First U.S. Toyota plant celebrates its 13 millionth vehicle!

While a certain 2021 Toyota RAV4 that recently rolled off the assembly line at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) plant in Georgetown, KY looked like any other RAV4 you might see here at Landers Toyota of Little Rock, its place in history is assured. That’s because that particular RAV4 — an electric blue hybrid model — marked the 13 millionth vehicle produced at the massive plant since it opened as the first Toyota manufacturing hub in the U.S. way back in 1988!

Making the big moment even more special was the fact that Toyota produced their 30 millionth U.S.-built vehicle earlier this year: a 2021 Toyota Sienna produced at Toyota’s plant in Princeton, Ind.

“On one hand, it’s hard to believe we have produced 13 million vehicles,” said Susan Elkington, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky president. “However, when you consider the dedication and skill of our Kentucky team it isn’t so hard to imagine. It’s incredible to think about our customers, their families, and all the places they’ve gone in our 13 million vehicles. Looking forward, we are excited about the future of mobility and being able to take more people, more places.”

At a sprawling 1,300 acres, TMMK was a big gamble for Toyota when they broke ground there in the late 1980s, testing whether American workers could build Toyota vehicles to the same high standards the brand had set for their manufacturing in Japan. That gamble paid off for Toyota, Kentucky and American workers, with the plant currently employing over 10,000 Kentuckians in high-paying jobs while building some of the most reliable, highest-quality vehicles on the planet.

Best known for producing the Toyota Camry and Avalon sedans, TMMK began production of the 2021 RAV4 Hybrid in January 2020. Toyota has invested $1.5 billion in the plant since 2017, part of a larger investment plan that has seen Toyota sink over $13 billion into manufacturing operations in North America between 2017 and 2021.

The TMMK campus is also home to a Toyota engine and powertrain manufacturing link that is on track to produce and test its 13 millionth engine later this year.

“The engine is the heart of every vehicle and our powertrain team takes that responsibility very seriously,” said David Rosier, TMMK powertrain head. “We’re especially proud to be a part of Toyota’s commitment to alternative fueled vehicles and the future of mobility in North America.”

To celebrate the 13 millionth vehicle and 13 millionth engine produced at the TMMK factory this year, Toyota has committed to making a symbolic $1.3 million commitment to furthering science, technology, engineering and math education and workforce development all across Kentucky. A few of the grant recipients include:

Rise STEM Academy for Girls

Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG)

Black Male Working (BMW) Academy

Prichard Committee

Partners for Youth

Here at Landers Toyota of Little Rock, we’re proud to work for a company that believes in American jobs and the ability of American workers to build the cars, trucks, vans and SUVs that will power the economy of tomorrow right here in the U.S.A. Come share our pride! Stop in today for a test drive of the reliable, American-made Toyota lineup, or check out our full selection at our website right now.