Tag Archives: investment

Toyota Charges Up Investment and Jobs in U.S. Manufacturing

$1.4 billion funding in Indiana plant brings manufacturing of an all-new BEV

Toyota provides as much as 340 new, sustainable U.S. jobs

PRINCETON, Ind. (April 25, 2024) – Toyota will put together for meeting of an all-new, three row battery electrical SUV within the U.S. as a part of a brand new $1.4 billion funding in its Princeton facility, affirming Toyota’s dedication to reinvesting earnings in its U.S. operations and bringing complete funding in Toyota Indiana to $8 billion. This additionally brings the addition of as much as 340 new, high-quality jobs with long-term stability.

This funding is not going to solely present plant infrastructure to construct the all-new BEV, it’s going to add a brand new battery pack meeting line utilizing lithium-ion batteries provided by Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina, a $13.9 billion facility slated to start manufacturing in 2025.

“Our team members are the heart of Toyota,” mentioned Tim Hollander, president of Toyota Indiana. “We take great pride in producing quality products while providing long-term, stable employment no matter the changes in our industry. Our team is committed to delivering this new product with the same quality and performance that Toyota customers expect.”

Toyota’s Indiana facility is residence to greater than 7,500 crew members who assemble the Toyota Sienna, Highlander, Grand Highlander and the Lexus TX.

“I feel fortunate for the years I’ve been with Toyota and am proud of the products we assemble,” mentioned Michael Baehl, a 26-year Toyota Indiana crew member. “The company’s commitment to long-term job stability and high-quality work provides me with peace of mind. Additionally, the opportunities to enhance my skills and progress in my career have allowed me to achieve goals I never imagined.”

Since 2021, Toyota has introduced new investments totaling $18.6 billion into its U.S. manufacturing operations to assist electrification efforts. Increasing BEV manufacturing within the U.S. advances Toyota’s portfolio method to electrification.

“Indiana and Toyota share a nearly 30-year partnership that has cultivated job stability and economic opportunity in Princeton and the surrounding southwest Indiana region for decades,” mentioned Governor Eric J. Holcomb. “Toyota’s investment in the state began with an $800 million commitment and has grown to over $8 billion. Today’s incredible announcement shows yet again just how important our state’s business friendly environment, focus on long-term success and access to a skilled workforce is to companies seeking to expand and be profitable far into the future. Indiana proudly looks forward to continuing to being at the center of the future of mobility.”

This announcement comes on the heels of a $1.3 billion funding in Toyota Kentucky for the manufacturing of a separate all-new, three row battery electrical SUV.

About Toyota 
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been part of the cultural cloth in North America for greater than 65 years, and is dedicated to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility by our Toyota and Lexus manufacturers, plus our greater than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota instantly employs greater than 63,000 individuals in North America who’ve contributed to the design, engineering, and meeting of almost 47 million automobiles and vehicles at our 13 manufacturing crops. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will start to fabricate automotive batteries for electrified autos. With extra electrified autos on the highway than every other automaker, Toyota at the moment gives 27 electrified choices.

For extra details about Toyota, go to www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

What Happened To The GoalSetter App From Shark Tank Season 10?

Tanya Van Court seems on Season 10 of “Shark Tank” to obtain a $200,000 funding for 4% fairness of her monetary literacy and banking app GoalSetter. She shares a wealth of statistics and data with the panel of movie star buyers, explaining the success price of children who be taught to avoid wasting early on. “Shark Tank” star Mark Cuban was intrigued, having wished to open a financial savings account for his personal children. The firm itself is at the moment in one of many high Fintech accelerator packages within the United States, connecting it with one of many nation’s three main shopper banks. 

GoalSetter earns cash by charging $1 per transaction with an extra $0.05 transaction price. Additionally, the corporate is given 1% of property from its partnered banks underneath administration. Currently, GoalSetter has introduced in $40,000, which the Sharks would not thoughts a lot had the enterprise not already raised effectively over $21 million. Van Court provides that buying prospects has been particularly tough on condition that customers are not sure if they’re liable to information breaches. 

