TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s top automaker Toyota reported a 43% drop in quarterly profit Friday and announced that its chief financial officer, Kenta Kon, will become its new chief executive and president. Kon, a Toyota veteran, will replace Koji Sato in both roles in April. Approval by shareholders is expected in June. “This expresses our determination to move toward change with all our might,” Sato told reporters, calling the latest personnel changes part of a “gear shift.” Sato remains vice chairman at Toy ...

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]

Core Viewpoint - Toyota Motor plans to start selling its U.S.-made Camry sedan, Highlander SUV, and Tundra pickup truck in Japan next year to enhance Japan-U.S. trade relations [1] Group 1 - The introduction of U.S.-made vehicles in Japan is part of Toyota's strategy to strengthen trade ties between Japan and the United States [1] - The specific models targeted for sale include the Camry sedan, Highlander SUV, and Tundra pickup truck [1]