Global Auto Giant Commits $10 Billion More to U.S. Manufacturing as $13.9 Billion Battery Plant Opens

Toyota Motor Corp. announced on Wednesday that it has officially begun production at its new $13.9 billion battery manufacturing plant in Liberty, North Carolina — the automaker’s first wholly owned battery facility outside of Japan.
At the same time, Toyota confirmed it will invest up to an additional $10 billion over the next five years to further strengthen its U.S. manufacturing footprint.

With this expanded commitment, Toyota’s total cumulative investment in the United States will approach $60 billion, a figure that reflects nearly seven decades of continuous operations in the country.

The 1,850-acre complex in Liberty was originally unveiled in December 2021 and is expected to create approximately 5,100 new American jobs once fully staffed. When operating at peak output, the plant will be capable of producing 30 gigawatt-hours of lithium-ion batteries annually.

These batteries will support Toyota’s expanding portfolio of electrified vehicles, including hybrid models of the Camry, Corolla Cross, and RAV4, along with a three-row, fully electric SUV to be assembled in the U.S. Additional production lines are scheduled to come online by 2030. Reflecting Toyota’s focus on employee well-being, the site will include on-campus amenities such as a medical clinic, pharmacy, childcare center, and fitness facility.

Ted Ogawa, CEO of Toyota Motor North America, described the concurrent launch of production and new investment as a “pivotal moment” in Toyota’s long-term U.S. strategy. The announcement follows a recent comment from former President Donald Trump, who referenced Toyota’s plans to invest $10 billion in the United States.

The timing of the move corresponds with current market trends. While overall demand for fully electric vehicles has shown signs of slowing, hybrid vehicle sales continue to rise rapidly. Toyota remains the top U.S. hybrid seller, accounting for over 51% of market share through the third quarter of this year.

This substantial investment also comes as the automotive industry faces evolving regulations and potential trade-related challenges. Through the third quarter, Toyota’s U.S. sales increased 9.9% year-over-year, reaching more than 1.3 million vehicles. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised the new facility, describing it as “a strong statement of confidence in America’s manufacturing sector and a source of high-quality jobs for U.S. workers.”