**Toyota to Invest $1.45 Billion to Strengthen Operations in Baja California and Guanajuato**
Toyota Motor Corporation has announced a significant investment of $1.45 billion in its manufacturing plants in Baja California and Guanajuato, Mexico. This move aims to bolster the production capabilities of these facilities with a focus on the new generation of the Tacoma pickup and its hybrid electric variant. This initiative is expected to generate around 1,600 new jobs in the region.
Luis Lozano Olivares, the President of Toyota Mexico, emphasized the strategic importance of this investment in a meeting with Marcelo Ebrard, the Secretary of Economy for the Federal Government. He noted that the investment builds on the approximately $2 billion that Toyota has invested in Mexico over its 22-year history in the country. “Stability and certainty continue to be fundamental for the automotive industry to drive national development, generate more jobs, and advance towards electrification and new mobility challenges,” Lozano said.
Marcelo Ebrard extended his gratitude towards Toyota for their trust and confidence in Mexico. He assured that the government is committed to providing a conducive environment for investors and promoting sustainable economic, environmental, and social growth. “The administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum is dedicated to encouraging investment that contributes to national development and prosperity,” stated Ebrard.
The meeting was also attended by key figures from Toyota, including Takaaki Kuga, Vice President of Enterprise Strategy Mexico, and Lizette Gracida, Senior Director of External Relations and Foreign Trade.
### Secondary Update: Global Automotive Trends
With Toyota’s significant investment in Mexico, various automotive companies are also ramping up their commitment to electrification and technology advancement. For instance, Ford recently announced plans to significantly increase its production of electric vehicles in North America, aligning with global trends towards sustainable mobility. Similarly, General Motors has committed to an all-electric future with plans for 30 new global electric vehicles by 2025.
This surge in investment and development in electrification reflects the industry’s wider strategy to reduce carbon emissions and embrace cleaner technologies. The shift is not just seen in North America but is a global phenomenon as more countries implement stricter emissions regulations and policies supportive of alternative fuel vehicles. This movement signals a substantial transformation in the automotive landscape, driving growth in related sectors such as battery manufacturing and charging infrastructure.