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Toyota Moves Tacoma Production to Texas With $3.6 Billion Investment

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Toyota has announced a $3.6 billion investment to expand its Texas manufacturing facility, bringing Toyota Tacoma production to the United States while creating thousands of new jobs and increasing production capacity.

Toyota is making one of its biggest manufacturing investments in North America. The automaker confirmed it will invest $3.6 billion to expand its San Antonio, Texas, facility, where the Toyota Tacoma will soon be built alongside the Toyota Tundra and Toyota Sequoia.

The project will nearly double the size of the factory, strengthen Toyota’s U.S. manufacturing footprint and support growing demand for America’s best-selling midsize pickup truck.

Toyota Tacoma production moves to Texas

The new investment will expand Toyota’s San Antonio plant to approximately 5 million square feet while adding a second production line dedicated to the Toyota Tacoma.

Production of the midsize pickup will gradually shift from Mexico to Texas over the next four years, although some Tacoma manufacturing will continue south of the border.

Toyota also announced the expansion will create approximately 2,000 new jobs, increasing the facility’s workforce to nearly 6,000 employees.

According to Toyota North America President and CEO Ted Ogawa, the investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to U.S. manufacturing while supporting future customer demand.

Toyota will expand its Texas plant to build the Tacoma alongside the Tundra and Sequoia.

The Texas plant becomes even more important

Once the expansion is completed, the San Antonio facility will manufacture three of Toyota’s most important trucks and SUVs.

The Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia all ride on Toyota’s TNGA-F body-on-frame platform, allowing the company to improve manufacturing efficiency while sharing components across multiple models.

The facility already produces rear axles for these vehicles, making it one of Toyota’s most strategic manufacturing hubs in North America.

The announcement follows several recent investments across Toyota’s U.S. operations, including manufacturing facilities in Kentucky, West Virginia and Arizona.

The expanded Texas facility will become one of Toyota’s largest manufacturing operations in the U.S.

Toyota Tacoma sales continue to grow

Toyota’s decision comes as Tacoma sales continue to reach record levels in the United States.

During June 2026, Toyota sold 23,158 Tacoma pickups, an increase of 3.4% compared with the previous year.

Year-to-date sales have climbed to 143,848 units, representing a 9.9% increase over 2025 and putting the midsize truck on pace for its best sales year ever.

The 2026 Tacoma lineup starts at $34,190 for the SR XtraCab and reaches $66,395 for the high-performance TRD Pro.

Strong Tacoma demand helped drive Toyota’s decision to expand U.S. production.

Toyota’s $3.6 billion investment reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to American manufacturing while responding to growing demand for its most popular trucks. Expanding Toyota Tacoma production in Texas will not only create thousands of jobs but also strengthen the automaker’s ability to supply one of the country’s best-selling midsize pickups.

With Tacoma sales continuing to rise and production capacity increasing, Toyota is positioning itself to meet future demand while expanding its manufacturing presence in the United States.

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Slate Truck Price Can Exceed $45,000 Once You Add the Options

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The Slate Truck arrives with one of the lowest starting prices in the electric vehicle market, but its extensive list of accessories and customization options can easily push the final cost well beyond $45,000.

The Slate Truck price starts at an attractive $24,950, positioning it as one of the most affordable electric pickups in the United States. However, buyers looking to personalize their vehicle with accessories, SUV conversions and technology upgrades may quickly discover that the final price is much higher than the advertised base MSRP.

A low starting price with countless customization options

The Slate Truck price varies depending on the chosen body style. The standard pickup, known as the Blank Slate, starts at $24,950, while the Squareback SUV begins at $29,950 and the Fastback SUV starts at $31,950.

From there, customers can choose from hundreds of optional accessories designed to personalize both the appearance and functionality of the vehicle.

Exterior upgrades include custom wraps, graphics, roof racks, auxiliary lighting, wider fender flares, unique grilles, spare tire carriers and larger 20-inch wheels, allowing buyers to build a completely unique Slate Truck.

The Slate Truck offers multiple body styles and extensive customization options.

Technology and accessories quickly increase the price

The interior also offers numerous optional upgrades.

Although the base model comes without a central touchscreen or premium audio system, buyers can add dashboard speakers, center speakers, storage systems, floor mats, upgraded armrests and a tablet-style display.

Combined with exterior accessories, these options can dramatically increase the Slate Truck price, especially for customers selecting the Fastback SUV configuration.

During a full configuration test, the vehicle’s total reached more than $46,000, even before pricing was announced for several remaining accessories.

Optional accessories can raise the Slate Truck price by more than $20,000.

Affordability depends on how buyers configure it

Slate continues promoting the Truck as an affordable electric vehicle, but its pricing strategy relies heavily on optional equipment.

Customers who keep the vehicle close to its standard specification will benefit from one of the lowest entry prices in the EV market. Those who add styling packages, SUV conversions and premium accessories, however, could end up paying nearly twice the advertised starting price.

The wide range of configurations gives buyers exceptional flexibility, but it also means affordability depends entirely on how the truck is equipped.

A fully equipped Slate Truck can cost more than $45,000.

The Slate Truck price makes it one of the most interesting new electric vehicles entering the U.S. market. Its low base MSRP creates an attractive entry point for buyers, while its modular design allows owners to personalize nearly every aspect of the vehicle.

However, as optional equipment continues to grow, so does the final purchase price. For shoppers considering the Slate Truck, choosing only the features they truly need will be the key to maintaining its affordability.

