Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK) celebrated the manufacturing of its 10 millionth vehicle since production started in 1988. Like the first model that rolled off the assembly line 26 years ago, the 10 millionth unit was a Toyota Camry.

In a ceremony held at the plant, the first Camry built in 1988 sat next to the 10 millionth vehicle, a Camry. There are more things the two cars have in common despite their name and significance. While TMMK’s first Camry was preserved for historical purposes at the plant, one lucky team member will get the chance to win the 10 millionth vehicle – a white hybrid Camry – via a blind drawing, which will take place later this summer.

“Obviously, these two vehicles are worlds apart in many ways, but, at the same time, identical in others – particularly when it comes to craftsmanship and the care and love that went into their production,” plant President Wil James told the crowd formed of employees, community supporters and government dignitaries.

The Kentucky plant is Toyota’s largest in North America with 7,000 employees who build the Camry, Avalon and Venza vehicles. In 2015, the plant will become the first in the U.S. to make a Lexus vehicle, the ES350, adding 750 jobs in the process. In the past, TMMK has built the Sienna minivan and the Solara. Since 1988, Toyota has invested $5.9 billion in the Georgetown plant.

By Dan Mihalascu

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