Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky Inc. built its 100,000th Camry Hybrid during first shift production on November 25. The milestone comes almost two years after the plant became Toyota’s first in North America to build a hybrid model.
The addition of hybrid production in 2006 represented a $10 million investment at TMMK, which along with Camry and Camry Hybrid, produces the Avalon, Solara convertible and Venza.
The Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive System consists of gas and electric power sources that are complementary and produce a combined 187 horsepower. This system varies power between gas and electric, or both, as needed.
The first-half of the system consists of a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine, assembled at TMMK’s Power Train plant. The Atkinson-cycle engine generates 147 hp and is coupled to a continuously variable transmission. The second half of the Hybrid Synergy Drive equation consists of a small, high torque electric motor that produces 40 horsepower, an ultra-small inverter with a specially designed compact battery and a transaxle to provide the economy and seamless performance hybrid drivers seek.
About TMMK
TMMK is located in Georgetown, Ky., and is Toyota’s largest manufacturing facility in North America employing about 7,000 team members. Initially, TMMK hired team members from 116 of Kentucky’s 120 counties and continues its philosophy of giving back to the communities where its team members live. TMMK has the capacity to produce 500,000 vehicles and engines annually. Its products include the Camry, Camry Hybrid, Avalon and Solara as well as V6 and 4-cylinder engines and engine components. Since arriving in Georgetown in 1986, TMMK has distributed more than $32 million in gifts and sponsorships across Kentucky.
