Toyota's Alabama Engine Plant Rolls Out Its 1st V8

Tokyo ― TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today that Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama, Inc (TMMAL) held a line-off ceremony in Huntsville, Alabama, (May 12, local time) to commemorate the start of local V8 engine production for the made-in-the-U.S. Tundra full-size pickup truck.

The commencement of operations at TMMAL represents the first time ever for Toyota V8 engines to be built outside of Japan, marking another step in Toyota's commitment to enhancing localization.

Calling the TMMAL-produced V8 the "heart and soul of the Tundra", TMC Executive Vice President Kosuke Shiramizu told guests at the ceremony that TMMAL will play a critical role for Toyota in North America. He also thanked TMMAL workers for their dedication, telling them: "Your talent, your work ethic and your flexibility serve you well."

Alabama Governor Bob Riley, Senator Jeff Sessions and Representatives Bud Kramer and Robert Aderholt also attended the ceremony.

The start of production at TMMAL is also significant in that it represents the first time for a Toyota plant to be constructed and opened under the sole leadership of Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America, the Kentucky-based headquarters for Toyota's manufacturing activities in North America. TMC's Shiramizu commented that the effort to successfully establish TMMAL will serve as a model for the development of future Toyota manufacturing plants in North America.