Toyota Alabama powers up new engine, sixth expansion in Huntsville

HUNTSVILLE – Toyota Alabama, on the heels of an earlier investment of $222 million in an i-Force 2.4-liter turbo engine, announced Wednesday it will begin production of the line for its all-new Tacoma hybrid.

The Huntsville plant said the move furthers its commitment to diversified powertrains that align with customer demand.

“The completion of the i-FORCE 2.4 liter turbo engine line marks a significant milestone for Toyota Alabama and further supports job stability for our 2,000 employees,” said Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Alabama. “Now, with Tacoma offering a hybrid option, every line at our plant includes engines for hybrid vehicles.

“It’s our team and their skills that have paved the way for this plant to play a critical role in Toyota’s efficient and electrified future.”

According to a news release, Toyota Alabama continues to “go big” in its commitment to carbon-reducing and carbon-neutral products with plans to invest more than $70 billion in vehicle electrification through 2030.

The i-Force 2.4-liter turbo engine line marks the plant’s sixth building expansion and brings Toyota Alabama’s total investment to $1.5 billion. In 2023, the plant reported record production, assembling more than 777,000 engines for Toyota vehicles manufactured in North America.

Toyota Alabama produces four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines for the Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Cross, Tacoma, Highlander, Sienna and RAV4.

The company also said the new line demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to long-term employment and the success of its operational communities.

Last year, Toyota announced two initiatives:

• A $49 million solar array, in partnership with Huntsville Utilities and Toyota Tsusho, to supply more than 70% of Toyota Alabama’s energy needs when complete.
• Grants of up to $6.7 million to help prepare Huntsville City Schools students for future careers in science, technology, engineering and math. The grants are part of Toyota USA Foundations Driving Possibilities initiative and will fund a five-year phased rollout of programming in select schools.