While most of the buyers respect Van Court’s mission, they do not see it as a at the moment investable enterprise given the variety of challenges alongside her path. Kevin O’Leary exhibits curiosity, liking how banks share their property with the corporate. Nevertheless, he acknowledges the hurdles forward and needs a 25% fairness stake. The entrepreneur tries countering with 8%, however O’Leary does not budge. In the tip, she turns down his provide and exits the tank with no deal. 

Chevy Silverado And GMC Sierra Plug-In Hybrids Are Coming: Report

“We’re not going to dilute our investment with hybrids”—is what General Motors President Mark Reuss instructed Business Insider in 2022. But apparently the corporate has had a change of coronary heart. During an investor briefing final month, CEO Mary Barra introduced new plug-in hybrid models, with stories indicating the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra PHEVs are on the way in which.

Citing sources acquainted with the matter, Autoweek claims GM is in a rush to launch PHEV variations of the 2 vans. The firm has apparently initiated a “crash program” to hurry up the event and market launch of the 2 electrified derivatives. We’ve reached out to each Chevy and GMC for remark, and we’ll replace the story if we hear again.

Toyota Bringing Battery Electric Vehicle Production to Kentucky

$1.3 Billion Investment Reinforces Commitment to Stable Employment and Future Production

Reinvesting Profits within the North American Market

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (Feb. 6, 2024) – Toyota introduced a $1.3 billion funding at its flagship Kentucky facility for future electrification efforts together with meeting of an all-new, three row battery electrical SUV for the U.S. market. The venture brings the plant’s complete funding to almost $10 billion and reinforces Toyota’s dedication to high-quality autos and long-term job stability.

The funding helps the beforehand introduced future BEV meeting at Toyota Kentucky. It additionally provides a battery pack meeting line to the ability, with batteries being equipped by Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina.

“You cannot think of the Bluegrass region and Scott County without thinking of Toyota,” mentioned Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. “We are grateful that they continue to invest in our commonwealth and continue to set a standard for high-quality, well-paying jobs for our citizens. Thank you, Toyota for yet another $1 billion-plus investment coming to Kentucky.”

Toyota Kentucky has been a hub of the automaker’s North American operations since 1986. Its almost 9,400 staff members have assembled a number of the most beloved nameplates within the Toyota lineup, together with the Camry – America’s best-selling passenger automotive for 22 consecutive years.

“Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to vehicle electrification and further reinvesting in our U.S. operations,” mentioned Kerry Creech, president of Toyota Kentucky. “Generations of our team members helped prepare for this opportunity, and we will continue leading the charge into the future by remaining true to who we are as a company and putting our people first for generations to come.”

Toyota can also be dedicated to investing in its operational communities, primarily specializing in schooling and workforce improvement. Since making Kentucky residence almost 4 many years in the past, greater than $154 million in native donations proceed to make sizeable impacts within the Bluegrass state. Our partnerships and help of 48 schooling and workforce coaching initiatives in 2023 alone has helped strengthen the inspiration for our future.

“Every investment Toyota makes is proof of its commitment to employees,” mentioned Chris Cohelia, group chief at Toyota Kentucky. “I joined this company 26 years ago as a production team member. Job stability, competitive pay and opportunities for growth are all reasons I love working here. It’s also exciting to be a part of the team building Toyota’s first battery electric vehicle in North America.”

Since 2021, Toyota has introduced new investments totaling $17 billion into its U.S. manufacturing operations to help electrification efforts. Increasing BEV meeting in North America advances Toyota’s portfolio strategy to electrification and dedication to constructing the place we promote.

TVS Working On New Model Range For Norton Motorcycles

Back in 2022, India-based multinational bike producer TVS made a large £100-million funding in Norton Motorcycles. Naturally, what does an iconic marque like Norton do with such an inflow of capital? It expands, in fact, and since then, we have seen Norton make headlines on a number of events with improvements and developments right here and there, however nothing actually explosive for anybody to essentially say that Norton was again within the mainstream market. 

