Toyota opens massive North Carolina battery plant, confirms $10B US investment

Core Insights - Toyota has officially commenced production at its new $13.9 billion battery manufacturing plant in North Carolina, alongside an additional $10 billion investment in U.S. operations over the next five years, marking a significant milestone in the company's history [1][2] Group 1: Investment and Production - The North Carolina facility spans 1,850 acres and is Toyota's first battery plant outside Japan, expected to create up to 5,100 new jobs in the U.S. [1] - The plant will produce 30 gigawatt-hours of lithium-ion batteries annually, supporting Toyota's hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric vehicle lineup [3] - The facility will feature 14 production lines, manufacturing batteries for models such as the Camry HEV, Corolla Cross HEV, RAV4 HEV, and an all-electric three-row battery electric vehicle [4] Group 2: Community and Economic Impact - Toyota's investment is projected to bring the total U.S. investment to nearly $60 billion since the company began operations in the U.S. nearly 70 years ago [2] - The facility aims to be a vibrant community, offering childcare services, a medical clinic, pharmacy, and fitness center for employees [5] - Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the announcement as a demonstration of confidence in the administration's efforts to reshore manufacturing and create high-paying jobs [6]