup has only elevated what we do here.”
In celebration of the new production, Toyota is donating $300,000 to the Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville’s Play-it Forward campaign. The gift will support a mobile museum with a focus on STEM activities.
“Indiana is leading the way in innovating and producing the future of mobility thanks to the partnership of world class companies like Toyota Indiana,” Gov. Eric J. Holcomb said in the release. “Toyota’s commitment to expanding its production in Princeton with the new Grand Highlander and Lexus TX is creating quality career opportunities for our Hoosier neighbors, while bolstering transformational economic and community growth across southwest Indiana.”