Toyota Alabama accelerates production unveiling the i-FORCE engine line to power the enhanced Tacoma, focused on versatile powertrains and demand-led job stability
Toyota Alabama launches i-FORCE 2.4L turbo engine line, fortifying commitment to responsive powertrains amid market shifts. The OEM ramps up towards its wider electrification goals
Toyota Alabama has commenced production on its i-FORCE 2.4-litre turbo engine line, specifically tailored for the newly enhanced Tacoma model. The initiative falls in line with Toyota’s commitment to versatile powertrain offerings and consumer demand as the carmaker says it is motivated to foster job stability within its operational ecosystem.
Jason Puckett, President of Toyota Alabama, highlighted the importance of the i-FORCE 2.4-litre turbo engine line: “The completion of this engine line represents a pivotal milestone for Toyota Alabama, reinforcing job security for our dedicated workforce of 2,000 employees.
“With the Tacoma now featuring a hybrid variant, every assembly line at our facility contributes engines for hybrid vehicles, underscoring our team’s instrumental role in Toyota’s electrified future.”
Sustainable power lines for Toyota’s electrification pursuits
Globally, Toyota says it remains steadfast in its pursuit of carbon-reducing and carbon-neutral products, with a commitment to invest over $70 billion in vehicle electrification by 2030.
The introduction of the i-FORCE 2.4-litre turbo engine line marks the sixth expansion of the plant, bringing Toyota Alabama’s cumulative investment to $1.5 billion. In 2023, the facility achieved record production, manufacturing over 777,000 engines for Toyota vehicles across North America.
The plant caters to a diverse range of popular Toyota models, including the Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Cross, Tacoma, Highlander, Sienna, and RAV4, by producing both four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines.
Toyota announced two significant initiatives last year, including the $49 million solar array collaboration with Huntsville Utilities and Toyota Tsusho, aimed at providing over 70% of Toyota Alabama’s energy requirements upon completion.
The OEM has also offered grants totaling up to $6.7 million to support Huntsville City Schools in preparing students for future careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
These grants, part of the Toyota USA Foundation’s Driving Possibilities initiative, will facilitate a five-year phased implementation of tailored programming in select schools.
