EVERY TOYOTA & LEXUS FACTORY IN JAPAN EXPLAINED // WHAT IS BUILT WHERE? IS 4 RUNNER BUILT IN TAHARA?

Exactly which Toyota and Lexus models are still produced in Japan? Trying to figure this out is like a puzzle, since the production sites are constantly changing and information is difficult to obtain. Automotive Engineer David Chao - who has been to almost every Toyota and Lexus factories in Japan - has deciphered this complex information and explains which models of Toyota and Lexus brands are still produced in Japan. David goes over every Toyota/Lexus factory one by one, explaining what is being produced there and which ones actually come to North America. This is the most significant video David has produced, after taking many weeks to gather all of the correct information. Video footage of such models as the Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus LX, and FJ Cruiser are included in this fascinating video.
Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, consulting, and strategy. David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean Thinking or Toyota Production System. 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.

[@AutomotivePress]

Thanks for watching my videos and sending many comments and questions. I missed a few products on this video - the Lexus LS is still built at Tahara factory and the upcoming Toyota Crown and Lexus RZ are being built at Motomachi factory.

[@MrLuba6a]

I❤ your videos 👍 👏

[@rightlanehog3151]

David, Automotive News has a story about the Crown today but without a subscription I cannot read it. I hope better body styles are on the way to our market. BTW we are still waiting for absolute confirmation of the 2 door Prado production line😁

[@natnut2008]

Also the old Lexus GS RWD sports sedan was made in Tahara plant?

[@AutomotivePress]

@@natnut2008 Old GS was produced at both Tahara and motomachi depending on the year of production

[@midiman5045]

Thanks for the info.

[@vanlife4256]

Great respect to Japanese workers and engineers! Discipline, strive for Quality, tradition and perseverance. It’s an honor to work in a Toyota manufacturing plant

[@Farhatullah-zv3wm]

Do you work in Japan or another country?

[@Optimistprime.]

Come work at my plant. You will be disappointed.

[@Nahhmah]

The reasons I bought a '22 GX is because 1) built in Tahara factory, 2) has the legendary V8, 3) full time AWD, 4) it is over built with Kaizen in mind since 2009, 4) has updated info system, 5) is built in Tahara factory.

[@wb.c]

Same reasons why I got my 2023 GX460. Last model year for the V8.

[@allenzillmer1917]

My dream SUV

[@saurabhbhalla90]

Point 1 and 5 are same

[@Nahhmah]

@@saurabhbhalla90 that’s exactly my point!

[@Cocora22]

Me too, 100%

[@alphakilo9066]

Fascinating insights, David. I don't think that there is another source of information on the Toyota company or Toyota products that is as accurate and insightful as you provide. Thank you. I only wish that Toyota dealerships in the United States could exhibit the same ethics in their business practices as Toyota factories exhibit in the manufacture of these fine vehicles.

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@lpete531]

Well said

[@-randychasechase2660]

Just look on.the door

[@TrinityWilderness1]

Exactly. What a shame…

[@cyrusm8393]

My 1998 Rav4 was built at the Motomachi plant and has held up pretty well, despite being treated as a beater car over the years. At close to 200K miles, the 3S-FE engine is still chugging along, and the Aisin auto transmission still shifts very smoothly. One thing that surprised me is the paint quality. When comparing to 90s American-made Toyota Camry and Corollas that I still see on the road; a lot of the paint has faded on them. The only part of my Rav4 that has peeling paint is the top part of the rear door, due to sitting out in the sun. But I am still shocked that the rest of the roof and other panels of the car have no paint problems! Truly a well built vehicle...

[@Andrew-qx8kg]

I love my Four Runner, thank you Japan for its quality. I bought it new 5 years ago and still runs like its new. When I saw it at the dealer (Canada) I asked what are the tags on it (in Japanese). The salesman said the vehicle is made in Japan and the tags tell who built or installed the parts indicating ownership on the quality. I bought the vehicle.

[@louisdebenedictis2584]

Morning David, thank you for this video. It is so important to understand the commitment of the people who work at these plants. We need in America to appreciate the level of professionalism and commitment to career these folks live their lives by. I respect and admire this level of PPS. In my world we call it Personal Professional Standard. Thank You again.

[@CeeJay591]

Thank you David for this incredibly detailed and informative video - really appreciate it.

[@Minusroot8]

One of the best things to come from Japan is David from Automotive Press! Great video!

[@AutomotivePress]

Wow, thank you for your comment!

[@ExpeditionaryRanger]

But.... which plant was he built in??? Must have been Tahara?

[@thomaslam6821]

Thanks David for this great info! Great video by the way! 👍👍👍

[@Mntoyaz]

Excellent informative video! Thanks again for the detailed insight of the Toyota factories.

