business

Toyota is latest Trump target over Mexico production plans

60 Comments
By TOM KRISHER

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

60 Comments
Login to comment

JeffLee

Higher end manufacturing jobs is the solution.

Higher end manufacturing jobs do not need much man power. Less people and More automatic processing. Higher products need sustainable market and competitive products as well. Microsoft and Boeing are high end manufacturing co-operations. They are not doing very well at the moment and employing less people. Microsoft lost the market share to Apple. Boeing lost market share to Air Bus. By the way Boeing major market is not USA.

Therefore higher end products mean less employees and better machines. More unemployment in particular industry.

German Auto industry is success story. However they employ people based on demand instead of political correctness. No sales mean no jobs. Sustainable jobs need very high quality goods as German made and reasonable cost.

Trump by himself is not driving cars made in USA. Business should not be dictated by government as communist style.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Since when does America tell foreign business how to run their companies...lets see what would happen if a foreign company told Donnie how to run his company...

2 ( +2 / -0 )

he shouldn't be allowed to punish others for making their products in other countries like Mexico and China since he's clothing line is made outside of the US, then he should be taxed for bringing in clothing made in foreign countries. (His excuse is that that they can't make his clothing here in the US...WTF?

THIS. Let's see if he's going to import tax his own company.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

1 I think it's bad "business" to tell foreign business where they have to build their product. #2 and the most important, he shouldn't be allowed to punish others for making their products in other countries like Mexico and China since he's clothing line is made outside of the US, then he should be taxed for bringing in clothing made in foreign countries. (His excuse is that that they can't make his clothing here in the US...WTF?
1 ( +1 / -0 )

Free trade serves the corporate shareholders but not the electorate as a whole. Protectionist economies like Japan or low wage economies like China simply suck the economic activity out of those countries wedded to neoliberal dogma. Trade and industry should never have been allowed to migrate East in such volume.

So free trade is only good until when it isn't. How convenient. Good luck trying to sell stuff in the emerging, highly populous, economies in the East.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Made in Mexico cars become pricy. Nissan and HCA factories in USA have to increase. Production plan now.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Wait a sec... he's against the Corolla being built in Mexico, yet it's already being imported from Canada?

I'm confused...

Donald is too. But then again he isn't. He's inventing a problem where none exists, and pulled the same stunt with the Ford SUV plant, where no jobs were threatened.

It's cheap and nasty (ask Chuck Jones) tactical politics with zero strategic focus.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Just car price in Calif becomes higher Toyota cars made in My and Tx are not affected..

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

He wants to jack up the price of a corolla, so Americans will be forced to buy the way less reliable ford focus, which will be jacked up in price for profit. And in the end it's mostly robots building them and stupid white people living in the sticks are still going to be hoping to land that Burger King job.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Wait a sec... he's against the Corolla being built in Mexico, yet it's already being imported from Canada?

Corolla production is to start in 2019 with a new model and would be moved from a factory in Cambridge, Ontario. Toyota also would keep building Corollas at a U.S. factory in Blue Springs, Mississippi. The Ontario plant will build more higher-priced midsize vehicles.

I'm confused...

5 ( +5 / -0 )

IF DT puts up taxes by 25-30% on imported cars, this will make the cars more expensive, thus putting people off, won't this lead to a down turn in Toyota sales? yes it will, but hasn't DT thought that since there will be a down turn is sales this could lead to show rooms shutting down or even redundancies? doing this he's actually making things worse.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I love this guy. Don't forget to say Sayonara to TPP as well.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

"Ultimately, stuff is just gonna be more expensive for Americans."

Americans NEED to have cheap stuff now, since their biggest private sector employers, like Walmart and MacD, don't pay them enough to make basic ends meet, which is why record numbers of full time workers are on food stamps. This is a phenom we've seen ever since free-trade, free markets have taken root.

Higher end manufacturing jobs is the solution. Toyota understands this, which is why it was happy to enjoy decades of market protection during the postwar years.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

ShermanJAN. 06, 2017 - 07:13AM JST Toyota's shares dropped on this Tronald Dump tweet in the year of the Cock! Total madness as Ford and now Toyota will not be competitive and will cost thousands of jobs just because of this insane man put in power by Putin.

And how was DT put in power by putin ? The recounts were also hacked by the russians ?? Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha.... DT has exposed the so called liberals like anything, just look at CNN, all but replaced FoxNews. FoxNews is where we now actually get some news.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

I dont see anything wrong with imposing high taxation of capital equipment not manufactured inside a country that has existing manufacturing resources and outsourcing those goods that will negatively impact that country's gdp. The USA should have high taxes on Chinese made goods and put those taxes to work rebuilding it's crumbling infrastructures

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Mr.Trump is going to wreck America, he is a maverick! But that does make sense.......

