Toyota cranks up V8 engine

Saturday, February 03, 2007

By GINA HANNAH

Times Business Writer gina.hannah@htimes.com

Japanese official says work force key to plant's success

Nearly six years ago to the day, local and state officials and top management of Toyota Motor Corp. announced the construction of an engine plant for North Huntsville Industrial Park. On Friday, many of those same people gathered at Toyota's engine plant to celebrate the launch of the automaker's first 5.7-liter V8 engine.

"This is the most powerful pickup truck engine Toyota has ever manufactured," said Shoji Ikawa, Toyota's senior managing director. "The engine is the heart of any vehicle. Engine performance and quality are major considerations for today's truck customer."

The new engines will be used for all the new Tundras built in San Antonio and Indiana. The plant is expected to produce 150,000 of the engines each year.

Ikawa, other Toyota top brass and elected officials praised the engine plant's employees for their hard work and attention to quality.

"You have set a new standard in excellence," Gov. Bob Riley said. "The whole state will benefit."

"You have gone beyond our expectations," said Mike Gillespie, Madison County Commission chairman. "Your commitment to excellence is legendary - it's a model to follow."

Shoji Ogawa, Japan's consul general, said Toyota's success and growth can be attributed to Alabama's business-friendly environment, including a strong work force.

Marvin Pinchon spoke on behalf of plant employees.

"We're proud to be a part of this history-making, life-changing event," Pinchon said. "If Mr. Ogawa wants to know how I feel about working for Toyota, I have to say it like James Brown - I feel good."

Toyota's Huntsville engine plant, which opened in 2003, makes V8 engines for the Tundra full-size pickup and Sequoia full-size sport utility vehicle assembled in Indiana, and V6 engines for Tundras and Tacoma pickups produced in California and Mexico.

The local plant initially employed about 350. Now at nearly 1,000 employees, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama makes 400,000 engines a year.

Toyota also used the celebration to announce that it has donated $50,000 to the National Children's Advocacy Center and Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntsville-Madison County, for its technology lab and reading programs. A children's chorus from the Boys & Girls Clubs got a standing ovation for its performance of "I Believe I Can Fly."

NASCAR driver AJ Allmendinger of Team Red Bull, who drives Toyota's NASCAR Camry, also attended the event.



Toyota cranks up V8 engine Saturday, February 03, 2007 By GINA HANNAH Times Business Writer gina.hannah@htimes.com Japanese official says work force key to plant's success Nearly six years ago to the day, local and state officials and top management of Toyota Motor Corp. announced the construction of an engine plant for North Huntsville Industrial Park. On Friday, many of those same people gathered at Toyota's engine plant to celebrate the launch of the automaker's first 5.7-liter V8 engine. "This is the most powerful pickup truck engine Toyota has ever manufactured," said Shoji Ikawa, Toyota's senior managing director. "The engine is the heart of any vehicle. Engine performance and quality are major considerations for today's truck customer." The new engines will be used for all the new Tundras built in San Antonio and Indiana. The plant is expected to produce 150,000 of the engines each year. Ikawa, other Toyota top brass and elected officials praised the engine plant's employees for their hard work and attention to quality. "You have set a new standard in excellence," Gov. Bob Riley said. "The whole state will benefit." "You have gone beyond our expectations," said Mike Gillespie, Madison County Commission chairman. "Your commitment to excellence is legendary - it's a model to follow." Shoji Ogawa, Japan's consul general, said Toyota's success and growth can be attributed to Alabama's business-friendly environment, including a strong work force. Marvin Pinchon spoke on behalf of plant employees. "We're proud to be a part of this history-making, life-changing event," Pinchon said. "If Mr. Ogawa wants to know how I feel about working for Toyota, I have to say it like James Brown - I feel good." Toyota's Huntsville engine plant, which opened in 2003, makes V8 engines for the Tundra full-size pickup and Sequoia full-size sport utility vehicle assembled in Indiana, and V6 engines for Tundras and Tacoma pickups produced in California and Mexico. The local plant initially employed about 350. Now at nearly 1,000 employees, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama makes 400,000 engines a year. Toyota also used the celebration to announce that it has donated $50,000 to the National Children's Advocacy Center and Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntsville-Madison County, for its technology lab and reading programs. A children's chorus from the Boys & Girls Clubs got a standing ovation for its performance of "I Believe I Can Fly." NASCAR driver AJ Allmendinger of Team Red Bull, who drives Toyota's NASCAR Camry, also attended the event. © 2007 The Huntsville Times © 2007 al.com All Rights Reserved.