Trump’s Visit to Japan and Toyota’s Plans
US President Donald Trump is on a visit to Japan, and the local automotive industry is doing everything possible to meet the demands of one of the world’s most influential leaders. Recent information has emerged that the Japanese government may purchase over 100 Ford F-150 pickups, and now Toyota plans to inform the president about its decision to sell some cars manufactured in the USA on the Japanese market.
Key Meeting Points
Preparation for Import
Akio Toyoda has been considering the possibility of importing cars manufactured in the USA to Japan for several months. He is expected to personally meet with President Trump this week to announce this plan. Although details are still limited, the cars will likely be sold through Toyota’s existing dealer network in the country.
As reported by Nikkei Asia, Toyota is waiting for the Japanese government to ease regulations on importing cars from the USA. After that, the company will be able to finally determine which specific American-made models are worth offering on the local market.
Tundra Model as the Main Candidate
The most likely candidate for export to Japan is the Tundra pickup. Despite this model being too large for many of Japan’s dense cities, there is a niche audience of American pickup enthusiasts in the country, among whom the Tundra is considered one of the best. To make this project economically viable, Toyota will likely have to increase the car prices.
Features of the Japanese Market
Earlier this year, it was reported that Japanese officials were considering a proposal to import US-made Ford and Chevrolet cars, with their subsequent sale through Toyota dealerships.
President Trump has repeatedly expressed his frustration that very few American-made cars are sold in Japan, while millions of Japanese models are sold in the United States annually. However, it seems Donald Trump does not take into account that Japan is a small country with narrow roads compared to the USA, and most citizens live in bustling cities where owning and using large cars is inconvenient.
This move by Toyota could become an important step in changing the trade dynamics between the two countries. Although the import of American models like the Tundra may be limited due to size and cost, it demonstrates the willingness of Japanese companies to consider US political and economic interests. In the long term, this could contribute to an increased presence of American cars in the Japanese market, especially in segments where they have competitive advantages.