Toyota Brings US Models to Japan Amid Global Sales Decline

Core Insights - Toyota Motor Corporation plans to introduce three U.S.-manufactured models — the Camry sedan, Highlander SUV, and Tundra pickup truck — into the Japanese market starting in 2026, aiming to expand its customer base and enhance Japan-U.S. trade relations [1][12] Group 1: New Model Introduction - The Camry sedan will be produced at Toyota's Kentucky facility, the Highlander SUV at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, and the Tundra pickup truck at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas [3] - The initiative follows a tariff agreement where the U.S. imposes a 15% tariff on vehicles and auto parts from Japan, while Japan allows U.S.-built vehicles to be sold domestically without additional testing [2][12] Group 2: Sales Performance - Toyota's global consolidated sales, including Daihatsu Motor and Hino Motors, declined 1.9% year over year to 965,919 units, marking the first annual sales decline in 11 months [5] - Sales in China fell 12.1% year over year to 154,465 vehicles, influenced by the expiration of subsidy programs and ongoing model transitions [6] - In contrast, Japan sales rose 1.5% year over year to 177,130 vehicles, supported by steady domestic demand [7] Group 3: Production Trends - Global production declined 3.4% year over year to 934,001 vehicles, marking the first production decline of 2025, attributed to production cuts [9] - Combined Toyota and Lexus production decreased 5.5% year over year to 821,723 vehicles, while Daihatsu's production increased by 20.5% year over year to 103,250 vehicles [10]