ERLANGER, Ky., Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA) announced today that the company's assembly plants produced 1,456,887 vehicles in 2010, an 18 percent increase compared to 2009.

Toyota's North American facilities assemble the Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Venza and Lexus RX 350.

"The challenges presented by the economic downturn and our recalls made Toyota an even stronger company," said Tetsuo Agata, president and COO of TEMA.  "By retaining our team members and continually improving during the worst of times, we are well positioned for 2011 and beyond.  We thank all team members and our hundreds of suppliers for their tireless efforts."

In 2010, the following milestones, projects and initiatives were accomplished:

• The Canadian operation in September assembled its four-millionth vehicle.

• The Kentucky plant in July produced its eight-millionth engine.

• The Indiana plant successfully ramped up production of the Highlander and the all-new Sienna after a $450 million investment upgrade.  Toyota's total investment in Princeton is nearly $4 billion and total employment is 4,100.

• The Texas plant began production of the Tacoma, representing a $100 million investment and an additional 1,000 jobs.  Toyota's total investment in San Antonio is $1.4 billion and total employment is now 2,800.

• TEMA named four new American plant presidents and the Toyota Technical Center named three American chief engineers.  This increased local leadership provides greater regional autonomy.

Toyota's North American vehicle production – five year history:

*TMMWV's total automatic transmission production for 2010 was 284,543.

In addition to the above mentioned plants, Toyota subsidiary Bodine Aluminum, Inc., in Tennessee and Missouri, casts aluminum parts such as cylinder heads, intake manifolds, engine brackets and engine blocks.  TABC, Inc. in Long Beach, California, manufactures truck beds, catalytic converters, stamped parts, coated substrates and steering columns.  Canadian Autoparts Toyota, Inc. (CAPTIN) in Delta, British Columbia, produces aluminum wheels.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE: TM) established operations in North America in 1957 and currently operates 14 manufacturing plants, including one under construction. There are more than 1,800 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in North America which sold nearly two million vehicles in 2010. Toyota directly employs more than 35,000 in North America and its investment here is currently valued at more than $23 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. Toyota's annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from North American suppliers totals more than $25 billion. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com or www.toyotanewsroom.com.

SOURCE Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.