TOYOTA TAHARA FACTORY TOUR BY ENGINEER - MORE THAN 30 min of DETAILED EXPLANATION

This is the video you've all been waiting for - a factory tour of the legendary Toyota Tahara plant in Japan. Automotive Engineer David Chao takes you into the heart of the Tahara plant and provides detailed description of various processes within Tahara. David explains not just how the car is built but also the type of testing and inspection that are performed by Takumi specialists at this plant. Please note that there are 3 major lines within Tahara: (1) Lexus line (2) TNGA-F line (3) Toyota Century SUV line. David was only allowed to film and post videos of the Lexus line, which includes Lexus LS, IS, RC, NX, and LM. David plans to make another visit to Tahara in the fall where he hopes to film the TNGA-F line that includes the new 4Runner, Land Cruiser and Lexus GX. Stay tuned as David will post more videos about the Tahara plant in coming days.
Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, engineering, and strategy. With over 35 years of engineering experience, David is able to review vehicles from unique perspectives utilizing technical and specialized methods. David is a board member and a director at AJAC (Automobile Journalist Association of Canada).
David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean/Agile Thinking, and travels all around the world to review vehicles and teach latest engineering methods. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston.

[@marcelpatel9017]

Tahara is the greatest automotive plant in the world. It's received more platinum awards than anyone else folks. Incredible.

[@Outdoorsy368]

Just bought a 2024 4runner sr5 premium and it is absolutely gorgeous and so far flawless. I want to Thank you tahara employees for your constant dedication and attention to detail. True professionals

[@cmburns2606]

@@yukonstriker1703 2024 is still the old model, genius

[@joeblack1052]

@@yukonstriker17032024 4Runner doesn’t have a turbo and spun bearings on a 1GR V6? I guess if it is run without oil

[@Panchito277]

⁠​⁠@@yukonstriker1703 Get with the program, the 2024 4runner is a naturally aspirated engine which has proven over the last decade to be a very reliable engine.

[@owenperry9937]

@@yukonstriker1703that’s the 2025, and still no issues with the inline 4 turbo… it’s been around longer than the v6 in the 5th gen 4Runner…

[@gm-zz8so]

@@yukonstriker1703 its 5th gen so no issues

[@Final_Fantasy_7]

For anyone who's been paying close attention...he said it right there in the video....the real difference in Toyota's engineering that sets them apart from the west...is that they fix any defects or human errors during the assembly process of the production line BEFORE it gets to the end that way a perfect vehicle is created and not compromised.shipping a perfectly made vehicle with no errors from the factory is their top priority and that explains why Toyota has such a high standards.if you have a Toyota or Lexus stand up and smile y'all.you deserve it...it's your hard earn money well spent 😉

[@StubProductions]

I don’t think people on here realize how rare a video this is. David is telling everyone a lot about the intricacies of a Toyota plant. Really neat to see inside Tahara.

[@jamfoxs]

I want to thank the workers of Tahara plant! Our 2016 4runner has never let us down going strong at 130k miles. Very cool video

[@JoshuaWriter]

Nice, have you replaced your struts yet?

[@SkipperPond]

So glad we just bought a '24 4Runner. Quality.

[@DennisKrok-s6p]

Same here...still waiting for it to arrive. Hope Terra looks good live.

[@daved7024]

Thanks David for the Tahara factory tour. What a beautiful clean factory. I will only buy TOYOTAS built in Japan. 😊

[@willlewis4612]

2023 Lexus IS350AWD Owner here, Great build quality, every little attention to detail, paint quality, body gaps, noise reduction etc. I'm glad to own a Tahara built Lexus :). Great video as well!

[@diversityhobbit]

Beyond World Class

[@zie6595]

Doesn’t get any better than Toyota ❤️

[@elusivellama]

I just bought a '24 IS350, and it was awesome to see the inside of this factory and the processes they used to build mine. Cars that come out of this Tahara factory are of the highest quality in the world, period!

[@jsmoth3195]

Thanks David. I have had two 4Runners. A 2018 and 2023 Limited. Absolutely love them. The quality is incredible. Nice to see the plant that produces them. Not a fluke as to why they are so well build based on David’s tour. Thanks again!

[@nexusapp]

I love my 2011 4Runner Limited edition. There is not a single day that I am not thankful for the Tahra Factory making my 4Runner. Thank You for sharing

[@freddy6062]

Excellent tour of the Tahara plant. The work ethics is impressive. Nobody wearing shorts and cut off shirts. The Japanese really take their work seriously. Great video!

