SAN ANTONIO - The future of the clean truck industry is rolling off the assembly line right now at Toyota's Southside plant. The 2022 hybrid electric Tundra represents the next generation of trucks.
"In Texas, we love trucks, and that we get to see a truck, a Tundra made here in San Antonio, that’s helpful to our environment is absolutely fascinating," says District 4 City Councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia. "The goal that they have by 2050 of having more than 70 percent of their vehicles to be helpful to our environment is great news.
"The truck looks really awesome. The grill looks great. The inside looks amazing. I can’t wait to see how well this performs in the market."
The new truck was unveiled today in front of a group that included Gov. Greg Abbott, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, Mayor Ron Nirenberg and other dignitaries, plant workers and guests. It was met with a standing ovation as it rolled into view.
"It's a big deal for Toyota and it’s a big deal for San Antonio," Nirenberg told the assemblage. "That’s Texas equipment with Texas hands producing Texas trucks. The 2022 Tundra is the latest example of Toyota’s innovative excellence."
It's also a big step for the Japanese manufacturer as it strives to go green.
"The hybrid electric vehicle is a combination of both the internal combustion engine and a battery and a motor," says Kevin Voelkel, Toyota Texas president. "Those will produce sufficient torque for the customer that will far exceed their expectations."
Now the challenge is to produce them fast enough.
"The demand for it is more than we can make right now," Voelkel says.
Last year, Toyota sold 108,000 Tundras.
Toyota spent $391 million on its production facility to be able to build the new truck. That brings its total investment in San Antonio to more than $3 billion.
"This vehicle is basically 100 percent redesigned from the ground up," Voelkel says, which hasn't happened in 15 years.
It's a source of pride too for the 3,200 people who work at the plant.
"Every Tundra in the world, wherever it's sold, is made right here in San Antonio, Texas by this workforce, the best workforce in the world," Voelkel says.
Toyota also announced a $650,000 community donation; $50,000 going to each of six Southside school districts, $250,000 to VIA and $100,000 to the San Antonio Food Bank.
"They continue to invest in education," Rocha Garcia says. "That is huge."