Toyota to open North Carolina battery plant, confirms $10B investment in the U.S.

Investment & Production - Toyota is making a $10 billion investment in US production, focusing on EV, hybrid, and battery production [1][6] - The company is starting battery production at a new plant in Liberty, North Carolina [1] - This investment includes adding 2,500 jobs at the North Carolina facility, in addition to the existing 200, totaling 5,100 jobs [2] - Toyota aims to increase its US footprint and production capabilities [7] Market Position & Strategy - Toyota dominates the US hybrid market with 51% of hybrid sales [3] - The company aims to shift more hybrid production to the US, exemplified by using batteries from the new plant for RAV4 hybrid production [3] - Toyota's investment signals a continued commitment to EV and battery production in the US, contrasting with some automakers reassessing their investments [2][4][5] External Factors - Clearer tariff rates with Japan have facilitated Toyota's investment [5] - Toyota telegraphed its investment commitment to the US administration [6]