Electric Rav 4 to be built in Woodstock
A ray of sunshine for Ontario’s economy Friday, in the midst of market turmoil worldwide.
Toyota Canada announced a new electric-only version of the company’s popular Rav 4 SUV which will be made in Woodstock.
The announcement is part of the initiative to make vehicles greener.
The Canadian and Ontario governments recently gave Toyota nearly $142 million in grants and loans to upgrade its plants in Woodstock and Cambridge.
The government of Ontario offers consumers who buy or lease electric cars and trucks between $5,000 and $8,500 in incentives.
The government says the news will secure 6,500 jobs at the two Toyota plants.
Premier Dalton McGuinty said “Today it costs 70 dollars to fill your tank with gas. It will cost you around $7 dollars in electricity with this car to drive about the same distance. We congratulate Toyota… to make things better.”
This initiative will help shore up Ontario’s position as the largest manufacturer of cars anywhere in North America, including Michigan.
The province says Toyota chose Woodstock because of Ontario’s “continued commitment to electric vehicles” and its support of the auto industry.