[@owenperry9937]

It awesome to see how excited he gets about things that most people could care less about. Gets me interested in it!

[@Theone0611]

I just learned had two cars from Tahara factory. An IS300 and now 4Runner. Thanks for the great content!!

[@daviddupree1155]

I'm really impressed with the impeccablity of Toyota. Thank you David for a great factory tour.

[@vigneshwaransridharan2290]

Happy to see Toyota factory tour. The bigest car manufacturer in the world.

[@iwatch_usleepatnight]

Made in Japan automotives are simply the best Built by the hands of Japanese culture.

[@E3N_297]

This is where my JDM Lexus ISF was born, love it ❤

[@MR3DDev]

Love these factory videos

[@gianlucavassari6252]

Thank you so much for this video, David! Also, thank you to all of the Toyota workers at the Tahara plant. I just bought a 2024 4Runner Off Road Premium in the Barcelona Red color, so I have placed my faith in you. Seeing this makes me feel very confident that it will prove to be a wise decision.

[@ian0841]

Thank you for taking us along on this tour! My favorite plant in the entire world.

[@christophersamuelson451]

Fantastic Plant! 🤯 My mind is blown!

[@timothypdevine]

Thank you so much! I love your videos, and I love the respect you openly display for Toyota/Lexus engineering and manufacturing. I have 3 Toyota vehicles and would never... NEVER consider buying a vehicle from a different manufacturer. As an American, I'm sad that my country's "Big 3" automakers produce so many inferior vehicles. There are lots of reasons why, but as a consumer, I really don't care about the "why" only the quality. Anyway, thanks David! Safe travels!

[@bluegrassboy2448]

The two LS sedans side by side almost made me cry. What a great company and culture to be proud of it's products and displayed beautifully.

[@Glasscitycarnerd]

I have four Tahara built Toyotas (90 & 93 Celicas 21 & 24 4Runners) This video is awesome!

[@ian0841]

Your channel is another one of my favorites. I also have a couple Japan built Toyota/Lexus products in my garage.

[@ceek2329]

I cant be the only one to say this but this is the longest video I have ever watched on here from start to finish. Can't wait to see the 4R, LC and GX line! I appreciate the plant, workers and company for delivering great products along with their dedicated work.

[@chefjonsf]

We just bought a 2024 TRD Pro, and to see all of the pride and soul put into the making of the car makes me more proud to have snagged one after saving for years. My family and I love Japan and to have this connection with the truck we drive- so much ❤

[@Uno91180]

Amazing to see. The best factory in the world. My 4Runner and is500 were of amazing quality never an issue. Currently in a 24’ lx600 and while it’s not made in Tahara, it’s of the upmost quality. How ever @automotive press /david, I am very worried about the v35a bearing issue and essentially engine destruction. Do you have any insight?? Thank you for your videos

[@gregmgm06]

Great video! Excellent job explaining the build process!

[@08Cruiser]

Thank you! Fantastic video! Now where’s my new LandCruiser? 🤩

[@Final_Fantasy_7]

David it was an honor and I can't express my sincere gratitude for you sharing this video...I thank Toyota for allowing you to share there world class engineering process with the world.this video was incredible and I will surely recommend this video to anyone interested in buy a Lexus or Toyota vehicle.

[@elizabethwhite4606]

David, fabulous video of the Tahara plant. Exquisite factory processes and precision in motion!

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you Elizabeth!

[@vincecaruso7503]

My household has a 2024 LX600, 2022 GX460, and a 2019 RAV4, all made in Japan. Also a 2016 C7 Corvette Convertible with a 7 speed manual transmission. I love them all! Awesome video.

[@LindaEll]

Now I know why my new Lexus NX350h is so awesome! Kudos to these dedicated workers.

[@AR-up4xe]

David, Thank you for a very insightful video, job well done! Looking forward to the GX and LC plant tour.

[@jkk244]

Great video. I’m importing a 1997 Land Cruiser Prado 90 Series from Japan to the US which I believe was built at that plant. Will be here here in 4 weeks! Can’t wait.

[@HiPlains1]

I drove a new 1997 Prado 90 back in Fiji back in the day. I think that was the first year for that body style. Just came back from a trip from Fiji and rented a 2017 Prado. Got to love that D4D diesel. Is yours a gas or diesel as they make both in Japan. I was thinking of going that route but because of parts and service will consider a GX 460. Pretty much same except it has the V8 which is dead pan reliable as well.

