You can add the made-in-Texas label to Toyota’s new hybrid Sequoia.
Toyota’s manufacturing plant in San Antonio this week began producing the Texas-sized SUV alongside its redesigned Tundra. The automaker shifted Sequoia manufacturing from Indiana as part of a $391 million upgrade to the Texas plant.
The new 2023 Sequoia, powered by a twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain, represents the vehicle’s first new model since 2008. The 2023 model, available only as a hybrid, starts at $58,300. Its TRD Pro and Capstone models start at $77,000.
“The third-generation Sequoia marks a new era of electrified vehicles that will help move us closer to carbon neutrality while delivering on and exceeding customer expectations for this iconic SUV,” said Kevin Voelkel, president of Toyota’s Texas manufacturing operation, in a statement.
The company expanded the sprawling plant’s footprint by 147,000 square feet and retooled production techniques to allow the plant’s 3,800 workers to crank out both the Tundra and Sequoia. It moved Tacoma truck production to Mexico to make way for the Sequoia.
Production changes included new laser welding technology and a modified process for stamping the largest sheet of metal in Toyota history, according to the company. Its workers and 5,300 on-site suppliers spent thousands of hours preparing for the Sequoia debut.
Toyota’s investment in San Antonio has grown to more than $3.1 billion. The plant totals more than 2.3 million square feet.
“This is another welcome milestone demonstrating Toyota’s confidence in our city and workforce,” San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said in a statement.
Toyota employs 39,000 people in the U.S., including nearly 4,000 at its North American headquarters in Plano. It operates nine manufacturing plants and expects to begin making batteries for electric vehicles in North Carolina by 2025.
Earlier this year, Toyota became the top-selling automaker in the U.S., toppling General Motors from the No. 1 spot it had held since 1931.
