Cambridge, Ontario, July 24, 2012—The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology) (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario), today made the following statement on the announcement by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. that it is expanding production of the Lexus RX 350 and producing a Lexus hybrid vehicle, the RX 450h:
"On behalf of the Harper Government, I would like to congratulate Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada on its welcome announcement. It is another vote of confidence for Canada's economic strength and our highly skilled workers.
"Our government is especially pleased that Toyota has chosen its award-winning Canadian plant to expand production of the Lexus RX 350 and to produce a Lexus hybrid vehicle, the RX 450h, which will be the first hybrid vehicle manufactured in Canada. With this announcement and the addition of 400 new jobs, we are all winners. When a plant like this expands, it adds to the supply chain, helps grow the industry and is a tremendous boost, not only for Cambridge but also for Ontario and for Canada.
"Toyota's presence in our communities has led to the creation of jobs, sustainable long-term growth and an environmentally friendly approach to making cars.
"Our government's long-term goal is to continue to create the right conditions for a sustainable and viable North American auto sector that will provide jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for this industry in Canada.
"Toyota continues to be a market leader with its high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles. The automotive industry matters in Canada, and Toyota is important to Canada."
For further information (media only), please contact:
Michèle-Jamali Paquette
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology) (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario)
613-947-2956
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
