Core Insights - Toyota Motor North America plans to invest US$ 912 million in five US manufacturing plants to enhance production capacity for hybrid vehicles and components, responding to increasing demand in the region [1][2][3] Investment Details - This investment is part of a broader five-year plan of "up to US$ 10 billion" announced earlier, aimed at supporting Japan's trade negotiations with the US [2] - The total investment by Toyota in the US will reach approximately US$ 60 billion since the company began operations there around 70 years ago [2] Manufacturing Plants Involved - The investment will be allocated to the following plants: - Buffalo, West Virginia: engines and transmissions - Georgetown, Kentucky: Camry, RAV4 Hybrid, and Lexus ES350 - Blue Springs, Mississippi: Corolla, with plans to add hybrid-electric Corollas - Jackson, Tennessee: engine blocks, castings - Troy, Missouri: cylinder heads [5] Company Philosophy - Kevin Voelkel, senior vice president of manufacturing operations, emphasized that the company’s philosophy is to build where it sells, which aligns with the investment strategy to create more American jobs and expand its US footprint [3]

European car sales edged up again in August, as consumers continue to warm to electric and hybrid models produced by the region’s manufacturers in their fightback against Chinese rivals. https://t.co/25KnXQKHrV ...

Core Insights - The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid has been recognized as the Best Hybrid for the Money in the Compact SUV category by Cars.com, marking its second consecutive year of recognition [1][2] - Kia emphasizes its commitment to value and innovation in the hybrid segment, as reflected in the Sportage Hybrid's performance and design [1] - The evaluation for Cars.com's Best Hybrids for the Money list is based on the efficiency-cost rating, which considers the EPA's combined mpg rating relative to the vehicle's base price [1] Company Overview - Kia America is headquartered in Irvine, California, and is recognized for its automotive quality, being listed among TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024 [3] - The company serves as the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and WNBA, offering a diverse range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles through nearly 800 dealers in the U.S. [3] Future Developments - The 2026 Sportage has been revealed, building on the success of its predecessor with a fully redesigned package that focuses on design, innovation, technology, and convenience [2] - The 2026 model will offer three distinct powertrain variants: ICE, Turbo Hybrid (HEV), and Turbo Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), along with an expanded trim range [2]