Toyota has started production of the all-new RAV4 Hybrid at its Georgetown plant in Kentucky, adding another electrified model to the US manufacturing site. The OEM also broke ground on a new paint facility as part of US$2bn in investment announced for Toyota Kentucky over the past two years.

The plant’s added RAV4 Hybrid work expands its role in Toyota’s US electrified vehicle output. Toyota said the site will also launch production of a new Highlander battery electric vehicle in September 2026.

The new paint shop is intended to improve production flexibility while reducing the plant’s environmental impact. Toyota said the facility is expected to cut carbon emissions by 30% and save about 1.5 million gallons of water a year.

The OEM also announced a US$500,000 grant to Bluegrass Community and Technical College to support a regional workforce training facility. The programme will focus on hands-on training for students and existing workers in the Bluegrass region.

Toyota Kentucky has now assembled 15 million vehicles since opening and represents more than US$12bn in total investment. The Georgetown plant employs nearly 10,000 people and remains one of Toyota’s largest US manufacturing operations.

Source: Toyota