Toyota Introduces All-New Tundra In Texas

Toyota Motor Co. rolled out two prototypes of its latest Tundra pickup truck at the State Fair of Texas. Said Tundra models will be assembled in Toyota's billion-dollar San Antonio plant.

"The State Fair is a true icon of Texas, which just happens to be the epicenter of the U.S. light truck market. It's easy to illustrate just how important Texas is to us," says Ernest Bastien, vice president of vehicle operations for Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. "If you need more proof of how important Texas is to Toyota, all you have to do is take a look in San Antonio at our new truck plant there."

“We think both of these trucks will have special appeal with true truckers, including a variety of hard-working commercial and ranch users," Bastien added. "We decided the new Tundra needed to be a truck built exclusively for the customer, not a truck that simply benchmarked the full-size competition. When you add in the investments being made by Gulf States Toyota and our dealers, we are bringing nearly $2 billion worth of new facilities into the economy of Texas."

Tundra, a full-size pickup truck which replaced the T100, is made larger than its predecessors. This is done to respond better to the truckers needs. 2007 Tundra was introduced at the recently concluded Chicago Auto Show. Power Toyota Tundra body parts include the eight-foot bed and a 165-inch wheelbase. Engine options include a 4.0 L V6, 4.7 L V8, and 5.7 L V8.

Toyota constructed its new plant in San Antonio in order to significant Tundra pickup trucks. It was said that the construction of said plant amounted to an investment worth $850 million. Said plant will also generate a total of 2,000 new jobs. Fortunately, the investment flourishes up to more than $1 billion. It has also accommodated a total of 4,100 new jobs.

"The plant is impressive. Huge coils of steel roll into one end of the plant, and finished pickup trucks roll out the other. Inside, there are some of the largest pieces of manufacturing equipment in the state," says Toby Hynes, president of Gulf States Toyota.

Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an offroad enthusiast.