Toyota RAV4 electric: product Woodstock, Ontario
Toyota announces its decision to manufacture the RAV4 electric vehicle at its plant in Woodstock (Ontario)
First electric vehicle Toyota product in North America to use the existing assembly plant RAV4.
The engines will be supplied by Tesla, California
Toyota and Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) confirmed today that have the RAV4 electric vehicle developed jointly by the two companies will be manufactured in the factory of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC) in Woodstock (Ontario) from of 2012.
Brian Krinock, TMMC Chairman, said: "The plant TMMC will be the first in North America to manufacture an electric vehicle Toyota. Members of our team have been fully engaged in making the best electric vehicle on the road. "
The manufacture of this vehicle in the Woodstock plant on the same assembly line as the gasoline RAV4 will streamline and simplify the production process and guarantee the optimal quality control.
The President of TMMC, Ray Tanguay, said: "We are opening a new chapter in our history and the future. By making the new RAV4 EV, TMMC will lead the way. Participate in advanced technology represents an excellent opportunity to motivate and develop our employees. "He added:" This is a perfect example of Toyota's determination to collaborate with companies who offer innovative technologies. "
As has already been announced, Toyota will pay approximately $ 100 million for the supply of the Tesla powertrain, which includes the battery, motor, gearbox and power electronics destined for RAV4 EV. Tesla will build the electric powertrains at its plant in Palo Alto, California and will ship to TMMC for final assembly into the vehicle.
The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry Canada, said: "The long-term goal of our government is to provide the best possible conditions for the viability of the automotive industry in North America. The Government of Canada is pleased to support the development and implementation of this innovative technology and energy-efficient in Canada. "
Premier of Ontario Dalton McGuinty added: "We have made great efforts to become the first car manufacturers in North America. To consolidate our position, we must produce the next generation of cars using clean technology. Today's announcement represents a tremendous vote of confidence for specialized workers in Ontario. "
The RAV4 EV will be sold in the U.S. through Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. (TMS). Details on price, volume and regional distribution will be determined and announced at a later date. No decision on sales in Canada has yet been taken.
Last July, Tesla and Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing North America (TEMA) collaborated to convert 32 have compact SUV RAV4 petrol prototypes electric RAV4 functional.
Toyota adopted a broad strategy of sustainable mobility that integrates products, partnerships, the urban environment and energy. The RAV4 EV is a new advanced technology products designed by Toyota. In addition to expanding the Prius family with the upcoming Prius v and Prius Plug-in Hybrid, Toyota will introduce an electric version of the Scion iQ in 2012 and a hybrid hydrogen fuel cell vehicle by 2015.
