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Toyota Aims for Record Production Year in Argentina, Producing a Vehicle Every 89 Seconds

Toyota Aims for Record Production Year in Argentina, Producing a Vehicle Every 89 Seconds

From La Nación · (7m ago) Spanish Positive tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Toyota Argentina aims for a record production year in 2026, targeting 183,400 units.
  • The Zárate plant produces the Hilux, Hiace, and SW4, with one vehicle rolling off the line every 89 seconds.
  • The plant operates three shifts daily, employing 8,000 people directly and indirectly, and is considered the fastest Toyota factory in the region.

Toyota Argentina is pushing the boundaries of automotive manufacturing, setting its sights on a record-breaking production year in 2026. The company's plant in Zárate, a cornerstone of its regional operations, is gearing up to produce an ambitious 183,400 units, a figure that would surpass all previous records. This target underscores Toyota's commitment to its Argentine operations and its confidence in the market, even amidst the rise of Chinese automotive brands.

The Zárate facility is a marvel of efficiency, producing the popular Hilux, Hiace, and SW4 models. The pace is relentless: a new vehicle emerges from the production line every 89 seconds. This high-octane rhythm is the result of meticulous planning and execution, where each second counts. The plant has even managed to shave off a second from last year's production time, translating to thousands of additional vehicles annually. The cost of even a minute's stoppage is substantial, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining this seamless flow.

Operating on three shifts for three consecutive years, the Zárate plant is a significant employer, providing direct jobs for approximately 8,000 individuals and supporting an estimated 30,000 indirect jobs through its supply chain. This operational intensity, including weekend maintenance and swift shift changes, has earned it the distinction of being the fastest Toyota factory in the region. As Toyota Argentina strives for this production record, it not only solidifies its position in the Latin American market but also demonstrates the robust capabilities of its manufacturing base in Argentina.

the factory of the brand that is fastest in the region

— Sebastián BónicaSebastián Bónica, Industrial Director of Toyota Argentina, described the Zárate plant's efficiency.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.