Toyota Motor Corp. announced plans to invest $88 million to boost hybrid vehicle production at its engine factory in Buffalo, West Virginia. The investment will increase production of hybrid transaxles for next-generation vehicles by late 2026, raising the total investment in the plant to over $2.8 billion. While the spending will secure jobs for about 2,000 workers, it is not expected to create new positions, Toyota said.
The move comes as the Trump administration prepares to impose tariffs on auto imports, including parts from Japan. President Trump singled out Toyota in his remarks earlier this month, adding pressure to U.S. automakers with foreign ties. Toyota, which has invested $25 billion in U.S. manufacturing since 2018, pushed back against the tariff criticism, emphasizing its commitment to American manufacturing. A new U.S. duty on auto parts is set to take effect on May 3. View the statement here.
