The new generation Toyota RAV4, already available on most world markets, is now entering production in the US. The Kentucky plant, known for producing the most popular sedan in the U.S., the Camry, for 18 years in a row, added America’s most popular SUV to its production lineup this week with its first 2020 RAV4 Hybrid rolling off the assembly line.
In 2019, the RAV4 Hybrid had its best sales year to date, up 92.3 percent, and helped the RAV4 become the best-selling SUV in a calendar year. With the addition of the RAV4 Hybrid to its manufacturing mix, TMMK now produces four electrified vehicles, including the Avalon Hybrid, Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES 300h.
By 2025, Toyota’s global goal is to offer an electrified option (hybrid, plug-in, fuel cell, battery) on all Toyota and Lexus models. Currently, Toyota sells more alternative powertrain vehicles than the rest of the industry combined, with sales reaching around 13 percent of volume in the U.S.
TMMK is Toyota’s largest plant in the world with more than nine million square feet of floor space, more than 8,000 full-time team members and represents a $7-billion investment.
