11/07/2008 03:58. Toyota Motor Corp. officials announced Thursday that the automaker will not build the Highlander SUV at its new plant in Blue Springs, Miss., but will instead manufacturer the Prius hybrid at the plant.

The move mirrors an industry-wide movement to scale back production of larger, less fuel-efficient vehicles for U.S. consumers who are demanding better fuel economy in new vehicles.

According to Toyota, the Prius can get more than 40 miles per gallon thanks to the vehicle's hybrid technology. Production is planned to begin at the Blue Springs facility in 2010.

Toyota has made similar announcements recently for other plants which produce larger vehicles.

Toyota has already announced it will halt Sequoia SUV production, beginning Aug. 8, with plans to start back production in... // Bizjournals.com