ASIATODAY.ID, WASHINGTON — Toyota Motor Corporation has officially announced an additional investment of US$10 billion in the United States over the next five years.
The announcement confirms earlier remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump, which had initially caused confusion within the automotive industry.
The move signals Toyota’s strong push to expand its presence in the world’s largest auto market while reinforcing its commitment to electric vehicle (EV) transformation.
“This additional US$10 billion investment will bring Toyota’s total investment in the United States to nearly US$60 billion since the company began operations there almost 70 years ago,” the company said in a statement on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
New EV Battery Plant Officially Opens
The announcement coincides with the opening of Toyota’s first U.S. plant dedicated to producing lithium-ion batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles.
Located in North Carolina, the facility is Toyota’s 11th plant in the country, valued at nearly US$14 billion and expected to create up to 5,100 new jobs.
Previously, Trump had claimed in October that Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda shared plans for the massive investment during their meeting in Tokyo.
“They’re going to spend US$10 billion. They’re going to build a new car plant in several states,” Trump said at the time.
The statement was initially met with skepticism from Toyota’s management. The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Kenta Kon, said last week that it was difficult to confirm the accuracy of the figure mentioned by Trump. Thursday’s official announcement clarifies the investment plan and underscores improving economic ties between the two countries.
Boosted by a New Bilateral Economic Deal
The fresh investment comes after a bilateral economic agreement announced in July. In exchange for lowering U.S. tariffs on Japanese vehicle imports to 15%—down from the threatened 25%-27.5% range—Tokyo agreed to channel US$550 billion in investments into the U.S. economy.
The Trump administration has also pressured Japanese automakers to increase exports of U.S.-made vehicles to Japan.
Toyota said it is open to the idea, provided the two countries can harmonize their vehicle certification standards.
“Efforts are underway to align certification standards between Japan and the United States. If successful, we will consider it,” said Hiroyuki Ueda, Toyota’s Head of Public Affairs, at the Tokyo Mobility Show.
Strong Performance Despite Tariff Pressures
Despite tariff risks and market challenges, Toyota continues to deliver solid performance. The company recently revised upward its operating income and net profit forecasts for the current fiscal year, “despite the impact of U.S. tariffs,” the statement said.
With this multibillion-dollar commitment and the rollout of its new battery plant, Toyota is solidifying its foothold in the U.S. electric vehicle landscape—reinforcing its global ambition to lead in the low-emission automotive era. (AT Network)
Follow Us at Google News and WA Channel