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Free trade serves the corporate shareholders but not the electorate as a whole. Protectionist economies like Japan or low wage economies like China simply suck the economic activity out of those countries wedded to neoliberal dogma.

Trade and industry should never have been allowed to migrate East in such volume.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

"Designed in California. Manufactured in Alabama. Made in America." HYUNDAI! Thats why Toyota will soon be obsolete in the states. Korea is Selling everything from electronics to food to cars.............. Toyota needs a boost, they should do what TRUMP requests as it will make TOYOTA great again!

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Trump’s tweet incorrectly stated the location of Toyota’s new Mexican plant - it’s Guanajuato, not Baja - but he’s correct in saying that Toyota has plans to build the Corolla in Mexico.

Funny that they don't point out Trump's other misstatement, that the president does not have the power to levy taxes, that no law has been enacted by congress to impose extra taxes on companies that move manufacturing abroad, and that any proposal to target specific private companies for extra taxes just because they don't do what the government wants runs afoul of everything Trump's party holds dear.

In short, Trump has no actual power to achieve what he's claiming. He might be able to bribe companies like Carrier with a tax reduction if he has ins with the right people, but he's got no stick if his carrot isn't sweet enough.

sangetsu03JAN. 06, 2017 - 07:58AM JST Like it or not, Trump is the only politician I have ever seen who has managed to keep campaign promises before actually taking office.

Droll QuarryJAN. 06, 2017 - 08:32AM JST I have to laugh at the Trump haters that blast every move he makes as insane. This article is about keeping jobs and industry in the US and still gets blasted as bad.

Uh, guys? Did you read the article?

Toyota President Akio Toyoda said Thursday in Tokyo that the automaker is not currently considering changes to its production plans.

Trump didn't accomplish a damn thing. He made an empty threat and Toyota called him on it. The tweet may draw cheers at his Bund rallies, but all it did for the rest of us was show he's in over his head before he even takes office. One of these days the American public needs to learn that talking tough about a problem in and of itself isn't a step towards actually solving the problem.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I don't really care what he does. Ultimately, stuff is just gonna be more expensive for Americans.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Want to sell it in the US?Well, let's make it there! and the same can be said for US companies wanting to sell in China Japan EU Mexico etc. if the US wants its products sold overseas then itll also have to manufacturer them there also, if not then a 35% tariffs should be put on US made exports also, trade works both ways. A trade war with China will cost many more US jobs than Trump could ever dream of creating with his protectionist policies. Will see if the congress in the pockets of big business will let this looney get his policies passed in the senate, good luck LOL

3 ( +4 / -1 )

It was a long time ago when Japanese automakers settled in zkennntucky and Tennessee. I don't think they will. get out there. They may make divisions in Mexico but Japanese companies in USA seem very happy wit their US workers.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Toyota imports the least number of cars into the US out of the auto majors and hundreds of thousands rely on the company in America. His targeting of Toyota is therefore suspicious and one must wonder whether he even has the best interests of American workers in mind

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@pointview A minority of people but a majority of citizens.

More fake news from rightist media?

Some believe the 6,000 year old Earth is flat, the pyramids were built to store grain, a pair of penguins walked side by side with a pair of polar bears to the Middle East, and that Trump and his fellow Republicans care about the 99.9%.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Toyota will be here longer than Trump who may last only 4 years. Wise of Toyota to steer their business course as the company president has articulated. After the Fords bought over the next 4 years fall apart, people won't mind spending more for a Toyota.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Micro fingers... Micro management... Micro President❗️

3 ( +3 / -0 )

We survived 8 yrs of Obama. I'm not too worried about this boob. Folks, he is making threats that aren't nearly as easy to actually carry out. Plus, the USA is a country of laws, so these companies just need to sue the USGovt.

Mexico actually purchases vehicles made in the USA, so I'd bet they'd add a similar import tax on those. Mexico normally has a 7.5% import tax, BTW.

Mr. Trump might re-negotiate the deal, as he claims he would to be a "better deal for US workers." Regardless of what is actually better or worse, Mr. Trump will claim loudly that it is better. Stupendous. The greatest deal ever! Which may or may not be true. Just stroke his ego. That's all he wants.

If that doesn't work, leaving NAFTA isn't hard. Just requires Mr. Trump (after he becomes President) to provide written notice of 6 months to Canada and Mexico. It really is that easy according to CNN.

I'm more concerned about planned parenthood funding than this. Making new cars a little more expensive is fine if it keeps jobs here. I bet the impacted car companies can show how these plants in Mexico is actually better for US workers. Low-cost cars built in Mex. Higher cost vehicles built in the USA.

