Japanese automaker Toyota has begun the export of Highlander SUVs that are manufactured in the US to five countries including Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
The company expects to export approximately 29,000 units annually. Toyota's manufacturing plant in Princeton, Indiana will produce these SUVs.
The Princeton plant currently has a workforce of 4,500 and will add 200 employees by the end of 2014.
The plant represents a $4.2bn investment and currently produces Sequoia full-size SUV and Sienna minivan along with Highlander SUV.
Toyota began exports of the model in late December 2013. Currently, it exports Highlander to Australia and New Zealand from Baltimore, Maryland and to the remaining three Eastern European countries from Brunswick, Georgia.
Toyota Motor Sales USA senior vice president Bob Carter said that the export of Highlander SUVs to Australia, New Zealand and Eastern Europe helps maintain Toyota's base of US jobs, and is the result of their extensive investments across North America.
"We look forward to other opportunities to continue expanding exports from our U.S. operations," Carter added.
Image: Toyota has started exporting Highlander SUVs to five countries. Photo: Courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc.
