Toyota announces 2019 expansion at Indiana plant

Toyota said it will invest $600 million at its Princeton, Ind., plant to increase production capacity for the Highlander midsize crossover and retool and modernize the factory for the next-generation model. The project won't begin until the fall of 2019. The early announcement Tuesday is intended to signal the company's commitment to U.S. production amid threats from President Donald Trump to slap tariffs on vehicle imports, particularly from Mexico. Trump had singled out Toyota's investments in Mexico in a critical Twitter message weeks before his inauguration.

"This announcement shows Toyota's commitment to continued U.S. investment," the company said in a statement. "This expansion is part of Toyota's localization strategy to build vehicles where they are sold."