New cars really isn't anything that concerns normal Americans. We by used cars. Mine (Japanese designed, assembled in USA, Ohio) is 16 yrs old and still runs like new.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

@PTownsend,

A minority of people but a majority of citizens.

Trump not selling out the American worker. Hope he keeps fighting for them.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Point 1 Meanwhile, Toyota after making that statement just allocated their R&D team an unprecedented record budget to fully automate the assembly of its vehicles using Japanese robot tech and bring it all manufacturing and export back to Japan where they actually know how to manufacture things. Increase in jobs for the folk back home and a higher quality product going back out. "Making Japan great again" see if Trump likes them apples!

Point 2 A knock on effect of stopping manufacturing in Mexico is surely going to increase the number of illegals coming over the border which was another campaign promise. So it's a bit left pocket right pocket and treading water kind of stuff. Better build your wall before you interfere with the auto industry in Mexico.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Solution for Toyota and Honda: ignore America, make cars for China, keep doing the great work in Mexico!!!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

He will solve the uS problems company by company........... It is true that many of the world's largest economies achieved greatness by having significant protectionist measures in place through their growth spurt.and then got the "free trade" bug. Maybe DT thinks that is the way to go again.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

If 20+ years ago Japan had thought of ITS loss of middle class we wouldn't need a failed Abenomics and depended on foreign tourists which gives no stimulus to greater education. In the meantime Beijing can thank Tokyo for helping it kickstart its economy which in turn feeds the very military 東京 is fearing. Time for thoughts on protecting the home economy as well as being good trading partners. I'm not a defender of barriers but if there's no balance then it's not a win-win situation.

Besides, with all the investment in Mexico & other countries, the US outsourcing abroad has done little to stem foreigners coming into the US. They'll need jobs...or claim unemployment. Our big hearted, small pocketed, myopic governments are great at this.

Let's give the Donald a break. He's not even sworn in.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

No worries. When the GOP and Trump are done Americans won't be able to afford new cars.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Michigan auto factory workers are protected by UAW and pay union due and retirement fund dus. None of Jaanese automakers do not be associated by union somfreely automated factories. Then Detroit was bankrupted. Also auto makers got help from US govmt and moved to China. Japanese automakers are doing fine. Workers get full pay because no deduction to pay union de. No heavy labor but many are push button technicians.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Minimum wage earners cannot afford to buy anything made in America.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I stopped reading at in his latest effort to badger a company (the first sentence)

Can we ever have any news that is just presented as the fact of what is happening without having the writers opinion trying to tell me what to think due to his personal politics?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

In the never ending quest for higher wages and more benefits, the products being produced cannot be sold at a price to make any sustainable return

I think that if you examine the car industry in America, it was historically about quality. I listened to a very very well made podcast by NPR radio about when Toyota jointly opened a part with GM in the U.S in the early 80s. Toyota had to teach the workers about quality due to the high return rates eg: doors were misaligned, windows didn't wind up properly. The quality of the work had simply gone to the toilet so consumers looked elsewhere.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The American worker has worked themselves out of a job. In the never ending quest for higher wages and more benefits, the products being produced cannot be sold at a price to make any sustainable return. More and more people are becoming aware that they don't really need that new 2017 model product that talks to everything in the house including the toilet paper holder. An employer cannot the end all answer to the workers needs in life, added to the fact that there is a growing group of people who think they are entitled to get something for free and see companies evil and the source of their not getting what they deserve.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

There is a few big car makers that are building Plants and will build car in Mexico. Big Companies don,t invest in shorts stradigies. Trump will get his tax but it will be after the sunset cause which all mayor contract have. I don,t know how long before this tax is impose if need. because The car makers concern would move production back to co-ensign with the impose tax.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Ironically, if it weren't for such "administrative guidance" and tariffs back in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, Toyota would never have become the world's No. 1 carmaker.

Trump is taking a page out of the Japanese postwar model of industrial development (which was highly successful)

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Extra tax or not, automakers will produce in Mexico. The result will be higher price but Mexican made cars will be sold in Western states just like now. Ford from Detroit might sell well but kind hard to compete against Japanese brand name cars that do not have higher floor because ns students need to drive. Trump is trying with his eastern brain to sell in western states.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

the people of the United States elected Trump

If you mean a minority of people in the US elected Trump, I fully agree.

11 ( +17 / -6 )

Yeah, well, I'd love to see the US do anything without computers. The US can't even build a printed circuit board anymore because all of the electrical parts are made outside the US, mostly by Japanese companies.

Then how about US car companies building factories and and employing locals outside the US? Don't make us laugh. US car companies employ about 7 people worldwide.

