Toshiba to expand U.S. plant to build electric vehicle motors

Toshiba Corp. announced it would expand manufacturing capacity at a plant in Houston, Texas, to build motors for electrified vehicles as the company looks to capitalize on the rising demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. The electronics conglomerate said it would be the company’s first manufacturing base for automotive propulsion motors, which are currently produced in Japan. The decision follows the awarding of a major contract to supply drive motors for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles for Ford Motor Co. Toshiba will begin construction for the expanded capacity early next year in Houston, with production expected to start in 2012. (June 22, 2010)