By AP
Georgetown, KY – Toyota Motor Corporation has announced plans to begin producing a gasoline-electric hybrid of its popular Camry model. Production will begin late next year at Georgetown, Kentucky...it's largest North American plant.
The Japanese automaker says it will have capacity to build about 48,000 of the environmentally friendly vehicles each year. It represents Toyota's first hybrid auto production in North America.
Toyota says it plans a $10 million investment in the Georgetown plant, but says it expects capacity and employment to stay the same. The plant 12 miles north of Lexington employs about 7,000 workers and can build up to 5,000 vehicles per year.
The automaker says the hybrid production will take place on the plant's existing lines. No new construction is planned. The $10 million will go mainly for equipment modifications and employee training.