Toyota will sell US-built Camry, Highlander and Tundra models in Japan from next year, aiming to improve trade relations with the United States.
TOKYO: Toyota will begin importing three of its US-manufactured models into Japan next year.
The move appears designed to placate former US President Donald Trump, who has criticised the trade imbalance.
“They don’t take our cars, but we take MILLIONS of theirs!” Trump said in April, accusing Japan of treating its ally “very poorly on trade”.
The Japanese car giant said the Camry sedan, Highlander SUV, and Tundra pickup truck will be sold domestically starting in 2026.
Toyota stated the move aims to meet diverse customer needs and help improve Japan-US trade relations.
The firm is the second-top-selling automaker in the United States, shifting more than 2.3 million vehicles there last year.
In contrast, US industry leader General Motors sold just 587 Chevrolets and 449 Cadillacs in Japan.
Ford pulled out of the Japanese market nearly a decade ago.
American cars are often too large for local roads and usually have the steering wheel on the left.
Toyota said the Tundra pickup truck in particular “is the very embodiment of American culture”.
The announcement follows Toyota’s pledge last month to invest USD 10 billion in the United States. – AFP