This might all be about to alter as TVS ramps up its involvement with Norton. In reality, it has been reported by a number of sources that TVS is growing a brand new bike vary underneath the Norton model. A latest article by AutoCar Professional, an automotive publication based mostly out of India, states that TVS Motor Company is growing a brand new product lineup for Norton, anticipated for a UK launch by 2026. At current, Norton’s lineup consists of the Commando 961, V4SV, and the V4CR, all extraordinarily premium bikes in circulation predominantly within the UK market, though a small quantity have made it to different markets. 

Norton Commando 961 CR - Riding

Norton’s upcoming product line developed by TVS is claimed to focus on the worldwide market within the “super-premium” section, a class which has witnessed a large surge in key markets, notably in Asia. “We need to have a healthy product pipeline. We are now designing and developing, and putting those products in totality and it will take six to eight quarters to start completely realising the benefits of that,” TVS Motor Chief Executive Officer, KN Radhakrishnan, instructed AutoCar Professional. Indeed, Norton’s CEO, Dr. Robert Hentschel, echoed related statements, emphasizing the necessity to enhance high quality in the case of rolling out new bikes.

In an earlier report by Web Bike World, Dr. Hentschel said, “The supply of some parts, and… the quality was not good enough, so I did not sign it off. I’d rather have a proper quality product here than customer complaints, which we cannot afford at the moment at this point of the journey at Norton.” Indeed, Norton’s latest previous hasn’t precisely been blemish-free. However, it appears that evidently TVS’ acquisition, in addition to the brand new management of Norton, are eager on altering that.

2022 Norton V4SV - Manx - Left Side

Norton says that it is taking a three-pronged method with its marketing strategy – repair, construct, and fly. The first step entailed fixing the outdated bikes by re-engineering them and making certain they meet and transcend present-day requirements. With the construct part now in full swing, Norton expanded its UK dealership community, whereas on the similar time growing new platforms for the worldwide market, one thing that takes between 24 to 40 months, as defined by Dr. Hentschel. 

So, what does this imply for TVS? Well, given the truth that TVS is among the greatest bike producers on the earth by way of sheer volumes, it is a stable feather on its cap as Norton’s bikes will diversify TVS’ product choices to incorporate the premium section. Indeed, the launch of a TVS-developed vary of Norton bikes will probably be a testomony to the engineering and manufacturing capabilities of TVS. As for the specifics surrounding the upcoming Norton fashions, nothing has been confirmed simply but, and actually, something from performance-oriented sportbikes to go-anywhere journey bikes might very effectively be within the pipeline. We’ll simply have to attend and see.

What Happened To The TactiBite Fish Call From Shark Tank Season 8?

The Danoses introduced the TactiBite earlier than the Sharks in 2016, looking for a $150,000 funding in alternate for a ten% stake within the firm. Thanks to some movies and fisherman testimonies testifying to the efficacy of the machine, to not point out how low cost it was to fabricate versus the promote value, the Sharks had been pretty proper off the bat. In truth, the curiosity was so nice that Mark Cuban backed out instantly in order to not get caught up in it.

Daymond John and Kevin O’Leary needed to get on board, however relatively than the proposed deal, they countered with $150,000 for a 20% stake, believing 10% is not sufficient. Lori Greiner went for $150,000 for 15%, already contemplating an infomercial. Suddenly, Robert Herjavec chimed in, providing to take the Danoses’ authentic supply, saying that he cherished their story and that he seen their preliminary valuation as being very reasonable, a rarity for the collection. Lori promptly matched Robert’s supply, saying she did not like him lecturing them. Daymond held agency on his supply, stating that he goes fishing six instances a month and has a greater understanding of the product.

Lori reaffirmed her supply, requesting an instantaneous resolution. In response, Jack Danos requested if she can be prepared to companion up with Robert for the ten%, which she declined as a result of she did not suppose she wanted him. Ultimately, the Danoses determined to go along with Robert’s supply.

