Big day at Toyota Indiana: Lexus production underway, large donation to kids' museum

PRINCETON, Ind. – Toyota Indiana hosted a celebration Thursday to make two huge announcements: The plant has started production of its Lexus TX SUV, and the company is making a large donation to a community organization.

Plant officials showed off the three-row luxury automobile to assembled guests and dignitaries.

"It's a one-of-a-kind SUV designed for the North American market that could only be built right here at Toyota Indiana," said Leah Curry, president of Toyota Indiana. "...(it's) a testament to the hard work and excellence that our team members put in every day."

In 2021, Toyota announced an $803 million investment in Indiana to produce two new SUVs, the Grand Highlander − which was released early this year − and now the Lexus TX.

This Lexus TX is the first Lexus SUV to be assembled in the U.S. and the first Lexus for Toyota Indiana.

Similar to the Grand Highlander, it is seen as a road-trip vehicle. It includes a full-sized third row with ample seats for seven people, a large trunk, and hybrid/hybrid electric options.

The starting manufacturer's suggested retail price ranges from $55,000 to $72,000, depending on model type and options.

Praises rang through the room as officials thanked the team of 8,000 employees that took the time to learn how to build the vehicle.

"One can even say that adding a Lexus to Toyota Indiana is a combination of 27 years of continuous innovation and excellence in everything that we do every day," said Toyota Indiana Vice President Tim Hollander.

In honor of the event, Toyota Indiana announced a donation of $300,000 to the Koch Family Children's Museum of Evansville's "Play-it Forward" campaign.

With these funds, the museum will create an innovative mobile museum that will help provide children throughout the region the opportunity to grow their knowledge and imagination through the power of play.

Most of the activities in the mobile museum will focus on interactive opportunities themes that bring science, technology, engineering and math together.

"Today's children are the leaders of tomorrow," Curry said.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Lexus TX production underway at Toyota Indiana plant in Gibson County