PRINCETON, Ind. (AP) -- Toyota Motor Corp. says it has begun production of its Highlander sport-utility vehicle at its truck complex near Evansville.
Spokeswoman Kelly Dillon says Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana plans to celebrate the launch Thursday with small worker celebrations on the shop floor and an afternoon reception for community leaders.
The assembly line in the Toyota West plant underwent a $500 million retooling to handle the midsize Highlander after production of the Tundra full-size pickup was moved to San Antonio, Texas.
Toyota West will continue producing the full-size Sequoia SUV, while the Toyota East plant assembles the Sienna minivan. The complex employs 4,200, following the recent buyouts of about 400 workers.
Toyota operates 14 plants in North America.