Toyota may finally begin operating its new plant in Mississippi in June of 2011 according to Japanese news sources. This is one of 10 assembly plants in the US, which together employ 33,400 workers and indirectly fuel another 160,700 jobs.
The Mississippi-based plant was originally intended to begin manufacturing operations in the second half of 2010. In 2008, Toyota had stopped work on the new plant, which was intended to build the Prius hybrid, due to declining auto sales in North America. With auto sales picking up again, Toyota may finally be making this plant operational.
Despite sales momentum this year for many automakers, Toyota has not been so lucky. With its reputation in tatters, the automaker has experienced a drop in sales and profits. Meanwhile, Mississippi has been pressuring Toyota to start the plant as the state is suffering from a 10.6 percent unemployment rate. With new jobs and renewed operations, the plant’s opening could provide a modest public relations boost as the automaker works to regain the trust of American consumers. Unfortunately, if sales remains stagnant, the lights at this plant may remain off for quite some time.
Although Toyota has had its fair share of ups and downs in recent months, Burien Toyota is still optimistic based on the amount of consumers that still visit the lot to purchase the all-new third-generation Prius and other popular Toyota models. What also may help drive consumers to Toyota dealers Akron is the plethora of positive accolades that Toyota models still receive by various automotive websites and magazines.
Even among Golden Valley Toyota dealers, the brand’s reputation for fuel-efficiency, safety, and reliability, have not been eroded by recent events. With sales looking strong going into the summer months, Toyota’s reputation clearly is remaining intact.
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