Toyota has started exporting its U.S.-assembled Highlander SUVs to places like Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and Kazakhstan for the first time ever, according to a company news release.

The automaker expects to sell approximately 29,000 Highlander units annually.

The announcement was made at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show by Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. Senior Vice President Bob Carter at the Midwest Automotive Media Association's annual breakfast.

Highlander SUVs will be manufactured at Toyota's manufacturing plant in Princeton, Ind. 

The plant currently employs approximately 4,500 workers, and an additional 200 employees will be hired by the end of 2014 to help meet demand.

"We are proud that the U.S.-built Highlander has garnered so much interest not only here, but abroad," said Carter, according to the news release.  "The export of Highlander SUVs to Australia, New Zealand and Eastern Europe helps maintain Toyota's strong, stable base of U.S. jobs, and is the result of the great work of our talented U.S. team members and our extensive investments across North America."

The Toyota plant also produces vehicles like the Sienna minivan and Sequoia full-size SUV.

Toyota started exporting U.S.-manufactured vehicles back in 1988, and now exports U.S.-assembled vehicles to 32 different countries, according to the automaker. 

"We look forward to other opportunities to continue expanding exports from our U.S. operations," said Carter.

Highlander exports started in late December 2013.

Exports to places like Australia and New Zealand are being sent out from Baltimore, Md. while models destined for Eastern Europe are being sent from Brunswick, Ga.

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