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Audi Sport Quattro Returns as a 600-HP Restomod

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The legendary Audi Sport Quattro is making a spectacular comeback thanks to HSR. The new Type 859 combines classic rally-inspired styling with modern engineering, delivering up to 600 horsepower, a six-speed manual transmission and an ultra-exclusive production run.

The Audi Sport Quattro restomod pays tribute to one of the most legendary rally cars ever built while incorporating modern engineering and performance. Limited to just 84 units worldwide, the HSR Type 859 delivers significantly more power than the original model while maintaining the unmistakable character that made the Quattro an automotive icon.

A modern tribute to the legendary Sport Quattro

Rather than restoring an original Sport Quattro, HSR starts each project with a donor Audi Coupe B2 chassis.

The company shortens the body, revises the wheelbase to improve stability, integrates a full roll cage, and replaces the exterior with lightweight carbon-fiber body panels. Thanks to these modifications, the finished car weighs approximately 2,645 pounds, giving it an impressive power-to-weight ratio that rivals today’s top supercars.

The result is a modern interpretation that stays true to the original Quattro while dramatically improving performance and driving dynamics.

The HSR Type 859 reimagines the iconic Audi Sport Quattro with a carbon-fiber body.

Up to 600 horsepower and a manual gearbox

Power comes from Audi’s renowned 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, originally found in the previous-generation RS3.

HSR completely rebuilds the engine with forged internal components and a motorsport dry-sump lubrication system, allowing customers to choose outputs ranging from 500 to 600 horsepower.

Power is sent to all four wheels through a reinforced six-speed manual transmission and Audi’s iconic quattro all-wheel-drive system featuring a rear-biased torque split.

The combination delivers modern performance while preserving the engaging driving experience that enthusiasts expect from a true driver’s car.

The restomod features a turbocharged five-cylinder engine producing up to 600 horsepower.

Only 84 units will be produced

Production of the Audi Sport Quattro restomod will be limited to just 84 examples, honoring Audi’s 1984 World Rally Championship title.

The starting price is approximately $570,000, and prospective buyers must first submit an application before being selected by HSR.

According to the company, most demand currently comes from collectors in the United States, Germany, and Switzerland, highlighting the enduring appeal of Audi’s legendary rally-inspired coupe.

Production of the HSR Type 859 will be limited to just 84 examples worldwide.

The Audi Sport Quattro restomod combines one of the most iconic rally cars in automotive history with modern engineering, significantly more power and improved chassis dynamics. With up to 600 horsepower, a manual transmission and extremely limited production, the HSR Type 859 is positioned as one of the most exclusive performance restomods on the market.

For collectors and enthusiasts alike, it represents a unique opportunity to experience the spirit of the legendary Quattro with the performance expected from a modern high-performance machine.

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Leapmotor B10 Expands Chinese EV Presence in North America

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Chinese automaker Leapmotor has officially entered the Mexican market with the new B10 crossover, strengthening its expansion across North America as more Chinese EV brands target the region despite growing trade barriers in the United States.

The Leapmotor B10 North America expansion marks another major step in China’s global electric vehicle strategy. Backed by Stellantis, Leapmotor has launched the B10 crossover in Mexico, a market that has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing destinations for Chinese electric vehicles.

While the United States continues imposing heavy tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on neighboring countries as they expand their international footprint.

Leapmotor launches the B10 in Mexico

The Leapmotor B10 North America strategy begins with Mexico, where the company will sell the crossover through Stellantis dealerships.

The B10 is an extended-range electric crossover priced at approximately 575,000 Mexican pesos (around $33,000). According to Leapmotor, the vehicle delivers up to 990 kilometers (615 miles) of total driving range and features a large central touchscreen along with advanced connectivity technologies.

Leapmotor has experienced rapid global growth, selling more than 356,000 vehicles during the first half of 2026, nearly doubling its sales compared to the same period last year.

The Leapmotor B10 officially launches in Mexico as part of the brand’s North American expansion.

Mexico becomes a key market for Chinese EV brands

Mexico has become one of the most important markets for Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers.

According to recent industry data, plug-in vehicle sales tripled during the past year, with Chinese brands accounting for roughly 85% of imported EV sales.

Companies including BYD, Geely, and SAIC-GM-Wuling are also expanding their presence in the country, with some planning local production facilities to strengthen their long-term position in the region.

Leapmotor’s arrival further intensifies competition in one of the fastest-growing EV markets in North America.

Chinese automakers continue expanding their presence in the Mexican EV market.

Could Chinese EVs eventually reach the United States?

Although the United States maintains tariffs exceeding 100% on Chinese-built electric vehicles, industry analysts believe Mexico and Canada could become strategic gateways for future expansion.

Several Chinese automakers are already increasing investments across North America, positioning themselves for potential long-term growth if trade conditions eventually change.

For now, however, manufacturers continue prioritizing markets outside the U.S. while building production capacity and expanding dealer networks throughout the region.

Chinese EV manufacturers continue strengthening their North American strategy beyond the U.S. market.

The Leapmotor B10 North America launch highlights how Chinese automakers are accelerating their international expansion despite facing significant barriers in the United States. By targeting Mexico and other neighboring markets, brands like Leapmotor are building a stronger regional presence while preparing for future opportunities across North America.

As competition in the electric vehicle sector continues to intensify, Mexico is becoming an increasingly important battleground for global automakers looking to grow beyond their domestic markets.

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