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The Revolution Itself! Toyota Announces New 100% Electric SUV with Seven Seats After Heavy Investment
Toyota is ready to revolutionize the electric SUV market in the United States with the announcement of a new three-row model, providing space for up to seven passengers. This launch is part of a massive investment of US$ 1.3 billion in the Kentucky facilities, which are now focused on electric vehicle (EV) production, according to Olhar Digital.
The Toyota facilities in Kentucky, with more than 9,400 employees, are at the center of the company’s electrification strategy. The plant has already been responsible for the success of iconic models, such as the Camry, the best-selling passenger car in the U.S. for 22 consecutive years.
New Electric SUV: A Mystery Revealed
Although few details have been released about the new electric SUV, including photos of the concept car, Toyota has already demonstrated its commitment to electrification with the previous launch of the Toyota Land Cruiser, its first three-row electric SUV, in October 2023. This new SUV will be exclusive to the U.S. market, showcasing the importance of this market to Toyota.
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Hyundai sells an executive minivan that looks like a VIP room on wheels: Custin carries 7 people, uses a 1.5 turbo engine with 168 hp, 8-speed automatic transmission, and costs around R$ 157,000 in direct conversion in Vietnam.
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The 7-seater Toyota that seems too cheap to exist in Brazil: Rush has a 1.5 engine, manual or automatic option, and a converted price close to R$ 81,000, while here families need to aim for much more expensive SUVs.
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Peugeot publicly acknowledged the errors of the PureTech engine, which caused serious failures in hundreds of thousands of cars, and introduced the new Turbo 100 as a definitive solution, a 1.2 turbo tested for over 3 million kilometers that replaces the faulty belt with a more durable chain.
The announcement reflects Toyota’s commitment to vehicle electrification and reinvestment in its U.S. operations. Kerry Creech, president of Toyota Kentucky, emphasized the importance of this step: “Generations of our team members have helped prepare for this opportunity, and we will continue to lead the way to the future while remaining true to who we are as a company and putting our people first for generations to come.”
Big Plans for Battery Production
In addition to electrification, Toyota announced ambitious plans for battery production, including three lines focused on higher performance and lower cost expected by 2026. The company is also working on solid-state batteries, highlighting its commitment to innovation and sustainability.
In Europe, Toyota is preparing to launch two new fully electric concept cars, the Urban SUV and the Sport Crossover, scheduled for 2025. These models will join the bZ4X, the only BEV (battery electric vehicle) model officially for sale from the brand. Toyota plans to have at least six models in the market by 2026 and achieve 100% carbon neutrality by 2035.
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