Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada has announced that the company plans to start assembling electric versions of its RAV4 sport utility vehicle in Woodstock, ontario under a partnership with California-based Tesla Motors. The RAV4 EV will be the first electric vehicle built in Canada.

According to ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, “We worked hard to become North Americas number one producer of cars. To stay on top, we need to produce the next generation of cars that use clean technology.”

The Province of Ontario, in partnership with the Government of Canada, will support the production of the RAV4 EV through their investment in Toyotas recently announced Project Green Light. The total investment among all partners could reach $545 million, with ontario and the Government of Canada each providing $70.8 million towards Project Green Light. Sandra Pupatello,

ontario Minister of Economic Development and Trade commented that teh investment may be the first of many future program investments: Toyotas decision to produce the RAV4 EV in Woodstock is one more positive result of our investment in green technology. ontario will benefit by taking a leading role in the production of the next generation of green vehicles.

Ray Tanguay, Chairman of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada added, Were turning a new chapter in our history and into the future. TMMC will lead the way by building the new RAV4 EV. Being involved with leading edge technology is a great opportunity to motivate and develop our people. This is an excellent example of Toyotas determination to collaborate with companies with innovative technology.

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QUICK FACTS

ontario and the Government of Canada are each providing $70.8 million towards Project Green Light. The total investment from all partners in could reach $545 million.
The auto industry supports approximately 400,000 jobs across the Ontario.
ontario builds more cars than any other state or province in North America.