In a recent development, Toyota Motor North America has introduced significant leadership changes as part of its ongoing efforts to transition towards electrification. The Japanese automaker has unveiled a new position titled “Senior Vice President of Electric Vehicle Supply,” aimed at spearheading the company’s electric vehicle (EV) supply and production strategy in North America.
Susan Elkington, previously the President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), has been appointed to this critical role. As the Senior VP of Electric Vehicle Supply, Elkington will assume responsibility for expediting Toyota’s electrified transformation, with a specific focus on battery and electric vehicle production as well as supply strategy.
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During her tenure as President of TMMK, Elkington oversaw operations at Toyota’s largest manufacturing facility globally, boasting an impressive annual unit production of 500,000 vehicles. Toyota recently confirmed plans to produce its inaugural US-assembled EV, a three-row electric SUV, at the Georgetown, Kentucky plant. Elkington expressed her enthusiasm regarding the plant’s transition to electric vehicles, stating, “Toyota Kentucky set the standard for Toyota vehicle manufacturing in the US, and now we’re leading the charge with BEVs.”
The batteries for the new three-row electric SUV will be supplied by Toyota’s state-of-the-art battery factory located in North Carolina. As part of her expanded responsibilities, Elkington will oversee this facility as well. Toyota had previously announced a $2.1 billion investment in May, totaling $6 billion, to enable the production of lithium-ion batteries on six lines, two dedicated to EVs and four to hybrids.
Apart from the highly anticipated bZ4X, Toyota is planning to launch an additional ten fully electric vehicles worldwide, striving to achieve 1.5 million EV sales by 2026. At a recent technical briefing, Toyota unveiled various groundbreaking innovations, including next-generation batteries and design enhancements, promising to double the range of its existing EV lineup.
In light of these leadership changes, Kerry Creech, formerly the Vice President of Manufacturing at TMMK, has been promoted to assume Elkington’s former position as the President of the facility. Furthermore, Mike Sweers, who previously held the position of Chief Engineer for the Toyota Tundra, has been elevated to the position of Executive Vice President at Toyota Motor North America Research and Development, in addition to his role as Chief Technology Officer. Sweers will now oversee the company’s research and development efforts for vehicles in the North American market.
With these strategic moves, Toyota Motor North America continues to reinforce its commitment to electrification and positions itself at the forefront of the evolving automotive landscape. By establishing a dedicated leadership position and promoting talented individuals within the organization, Toyota aims to navigate the path toward a greener future while furthering innovation and technological advancements in the realm of electric vehicles.