Toyota To Set Up A Third Manufacturing Plant In India By 2026


The new facility will also be built in Karnataka with an estimated investment of around Rs 3,300 crores

Toyota Hycross front

Toyota, the top-selling Japanese carmaker in India, has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Karnataka to extend its operations with new investments. Toyota Kirloskar Motor will establish a new manufacturing facility at a cost of about Rs 3,300 crores.

This will mark Toyota’s third plant in India, located in Bidadi on the outskirts of Bengaluru, near the existing two plants. The new facility is designed to increase the carmaker’s production capacity by 100,000 units per year and is scheduled for completion in 2026. While specific models to be manufactured at this new plant are yet to be confirmed, it is known that the Toyota Innova Hycross will be one of them. Although Toyota’s focus on electric vehicles in India is not as strong as some other manufacturers, it is likely that the new plant will be capable of producing them as well.

Commenting on the development, Masazaku Yoshimura, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, stated, “As a further boost to the company’s contribution to “Make-in-India”, we are very pleased to state that the new investments will enhance TKM production capacity by 100,000 units and add around 2,000 new jobs. The new development also brings with it the potential for further growth in the supplier ecosystem. As we celebrate TKM’s 25 years in India, this journey is a testament to the passion, hard work and dedication of our Toyota team and various stakeholders. I thank and congratulate each of them for their valuable contribution in creating a sustainable future for all, with no one left behind.”

Toyota distinguishes itself in the Indian market by offering robust hybrid powertrains in models such as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder SUV, Hycross MPV, Camry premium sedan, and Vellfire luxury MPV. Additionally, its well-loved models like the Innova Crysta and Fortuner continue to enjoy a strong following. Moreover, collaborations with Maruti Suzuki for models like the Glanza hatchback, Rumion MPV, and the upcoming Maruti Fronx based crossover further contribute to its market share. The increased capacity could also help Toyota address high waiting periods in the future.

Toyota Mississippi Puts High School Students to Work

 $1.9 million investment brings 4T Academy to local schools

BLUE SPRINGS, Miss. (Nov. 1, 2023) Juniors and seniors at New Albany and Union County Schools will soon have a unique opportunity to learn and earn. Toyota announced Wednesday—in collaboration with local partners—the investment and launch of its 4T Academy, a hands-on training program designed to place students directly into Toyota production jobs right out of high school.

Toyota’s commitment of $1.9 million to implement this game-changing program is match funding following a grant awarded to New Albany School District and the 4T Academy from the Appalachian Regional Commission.

The announcement was made Wednesday at the automaker’s Workforce Readiness Forum where lawmakers, community leaders, and educators convened to address common issues and goals surrounding talent development, retention, and educational support.

“The 4T Academy will provide our students the skills, experience, and confidence they need to move into high-wage careers in manufacturing right here in their backyard,” said Erik Skaggs, president of Toyota Mississippi. “Imbedding innovative programs like 4T in our schools changes the landscape of workforce readiness and puts students in the driver’s seat for their careers.”

Students enrolled in 4T will follow a state-approved curriculum pathway in traditional high school classes while learning and training in a mock factory environment to gain essential skills needed for production jobs at Toyota. This state-of-the-art classroom will be housed at New Albany School District’s (NASD) future “New Albany Center for Innovation”—an enhanced version of its current School of Career & Technical Education.

The 4T Academy will have a collaborative classroom space, electric and pneumatic tool-training stations, a simulated vehicle production line, virtual reality simulators, cobots, and many other high-tech components—all integral to developing talent while still in high school. Seniors enrolled in 4T will earn an hourly wage while on the production floor, getting certified and working alongside industry experts to build the world’s best-selling vehicle, the Toyota Corolla.

“We are excited to work with Toyota Mississippi to implement the first 4T Academy in Mississippi,” said Lance Evans, superintendent for New Albany School District. “As a result of this partnership, our students will be afforded opportunities that are very unique to our region. When schools and industry partner together, the results are meaningful to not only students and schools but also families and our community.”

Toyota also announced a gift of $100,000 to support the Center for Innovation as it undergoes renovation.

