Toyota increases Tacoma production despite sluggish sales

Even though truck sales are at an all-time-low, Toyota announced today that it will increase production of its Tacoma pickup at its Tijuana, Baja California plant in Mexico. Up from 32,249 in 2007, the plant will pump out 50,000 units of the Tacoma this year.

Sales of the Tacoma were down 25.9 percent to 11,354 units in June 2008 compared to the same period a year ago. During the first six months of 2008, ales were down 9.1 percent from 92,462 to 84,068.

Toyota also makes the Tacoma pickup at its New United Motor Manufacturing plant in Fremont, California. The plant also produces the Toyota Corolla and the Pontiac Vibe as a joint venture with GM. No word on whether the increase of the Tacoma output in Mexico will increase production of the Corolla at the Fremont plant.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)