Toyota's Strategy for Japan Appears Tailored Specifically for Trump | Carscoops

      President Trump is expressing his frustration over the limited sales of American-made cars in Japan, and it seems the local automotive industry is making efforts to satisfy him.

      Akio Toyoda is anticipated to meet with Trump to discuss plans regarding Toyota’s operations in Japan.

      The U.S.-manufactured Tundra is likely to soon be available for sale in Japan.

      Trump has frequently criticized Japan for the scarcity of American-made vehicles in its market.

      Currently, President Donald Trump is in Japan, marking the second leg of his three-nation tour through Asia, where it appears the domestic auto sector is making significant efforts to cater to his demands.

      Reports have emerged indicating that the Japanese government might acquire over 100 Ford F-150s, and Toyota is reportedly preparing to inform the President about its plans to market some of its American-manufactured cars in Japan.

      What is Toyota Planning?

      Toyota's Chairman, Akio Toyoda, is set to meet with President Trump this week to reveal the company’s intentions. While specific details remain unconfirmed, it appears the vehicles will be sold through Toyota’s existing network of domestic dealerships.

      According to Nikkei Asia, Toyota is waiting for the Japanese government to ease regulations on importing U.S.-made vehicles. Once that occurs, the company can determine which of its American-manufactured models would be most suitable for the domestic market.

      The Tundra pickup truck is the most probable choice. Despite being too large for many of Japan’s congested cities, there is a small yet passionate group of enthusiasts who appreciate the ruggedness and appeal of American pickups. The Tundra has garnered a solid reputation among this community.

      Inevitably, Toyota will need to raise prices to make this initiative viable.

      Japan’s Hesitant Market

      Earlier this year, there were even discussions among Japanese officials about potentially importing U.S.-made Ford and Chevrolet vehicles for distribution through Toyota dealerships.

      President Trump has long expressed his dissatisfaction with the low number of American cars sold in Japan, especially considering that millions of Japanese-manufactured cars are sold in the U.S. each year.

      What he may not take into account is that Japan’s geography and lifestyle do not align well with larger American vehicles. The country is compact, with narrower roads, and most residents live in densely populated urban areas where operating a vehicle as large as a Tundra or an F-150 could feel more like maneuvering a ship than a standard car.