PRINCETON – Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced today that Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) is expanding its Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana (Toyota Indiana) operations in Princeton again, investing $34 million and creating approximately 50 new jobs.
“Toyota’s continued investment in Indiana is a testament to the strength of our manufacturing sector and the skill of our Hoosier workforce,” said Governor Mike Braun. “Today’s announcement will put Indiana at the center of building the vehicles of tomorrow, bolstering our reputation as a leading global destination for automotive innovation and production. Toyota’s commitment to Indiana will create 50 new, good-paying jobs for Hoosiers and further cement the company’s presence in Princeton for years to come.”
TMNA yesterday introduced its new brand, Scion by Toyota. The brand’s first vehicle, the KEI-01, is an ultra-compact utility truck that will be assembled at Toyota Indiana and will arrive in the U.S. in the second half of 2027. The vehicle is less expensive than a traditional pickup truck, and it will open up new possibilities for affordable, capable, and personal mobility.
The company’s investment in Indiana will establish new vehicle assembly operations and upgrade production and logistics infrastructure, bringing this unique utility vehicle to U.S. customers. The KEI-01 provides the functionality, efficiency, and versatility of Japan’s renowned kei trucks, providing a practical solution for buyers who need versatility and durability without the size or expense of a traditional pickup.
“The future of mobility will not be defined by one vehicle, one technology or one way of thinking,” said Simon Humphries, chief branding officer, head of design, Toyota Motor Corporation. “Scion by Toyota gives us a place to challenge conventional thinking, explore new possibilities and create mobility in new ways. The KEI-01, SxS and BKE concepts each represent a different possibility—and together, they show what can happen when curiosity leads the way.”
Toyota’s investment in Indiana strengthens the state’s robust and innovative automotive sector, which is home to five major OEM assembly plants and 500 automotive parts suppliers that together produce 1.3 million cars and trucks annually, ranking No. 2 in the nation. Indiana was named the No. 1 manufacturing hub in the U.S. by Business Facilities in 2026.
“Indiana’s automotive industry is building unprecedented economic momentum thanks to the commitment of companies like Toyota,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich. “Across the state, Hoosiers are developing and manufacturing the engines, power systems, parts and vehicles that businesses and consumers across the country and around the world rely on each day. With Toyota’s new commitment, Indiana continues to play a central role in the future of mobility.”
Toyota Indiana is celebrating 30 years of production this year. The company has already invested more than $8.2 billion in its Princeton facility, which has grown to employ nearly 8,000 associates who assemble three Toyota models and one Lexus model. Toyota Indiana has been a key partner in Southwest Indiana’s quality of place initiatives through READI, advancing the new Toyota Indiana YMCA in Princeton, and has donated more than $55 million in grants to serve its community and empower future generations.
Today’s news comes on the heels of the 56th annual joint meeting of the Midwest-U.S. Japan Association and the Japan-Midwest Association in Indianapolis in September and just weeks after Sec. Goodrich’s economic development trip to Japan in October. Toyota is one of nearly 300 Japanese business facilities in Indiana that support nearly 62,000 Hoosier jobs statewide.
