PRINCETON, Ind. — Toyota plans to invest $34 million and add about 50 jobs at its Princeton manufacturing facility, where the company will begin building a new compact utility truck.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun announced the expansion Tuesday at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana.
The investment will fund new vehicle assembly operations and upgrades to production and logistics infrastructure.
The plant will produce the KEI-01, the first vehicle from Toyota’s new Scion by Toyota brand. The company introduced the brand Monday and plans to bring the vehicle to the United States in the second half of 2027.
Toyota describes the KEI-01 as an ultra-compact utility truck inspired by Japan’s kei trucks. The vehicle is designed to offer the functionality of a traditional pickup at a lower cost and with a smaller footprint.
“Toyota’s continued investment in Indiana is a testament to the strength of our manufacturing sector and the skill of our Hoosier workforce,” Braun said. “Toyota’s commitment to Indiana will create 50 new, good-paying jobs for Hoosiers and further cement the company’s presence in Princeton for years to come.”
Simon Humphries, chief branding officer and head of design for Toyota Motor Corp., said Scion by Toyota will give the company an opportunity to explore new approaches to mobility.
“The future of mobility will not be defined by one vehicle, one technology or one way of thinking,” Humphries said.
Toyota Indiana is celebrating 30 years of production this year. The Princeton facility employs nearly 8,000 people and assembles three Toyota models and one Lexus model.
The company has invested more than $8.2 billion in the facility.
Toyota also has donated more than $55 million in grants to support its surrounding communities, according to the company.
Indiana is home to five major automotive assembly plants and about 500 automotive parts suppliers. Those companies produce approximately 1.3 million vehicles annually, according to the state.
Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich said Toyota’s latest investment will help strengthen the state’s automotive industry.
“With Toyota’s new commitment, Indiana continues to play a central role in the future of mobility,” Goodrich said.
