Mayor Julián Castro, Governor Rick Perry and Toyota executives announce the production of Toyota Tacomas at the company's San Antonio plant. Photo Credit: Eileen Pace (TPR)
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Toyota executives today gathered employees and dignitaries to announce production of the Tacoma truck line in San Antonio. Texas Public Radio’s Eileen Pace reports.
August 9, 2010 · Executive Vice-President for North American Toyota Operations, Art Niimi, said the past year has been one of the most difficult in Toyota’s history. But, he said the learning process is part of Toyota’s DNA, and that today’s announcement is significant.
“In 2007, Americans bought 16.5 million vehicles, and 10.4 million in 2009. More than one-third of U.S. auto sales disappeared,” Niimi said.
But this year, Toyota expects to rebound with more truck sales than in the past two years, according to Chris Nielsen, President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas.
“By bringing this second vehicle in, we’re now able to utilize this plant’s full capacity. We’re able to bring on a thousand new team members, and be able to produce two huundred thousand Texas-built trucks a year,” Nielsen said.
That includes both the Tacoma and the Tundra, which was the original line Toyota produced in San Antonio. The operation in San Antonio came together only nine months after Toyota’s decision to move its Tacoma production from California to Texas. Nielsen said Toyota’s decision to keep its employees on the job during the three months of zero production made the ramp-up to Tacoma smoother because employees were able to improve their skills.
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