Toyota announced a $912 million investment in U.S. manufacturing on Tuesday, just days after CEO Akio Toyoda drew international attention for hosting a red, white, and blue NASCAR event in Japan while sporting a Trump-Vance shirt and a red MAGA hat.
According to the New York Post, the Sunday event at Toyota’s Fuji Speedway showcased top drivers, a crowd waving American flags, and an appearance from U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass, according to Automotive News.
Toyoda addressed recent U.S.-Japan trade tensions with a bold, pro-Trump statement.
“I’m not here to argue whether tariffs are good or bad. Every national leader wants to protect their own industry,” Toyoda said ahead of the endurance race. “We are exploring ways to make tariffs a winner for everyone. The people we want most to be winners are our customers.”
The appearance came amid a roughly 15% baseline tariff on Japanese auto imports, reduced from 27.5% as part of a September trade agreement.
Glass tweeted photos of himself with Toyoda, adding, “Looking forward to celebrating the culture of [U.S.] motorsports again next year” as part of America’s 250th-anniversary festivities in Japan.
Back in the U.S., Toyota’s nearly $1 billion investment will focus on ramping up hybrid vehicle production across Southern states, part of a previously announced plan to invest up to $10 billion in the U.S. by 2030. Most projects are expected to be completed by 2027. Toyota currently holds more than 51% of the U.S. hybrid vehicle market through the third quarter of 2025, according to Motor Intelligence data.
“Customers are embracing Toyota’s hybrid vehicles, and our U.S. manufacturing teams are gearing up to meet that growing demand,” said Kevin Voelkel, senior vice president of manufacturing operations. “Toyota’s philosophy is to build where we sell, and by adding more American jobs and investing across our U.S. footprint, we continue to stay true to that philosophy.”
The largest portion of Tuesday’s investment — $453 million — will go toward Toyota’s Buffalo, West Virginia, plant to increase assembly of four-cylinder, hybrid-compatible engines. Another $204.4 million is earmarked for the Georgetown, Kentucky, plant for similar production.
Toyota is also allocating $125 million to expand Corolla production and add hybrid vehicle assembly in Blue Springs, Mississippi, $71.4 million for Jackson, Tennessee, and $57.1 million for Troy, Missouri. The projects are expected to create 252 new jobs nationwide, according to the company.
This dual announcement — a flashy international event paired with a major domestic investment — signals Toyota’s commitment to growing its U.S. footprint while navigating the complex trade landscape.
