How to Watch the Lexus RZ 450e Reveal & Toyota’s Big U.S. Investment
As the all-electric Lexus RZ 450e is set to be revealed at 6 am ET on April 20, Toyota is investing heavily in its U.S. production plants.
As it embarks on a new fully-electric mission, Toyota’s luxury arm is also on the cusp of revealing its first-ever global all-electric crossover (as the UX 300e is only sold in select markets) – the Lexus RX450e. The Lexus RZ 450e has been teased on a number of occasions to this point, but on April 20, 2022, the new EV crossover will be revealed in the flesh, making a truly important moment for Toyota as it prepares to invest heavily in all-electric vehicles in the coming years. And you can watch it all live via the embedded video below, starting at 6 am ET.
The Lexus RZ 450e reveal – along with the recently unveiled Toyota bZ4x – are just the first steps in a major EV pivot for the Japanese automaker in the coming years. As it aims to spend $17 billion to launch 30 new electric vehicles by 2030, sell 3.5 million battery EVs globally by that same date, and completely electrify the Lexus brand by 2035, Toyota also recently detailed its latest planned investments in U.S. production as well.
In total, Toyota will invest $383 million in four of its U.S. manufacturing plants located in Alabama, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee to aid in the production of four-cylinder engines for both ICE-powered and hybrid vehicles. That starts at its Huntsville, Alabama plant, where Toyota will invest $222 million to create a new four-cylinder production line with the capacity to produce engines for both combustion and hybrid electric powertrains that will also expand its footprint by 114,000 square feet.
Meanwhile, Toyota’s Georgetown, Kentucky plant will get a $16 million dollar infusion to expand its four-cylinder production line, while the Jackson, Tennessee plant will receive $36 million that will go to purchase updated equipment to build new four-cylinder engine blocks. Finally, the automaker’s Troy, Michigan plant is getting a $109 million dollar investment for new equipment to build four-cylinder engine heads on three production lines.
“Toyota customers want vehicles that are fuel-efficient and electrified,” said Norm Bafunno, senior vice president, Unit Manufacturing and Engineering, Toyota. “These investments allow us to meet customer needs and quickly respond to an evolving market. We are committed to investing in the U.S., and our teams are ready to take on this new challenge.”
Photos: Lexus, Toyota
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