Toyota shifts Highlander production to US

The world's second largest carmaker Toyota on Wednesday announced it will move remaining production of its Highlander sports vehicle from Japan to Indiana, creating 400 US jobs. The firm cited better US market conditions and a drive to produce cars where they are sold. Japanese auto firms have had a rough couple of years, battered by supply chain disruptions caused by Thailand's floods and the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami. But they have also been hit by the record strength of the yen, which makes exports more expensive to foreign buyers. The yen has gained almost seven percent against the dollar in the last year, to its highest levels since World War II, despite Tokyo's interventions to curb its rise. The move "will help Toyota capitalize on the improving North American and global auto market," the firm said in a statement. Steve St. Angelo, of Toyota North America added: "This project is part of our localization strategy to build vehicles where we sell them." The Highlander will no longer be built in Japan from 2013, Toyota said. Toyota already employs 4,800 staff at its Princeton, Indiana plant where it currently builds the Highlander as well as the Sequoia SUV and the Sienna minivan.