Akio Toyoda Announces Lexus ES 350 Will Be Built in the U.S.

NEW YORK--April 19, 2013:  Akio Toyoda and several senior Toyota executives announced today that for the first time, a Lexus vehicle will be produced in the United States. The Lexus ES 350 will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK) in 2015.

The move will generate 750 new jobs. To support the new dedicated assembly line, Toyota will invest $360 million in the Georgetown plant. About 50,000 Lexus vehicles a year will be produced, bringing the plant's total annual production capacity to more than 550,000 vehicles. It will be the first time the ES will be assembled outside of Japan.