Toyota’s 4T Academy started at Toyota Indiana in 2020 while partnering with Purdue IN-MaC—a partnership that has continued through its expansion to Toyota West Virginia in 2022, and plans to launch at other Toyota manufacturing facilities in the U.S. are underway. For more information on 4T, visit www.4TAcademy.com

Mini Aceman and Cooper EVs to be manufactured in Oxford from 2026

The investment in building Mini Aceman and Cooper electric vehicles in Oxford is seen as a significant show of confidence in the UK economy by Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch. She stated that the government’s efforts to support the automotive sector have been successful, resulting in high-quality jobs, stronger supply chains, and economic growth for Britain. The battery supplier for the Oxford-built EVs has not yet been announced, but BMW Group currently collaborates with Samsung and CATL, the latter of which is constructing a battery factory in Germany.

This year marks the 110th anniversary of the plant, known as Cowley, which played a pivotal role in introducing mass production to the UK with the Morris ‘Bullnose’ saloon before World War I. Cowley was also the home of Morris Minor production for over two decades. Since 2000, the plant has been manufacturing BMW Group’s Mini models, including the electric version of the current hatch introduced 19 years later. In fact, electric Mini production constituted a significant proportion of the plant’s output last year, making it the largest EV producer in the UK. The facility currently employs around 3,400 individuals.

Stefanie Wurst, the head of Mini, expressed her appreciation for the strong connection between Mini and the UK, as the brand was born and established in Oxford. She assured that the company is committed to taking care of the plant, which is considered the heart of the Mini brand. Wurst highlighted the brand’s rich heritage, which is now being updated and given a promising future, and expressed her hope that the UK will perceive and acknowledge this transformation.

Blue 2024 Mini Cooper Electric – front quarter static

MINI Plant Oxford transitions to all-electric production with £600m investment in the UK

BMW Group has announced a new investment of over £600 million in the MINI factories at Oxford and Swindon. The goal is to develop the Oxford plant for the production of the next generation of electric MINIs and pave the way for future electric car manufacturing. Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for production, stated, “With this new investment we will develop the Oxford plant for production of the new generation of electric MINIs and set the path for purely electric car manufacturing in the future.”

The Oxford plant is preparing to manufacture two new all-electric MINI models, the MINI Cooper 3-door and the compact crossover MINI Aceman, starting from 2026. By 2030, the production volume will be exclusively electric. BMW Group has already invested over £3 billion in its Swindon, Hams Hall, and Oxford plants since 2000. The UK Government has been supportive of this development, as it aims to secure jobs at the Oxford manufacturing plant and the body-pressing facility in Swindon.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch expressed her confidence in the UK economy and the government’s efforts to strengthen the automotive sector. She said, “We are proud to be able to support BMW Group’s investment, which will secure high-quality jobs, strengthen our supply chains, and boost Britain’s economic growth.”

The Oxford plant, celebrating its 110th anniversary this year, has been producing the current MINI Electric since 2019 alongside conventional models. According to Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI brand, Oxford remains the heart of the MINI brand. She stated, “The continuing high demand for our locally emission-free vehicles shows the openness of the global MINI community to electromobility, which we will be able to serve optimally, also thanks to Oxford.”

The MINI Plant Oxford currently manufactures the MINI 3-door, the MINI 5-door, the MINI Clubman, and the MINI Electric. From 2024, the plant will produce the next generation MINI 3-door and MINI 5-door with combustion engines, as well as the new MINI Convertible. In 2026, the plant will introduce the all-electric MINI Cooper 3-door and MINI Aceman. Initially, both internal combustion engine (ICE) and battery electric vehicles will be built on the same production line, with a production capacity of approximately 200,000 cars per year. However, from 2030, the Oxford Plant will exclusively produce all-electric MINI models.

In addition, the new MINI Countryman, a larger crossover model, will begin production at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig in a few weeks. The MINI Countryman will be available with both pure electric drive and combustion engines. Production of the next generation all-electric MINI Cooper 3-door and MINI Aceman will commence in China through a joint venture with Great Wall Motor, with exports expected to start in early 2024.