Ontario Welcomes Commitment from Auto Maker

Todd Smith, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, welcomed the announcement today that Toyota plans to produce a new compact luxury SUV at its Cambridge plant.

“The auto industry is getting the message loud and clear — Ontario is open for business and open for jobs,” said Smith. “Our government’s ongoing actions to cut red tape and lower business costs are putting Ontario back at the top of the list for automotive investment.”

Starting in 2022, Toyota will begin to produce the Lexus NX at its Cambridge plant, in both gasoline and hybrid versions. This will accompany current production in Cambridge of the mid-size luxury Lexus RX and RX hybrid. Toyota also currently manufactures its popular RAV4 sports utility vehicle in plants in Woodstock and Cambridge and is one of the province’s top vehicle producers.

“Toyota’s decision to produce a new generation of Lexus vehicles in Cambridge is another example of how Ontario’s skilled workforce and advanced supply chain are perfectly suited to build the vehicles of tomorrow,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, who attended today’s announcement in Cambridge. “Working together, we’re helping create jobs and make the sector more competitive. We’re showing the world that Ontario is open for business and open for jobs.”

The Ontario government is fulfilling its promise of making Ontario a top destination for the auto sector. Earlier this year, a comprehensive plan for supporting the auto sector — Driving Prosperity: The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector — was released. It sets out a 10-year vision for how industry, the research and education sector, and all three levels of government can work together to strengthen the auto sector’s competitiveness and bring new jobs to the province.

• Since 1990, Toyota’s Ontario production facilities (Cambridge and Woodstock) have been awarded 16 J.D. Power Plant Initial Quality Awards, more than any other manufacturer in the Americas.
• Vehicle assembly and auto parts production directly supports over 100,000 Ontario jobs, with a further 100,000 more spin-off jobs in communities across the province.
• Ontario is the only place in North America where five major automakers build vehicles — Toyota, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda — as well as truck manufacturer Hino.
• The province’s vehicle assembly facilities are supported by a supply chain comprising over 700 parts firms and over 500 tool, die and mold makers.

• Ontario’s Advantages in Automotive Production
• Open for Business
• Driving Prosperity: The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector