Mazda Toyota Manufacturing Builds Its One Millionth Vehicle in Alabama
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing just hit a milestone most new plants only dream about. The Huntsville, Alabama, factory rolled its one millionth vehicle off the line, and it marked the moment with a community celebration and $120,000 in grants for local partners.
If you have shopped for a small crossover lately, there is a good chance you have looked at something built there. The joint venture between Mazda and Toyota assembles the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Mazda CX-50, along with hybrid versions of both, so this milestone touches a lot of family driveways.
One Million Crossovers Built in Alabama
To celebrate, MTM showed off both crossovers it builds, the Mazda CX-50 and the Toyota Corolla Cross. At the same time, the company used the moment to thank its roughly 4,500 team members and the community partners that helped make the achievement possible.
“Reaching one million vehicles is an extraordinary accomplishment and a testament to the dedication, skill and teamwork demonstrated by our team members every day,” said Erik Skaggs, senior vice president for Mazda Toyota Manufacturing.
In total, the $2.3 billion facility has created more than 4,500 jobs. Meanwhile, here is what rolls off the Huntsville line today:
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
- Mazda CX-50
- Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
What the Toyota Corolla Cross Offers Families
First, the Corolla Cross is Toyota’s small, budget-friendly crossover, and it is a big part of the Alabama story. As we covered when Toyota priced the 2027 Toyota Corolla Cross, the lineup now looks like this:
- Gas models: L, LE, and XLE, each offered with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD)
- Hybrid models: SE and XSE, both with standard electronic on-demand AWD
Next, here is where pricing starts for each side of the lineup.
| Model | Drivetrain | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Corolla Cross L | FWD or AWD | $25,535 |
| 2027 Corolla Cross Hybrid SE | AWD | $31,415 |
We first got behind the wheel of the hybrid back in 2023 for our Corolla Cross Hybrid first drive, so it is fun to see how far this little crossover has come.
The Mazda CX-50 Brings the Rugged Side
On the Mazda side, meanwhile, the CX-50 and CX-50 Hybrid come from the very same plant. When we spent time with the 2023 Mazda CX-50, Mazda pitched it as a more rugged, upscale companion to the CX-5 rather than a replacement for it.
In addition, Mazda has had a strong fall. The brand set a September sales record, and its crossovers remain a key part of that momentum. You can build your own Corolla Cross on Toyota.com or price out a CX-50 on MazdaUSA.com.
Giving Back to North Alabama
However, the celebration was not only about cars. MTM announced $120,000 in grant funding for organizations that supported the plant with training and workforce development from its startup to today. The recipients are:
- Calhoun Community College
- Kids to Love
- Morgan County Schools
- Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association
“Mazda Toyota Manufacturing has become an invaluable part of our community and regional economy,” said Chip Cherry, president and CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber.
Why the Milestone Matters for Shoppers
At first, a plant milestone might sound like inside baseball, but it does tie back to your shopping list. Both crossovers built in Huntsville are small, practical SUVs, and both now come in hybrid form, which is exactly where many families are looking right now.
In fact, hybrids keep gaining ground. Toyota led the way in our look at third-quarter hybrid sales, and the Corolla Cross Hybrid gives shoppers a way into that lineup with standard AWD.
Our Take on the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing Milestone
I love a good manufacturing story, and this one stands out. After all, two automakers that compete for the same buyers share one roof in Alabama, and together they just built a million vehicles. Above all, that is impressive teamwork.
Still, for families, the bigger story is what comes out of that building. The Corolla Cross and CX-50 are the kind of small crossovers friends ask us about when they need room for a car seat and a weekend bag without stepping up to a three-row SUV. So, here is to the next million.
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