I repeat, he's an idiot. And I am not a Democrat. I was hoping he would grow up after the election, but he is turning into a dangerous idiot - the worst kind of idiot.

12 ( +16 / -4 )

I'm now having to spend my morning trying to clean up a computer, that has had coffee spat all over it.

But if Hillary had won, Ford would have moved production to Mexico as planned, as would have Carrier. She would have made a statement condemning these moves, but she would have done nothing to oppose them.

Democrat politicians have been making promises to keep jobs in America since Carter was in office. Republicans have promised decreased regulation and to facilitate business activity within America, neither have kept these promises, have they? All of the jobs added to the economy during his administration still do not quite add up to the number lost in 2008, and many of those newly-added jobs pay less, and are part time.

Personally, I think Trump's trade policy is a joke, and that trying to keep manufacturing in America is not tenable in the long term in America's current business climate. Unless Trump changes that climate, these companies will still move, just later one, likely after he leaves office, when another easily bought, garden-variety democrat or republican takes his place.

And in the long run, America can only become more prosperous if the rest of the world prospers, and such can only happen if jobs and opportunities come to developing countries. Outsourcing has hurt the American worker in the short term, but since the 90's, more than one-fifth of the world's population has risen out of poverty as a result. This has increased opportunities for work and education in these countries, and many of these people end up buying other goods and services which America provides.

I will bet that Toyota will cave to Trump,

-8 ( +9 / -17 )

The industrial revolution ended over a century ago. If any dreamer out there thinks they can have a middle class without producing anything, I'm listening. Go Donald!

-10 ( +9 / -19 )

I have to laugh at the Trump haters that blast every move he makes as insane. This article is about keeping jobs and industry in the US and still gets blasted as bad. As another poster stated earlier, the people of the United States elected Trump, get over it . Like him or hate him, its refreshing to have someone who is not sickening PC and mealy mouthed when it comes to calling someone out.

-7 ( +9 / -16 )

Japanese automakers can afford to move to southeast Asia. Then there will be high unemployment in USA. Thais what Trump wants?

5 ( +12 / -7 )

It seems that politicians should not tell what to do and how to do about private business management of company. America is supposed to be free country, isn't it? Trump seems very arrogant or some kinda dictator.

5 ( +10 / -5 )

because of this insane man put in power by Putin

This again huh? I will never understand this boogeyman under the covers concept so many people adhere to. Just because a vote did not go your way doesn't imply you disrespect the decisions millions of people made contrary to yours. It's mind numbing the godlike levels putins been placed at. Cease the whining and focus on how to put up best candidates next time round instead of the tired worn out career sociopaths. Grow up!!

-6 ( +12 / -18 )

Trump is living up to his promises to keep jobs on the US. Want to sell it in the US?

Well, let's make it there!

-2 ( +11 / -13 )

Like it or not, Trump is the only politician I have ever seen who has managed to keep campaign promises before actually taking office.

I'm now having to spend my morning trying to clean up a computer, that has had coffee spat all over it.

13 ( +23 / -10 )

I'll let DT have a few months before I jump on any bizzaro bandwagon. If Japan and the US are strong(er) then I'm good.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

Like it or not, Trump is the only politician I have ever seen who has managed to keep campaign promises before actually taking office. In fact, he is already wielding more influence than many politicians who have been in office for years.

Of course, democrats here are going to hate Trump no matter what, even as he does what their democrat politicians have promised and failed to do over the last 40 years or so.

-7 ( +18 / -25 )

It's to the point that I don't even know what to say anymore. The man is freaking bizarre.

14 ( +21 / -7 )

Big oil and big car - masters of the 20th century. The Don is 70, an aging baby boomer who doesn't seem to understand that we're well into the 21st century. He seems intent on keeping all the different bigs (medicine, pharma, media, military, etc.) in power.

Central to the US Republican platform has been wealth maintenance for its members, i.e. ensuring those with money are allowed to keep their fortunes. The 'others': trickle down on them, if they're lucky.

Trump and his fellow Republicans seem content to let China profit from the 21st century's industries. Hopefully Japan will move into the 21st century.

6 ( +12 / -6 )

Trump is an isolationist. It is time for both Japan and Korea to join the Chinese sphere of influence. America is on the decline and the future is Asia. We just need to work on softening up China.

-12 ( +8 / -20 )

Japanese car companies employ a total of almost 700,000 in the US and contribute over $85 billion in wages to US workers.

Trump is an idiot.

20 ( +30 / -10 )

Toyota's shares dropped on this Tronald Dump tweet in the year of the Cock! Total madness as Ford and now Toyota will not be competitive and will cost thousands of jobs just because of this insane man put in power by Putin.

10 ( +22 / -12 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites