The Ontario government is investing almost $16.9 million towards the new assembly line through its Strategic Jobs and Investment Fund, as part of its plan to become a world leader in clean energy and manufacturing, with a similar investment being made by the federal government. The remaining $125 million for the project is being supplied by Toyota.

The upgraded assembly will produce the Lexus RX450h hybrid – marking the first time that a Lexus hybrid will be produced outside of Japan – and will create 400 new jobs.

Dalton McGuinty, premier of Ontario, said: ‘The auto industry is a cornerstone of Ontario manufacturing. Working together, this investment will ensure Ontario remains at the forefront of new technologies so our auto sector can continue providing hundreds of thousands of good, high-paying jobs for generations to come.’