[@jkk244]

@@HiPlains1 since the Prado was never sold in the US, I wanted a model with some parts interchangeability to the Toyota models that were sold here. So my Prado has the 2.7 3RZ gasoline engine. Toyota never sold diesels in the US so I did not want to chance buying a vehicle with an engine that could prove troublesome finding parts and service.

[@gabrielmillien7439]

@@HiPlains1 96 was the first year of that gen.

[@Wtrxprs007able]

​@@jkk244over in the US the 90 series prados closest relative is the 4runner from the same years and other similar cars. The good thing is them being on the same base platform, parts interchange quite easily too.

[@555atU]

This was great! Thank you!

[@gabrielramirez7941]

That's awesome!! Great Video! Thank you.

[@bubba4072]

Awesome, David! Thank you 👍

[@reludennis]

Century SUV looks like a Bentley! But better ! Wow. Thank you David and Toyota for this tour. I dream of a Land Cruiser....any Land Cruiser

[@Miroslaw-rs8ip]

I’m an Industrial Engineer and am amazed by the organization of the plant, thanks for the video. I also own a 2023 GX460 😉❤️

[@KeithBatchelor]

Amazing display of precision and quality in the Tahara production plant! Thanks David!!

[@edwin97a]

Thank you David... finally I can see where my Lexus IS fsport made.

[@randallsmith7885]

Very nice tour. Thank you very much!

[@jessesuarez1719]

David's videos always allow me to really to be the Toyota nerd that I am 😂 this video is awesome!

[@AutomotivePress]

Glad you liked it!!

[@WilliamGelmi]

LM is a master piece.

[@alfredsanders3032]

This is fascinating 👏

[@BorisJeam]

Amazing tour! I have a 2013 AVE30 IS300h, my first Lexus and very much won't be the last, that likely came out of this exact line at Tahara plant. It's by far the best fit and finish of any car I've ever owned. Even after 325,000km it's still as quiet and tight as anything, and the gap still is, like you pointed out, absolutely perfect on every body panel. This actually made me quite surprised the line is a mix model one, having heard tales of some specific model from different manufacturer being badly built due to exactly that. It's really a testament to how well planned the assembly line is, and the system like the andon cord and kaizen that made sure there is as little mistake being made as possible. This also made so much sense as to why all Lexus from this line has generally the same great quality feel, no matter if it's the IS, LS, RX, LM, etc. The LM is indeed selling extremely well at the moment, with waiting time pushing over a year in most South East and East Asian markets.

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

It’s videos like these that I love the most on your channel. Many thanks David, keep up the great work!

[@johnlee-jk3ke]

you are. the best David.

[@luisnegron6785]

Thank you sir for the tour. WOW!!!! Superb job!!!

[@donkisler3538]

Great content as usual. Thank you for a great video.

[@briansimmerman5491]

Toyota has set the gold standard for manufacturing! My '23 SR5 Premium is perfect in every way!

[@6806goats1]

Thank you for this visit. Doubt I’ll ever be able to visit the plant as I don’t have a channel but it’s still great to see where my 97 Land Cruiser and 2014 LEXUS LS were created. Looking forward to your coverage of the new GX and Land Cruiser.

[@cars-trucks]

THE RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF PERFECTION 💯

[@far-away-so-close4540]

I have a "green belt" in LEAN design and operational improvement, and, of course, studying "The Toyota Way" was part of that. This tour of Toyota's top-of-the-line factory is really interesting. Especially, seeing how all of the ideas and values for removing "waste" (Mistakes, wasted time, wasted effort, etc.) and continuous improvement are put into practice on the shop floor (Because, to solve a problem, you have to go to Gemba!).

[@gbitsadze]

Great video, Very interesting, Thanks

[@jerryavlon4780]

Awesome David!!!

[@RSwrightMD]

Thanks for the update. It’s reassuring to see the quality of manufacturing of the LS is the same as the IS and NX. Lexus is the brand!

[@gangpw924]

Amazing work environment

[@MrTimstaaa]

Thank's for showing us these videos of the factory Dave

[@jkovimo8988]

My 2016 Lexus RC350 F Sport is still like the day it came off the Tahara Assembly Plant! Excellent video! More please sir!

[@chadwhite1198]

That was informative and interesting! Thank you, David. 😊

[@StubProductions]

Cool video! Thank you for making it!

[@d.t.3538]

When you take pride and discipline of what you do, it goes a long way with quality. That is why Toyotas still on top the food gain.

[@ivankorth4458]

I LOVE my 23 GX 460 from Tahara plant !! Whenever someone new gets in my suv , they always comment how quiet the ride is and how comfortable it rides

[@fib4923]

This is the best auto planet in the world.

