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Toyota’s hybrid could bring green to DeSoto
By CYNTHIA BULLION
Times News Staff
DESOTO COUNTY — Toyota’s recent decision to change plans for its billion-dollar facility under construction in Blue Springs, Miss., could bring dollars to DeSoto.
The Japan-based auto manufacturer announced Thursday that the plant will manufacture the Prius, considered the most fuel-efficient car in America by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, rather than the Highlander SUV as originally planned.
The switch, which the company said is needed to meet the increasing demand for hybrid vehicles, will make the Mississippi plant near Tupelo the first in North America to produce the Prius.
It also could mean companies designated as plant suppliers and needing to maintain international connections would locate in DeSoto County, according to local officials.
Jim Flanagan, president and CEO of the DeSoto County Economic Development Council, said the county’s proximity to an international airport and major railroad yard, as well as available tax incentives are often major factors in the decision of industries and companies to locate here.
In this case, Southaven’s having a Foreign Trade Zone - where imported goods are duty-free until entering the U.S. market - could also play an important role.
“It adds to our attraction to companies needing to use contacts in Japan,” Flanagan said. “We hope when Tier 2, Tier 3 suppliers for Toyota come calling, DeSoto County will be considered.”
He said Tier 2 and 3 suppliers would feed primary Toyota plant suppliers but likely would not begin locating anywhere until the plant is completed or begins operating. Six primary suppliers have already been announced and will adjust their plans to meet the new production demands.
First announced in February 1997, the Toyota plant is expected to employ 2,000 people and begin producing the Prius - that gets an average 46 miles per gallon and has a base price around $22,000 - in late 2010. It represents a $1.3 billion investment in the state.
The Highlander SUV originally planned for production at the plant now will be manufactured in Princeton, Ind., beginning fall of next year. Production of the Tundra, a full-size truck, at the Indiana site will be consolidated into Toyota’s San Antonio, Texas, plant next spring after being suspended from Aug.8 to November in response to the declining overall market for full-size trucks and SUVs, such as Toyota’s Sequoia for which production also will be suspended.
“The truck market continues to worsen, so unfortunately we must temporarily suspend production,” Jim Wiseman, vice president/external affairs for Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, said in a release Thursday. “But this good news about production mix demonstrates our long-term commitment to our North American operations and to our team members, supplier partners and communities where our plants are located.”
Cynthia Bullion can be reached at cbullion@desototimes.com or 429-NEWS, ext. 236.
The Japan-based auto manufacturer announced Thursday that the plant will manufacture the Prius, considered the most fuel-efficient car in America by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, rather than the Highlander SUV as originally planned.
The switch, which the company said is needed to meet the increasing demand for hybrid vehicles, will make the Mississippi plant near Tupelo the first in North America to produce the Prius.
It also could mean companies designated as plant suppliers and needing to maintain international connections would locate in DeSoto County, according to local officials.
Jim Flanagan, president and CEO of the DeSoto County Economic Development Council, said the county’s proximity to an international airport and major railroad yard, as well as available tax incentives are often major factors in the decision of industries and companies to locate here.
In this case, Southaven’s having a Foreign Trade Zone - where imported goods are duty-free until entering the U.S. market - could also play an important role.
“It adds to our attraction to companies needing to use contacts in Japan,” Flanagan said. “We hope when Tier 2, Tier 3 suppliers for Toyota come calling, DeSoto County will be considered.”
He said Tier 2 and 3 suppliers would feed primary Toyota plant suppliers but likely would not begin locating anywhere until the plant is completed or begins operating. Six primary suppliers have already been announced and will adjust their plans to meet the new production demands.
First announced in February 1997, the Toyota plant is expected to employ 2,000 people and begin producing the Prius - that gets an average 46 miles per gallon and has a base price around $22,000 - in late 2010. It represents a $1.3 billion investment in the state.
The Highlander SUV originally planned for production at the plant now will be manufactured in Princeton, Ind., beginning fall of next year. Production of the Tundra, a full-size truck, at the Indiana site will be consolidated into Toyota’s San Antonio, Texas, plant next spring after being suspended from Aug.8 to November in response to the declining overall market for full-size trucks and SUVs, such as Toyota’s Sequoia for which production also will be suspended.
“The truck market continues to worsen, so unfortunately we must temporarily suspend production,” Jim Wiseman, vice president/external affairs for Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, said in a release Thursday. “But this good news about production mix demonstrates our long-term commitment to our North American operations and to our team members, supplier partners and communities where our plants are located.”
Cynthia Bullion can be reached at cbullion@desototimes.com or 429-NEWS, ext. 236.
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