[@paranoidhumanoid]

It's so OCD clean and organized!

[@reludennis]

Mix model production seems very hard to do without mistakes. Impressive work and clean environment

[@raycordero01]

WOW!!! SIMPLY AMAZING! First, I want to recognize you sir, DAVID, for your hard work flight to Japan, document, edit and publish this amazing video as well as the others you do every week! Second: To the Tahara Plant and to ALLLLLL the workers that go to work, leaving their families EVERY SINGLE DAY with the same enthusiasm and passion to work and deliver an OUTSTANDING, IMPECCABLE, AND AMAZING product, like my 2024 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium, as well as the rest of Lexus and Toyota customers! This manufacturing plant is AMAZING! So clean, and the ALL the workers with their uniforms, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including the beautiful white gloves… All my family members are Toyota Customers for yearssss! So we are truly grateful for ALL the Toyota/Lexus workers!!! From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU TOYOTA/LEXUS AND MR. DAVID!!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

[@codywy5579]

Brilliant! Thank you ✅✅✅

[@doctorwu1303]

You look at an American car manufacturing plant and it’s dirty and the workers are dressed like they just got out of bed.

[@dennishughes721]

I live near the Georgetown plant and it is as clean as the Tahara plant.

[@HiPlains1]

BMW plant in South Carolina is minty clean.

[@rickm8456]

That’s not true.

[@mrvang8077]

American cars are all just about pushing it out as fast as possible. It's a short test here and there. The overall design and layout parts are skip hence why when customer get the car. And or when try to work on them. It becomes more of a nightmare or just doesn't make any sense and could've been better implemented.

[@timmiller7589]

I worked at TMMK Georgetown and it was clean. Tahara looks to be a notch above, but K was good, IMO.

[@klaseronen7535]

I had a '66 Toyota Corona RT-40 back in the days, gorgeous car. During this year I have been driving two almost brand-new rental cars, a Corolla Touring Sports and a CH-R. In my opinion not the most beautiful cars aesthetically, however beautiful by the feeling which only increased during the trips. It was possible to relax because the cars felt bulletproof. Thank you, Toyota.

[@petertarantelli]

Fascinating, thank you for showing us this factory.

[@bon7245]

Awesome plant

[@brianporterjr.1131]

Awesome tour David, thank you for sharing!

[@JXM33]

Only one word: AMAZING!!!

[@rightlanehog3151]

David, Will you be taking us on a tour of the Tahara Factory Outlet store as well? 🤔 😁

[@AutomotivePress]

I did go to the Tahara factory store but can't show you that section!

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@AutomotivePress Top Secret!!

[@elliottm9365]

You've got to respect and admire the dedication of these workers to do the absolute best job they can. It's hard to find workers with that kind of work ethic regardless of the field of work.

[@jassaley]

Looking forward to your full review and test drive of the new Crown Signia!

[@MartinezFAMHawaii]

Mahalo for the Tour 🤙

[@guidenext2204]

Great job.

[@pinkipipe]

Wow 😮👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@WilliamGelmi]

That is why Toyota is number 1 in the world.

[@ENTJ47]

Beautiful Facility

[@polarbear4686]

Very cool video!!

[@ammarisrar2005]

Wow, this plant looks so clean and good, I went to the Ford plant in Dearborn where they produce the F150 and I have to say, Ford doesn’t treat their employees as well as Toyota does, their system is FAR more efficient than any other brand

[@kennethMaveGR]

Awesome video!!! Can you please visit the GR factory and show how they build the GR Corolla next time????

[@phillipjoy1305]

Great video 😊

[@israelrodriguez4718]

Very impressive

[@toinemommers7139]

Very nice tour of this impressive plant. Thanks

[@jamesbalsai8752]

Simply the Best ! Japan built !

[@bryanarreola5223]

Always love your factory tours! I know you have a lot of experience with the Japan plants but do you think you will ever get to tour the USA Kentucky plant?

[@AutomotivePress]

Yes I've actually visited many North American factories as well, but I should re-visit to film the process...

[@essaregee]

Great video David! I would love to see a Kyuhu plant review where my RX450h+ was built!

[@MrCovert23]

We need a Guanajuato and Baja California plant tour . I wanna see the Tacoma

[@s87583]

Thankful.

[@stephanlevesque7632]

Fantastic video! Love the methodology used! Certified in the agile process myself.

[@MichaelAllen-td1uu]

The workers all look fit and very flexible.