[@bl1707]

Thank you David. This may be my favourite videos of yours. Very educationa

[@bubba4072]

Thank you, David! I always find your videos very informative. 👍

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

Excellent video David, many thanks!

[@markreynolds3850]

Thank you David for this interesting video, very informative and interesting view.

[@brianh2476]

Many thanks for this wonderful exposition David. I'll be interested in joining one of your tours when they restart.

[@crusaderLF]

Extremely informative video. Thank you for sharing.

[@tminust7369]

This was the video I’ve been looking for! Thank you!

[@AutomotivePress]

Glad it was helpful!

[@phonemeunit1973]

Really good information. Thank you!

[@regmatt]

very useful information David, this way ill know which vehicle to get !!!

[@AllAboutZombiesHD]

Needed this video. Huge fan

[@daviddupree1155]

Thank you for the tour David

[@retobar752]

Thank you for sharing! Great Info!

[@elsaandnoah]

Excellent video, I love learning about this. Honestly, I’ve always loved the 4Runner and now I really want to order one!

[@greg5856]

Awesome video David!

[@beeslandscaping]

Great video thank you for your knowledge 😊

[@romualdgarcia9108]

Thank you very much for that video

[@jackstein1171]

Thank you for this intersting subject .

[@robertwinther5423]

Awesome video thank you David

[@LTX-Shep]

Great video. Thanks.

[@DavitGiorgadze]

Thank you for this video and information!

[@davop4919]

Thanks very much for the excellent video!! Subscribed 🙂

[@AutomotivePress]

Thanks for the sub!

[@nread7]

Great content David!

[@jamespuig4858]

Fascinating, I would love to tour a Toyota factory and learn more of the mentality of its workers and their dedication as this concept is lost in the American factory worker.

[@ckone671]

Awesome video David, thank you brother!

[@AutomotivePress]

My pleasure!

[@jamespn]

Great tour and information on Toyota factories. I remember seeing my first Toyota, a 1971 Mark 2 in Detroit at a dealer that also sold MGs, it was a very nice sedan with a high quality paint work and nicely upholstered interior.

[@sombunkom442]

Thank You Dave..very informative and much appreciated.

[@AutomotivePress]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tripsadelica]

As an Aussie it's great to see where our legendary Prados, Land Cruisers and their more agricultural siblings are produced. Toyota Japan has a fond relationship with Australia as this is the country where the Land Cruisers gained their reputation for toughness and reliability when they were exclusively chosen for the Snowy Mountains Infrastructure scheme in the early 60s. Since that time most farmers and miners in Australia will choose Toyota products over any other brand for their work vehicles. The Hilux is the most ubiquitous SUV used in our construction industries. Toyota once owned and operated a huge plant here in Australia in the State of Victoria (Altona Plant) and, before that at the former Australian Motor Industries plant in South Melbourne. The old AMI plant was one of Toyota's first foreign plants. The Altona plant produced Camrys for the local market and for export to South America and the Middle East. It also produced the local market 6 cylinder Aurion (which I own). Sadly with both Ford and GM Holden pulling out of local production in Australia there was no economy of scale to keep Australian Toyota production going and the Altona Plant closed BUT it has not been demolished and Toyota is repurposing the plant to use for future hydrogen drive systems production and, maybe, a return of auto manufacturing if the government subsidises the industry. I hope and pray this happens as my heart is saddened every time I drive past the Altona Plant which was one of the most modern car factories in Australia. Thank you for your informative and great video.

[@guidenext2204]

Very interesting and informative sir, thank you for sharing your experience and insights with us and much appreciated.

[@christianfamily4817]

alright, alright, good work david!!!

[@dobermanguy9437]

Great video some of the best information where Toyotas and lexus are made good job

[@AutomotivePress]

Much appreciated!

[@luklopskywalk]

Amazing video.

[@ravin747]

Dave thanks for the education, very interesting. Love your input and video’s

[@AutomotivePress]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@timmiller7589]

David, once again a very interesting video that is well produced! Interesting to see how Toyota has products allocated across it’s domestic plants. Personally, it is of interest to see how their production lines are set up and how they receive parts for the production lines (conveyance) methods. These videos are of interest in a similar vein as the virtual production tours Toyota has online for US plants. Having said that, Tahara is favorite! That would be as a result of the product mix there. So in addition to a 4RUNNER from there, I’ll go ahead and put in a request for an IS-F and RC-F as well 😂👍. I’m old school fan of V-8! I was actually fortunate to see one of the RC-F TRACK EDITION cars that were originally allocated to US in a central Kentucky LEXUS dealership (1 of 50) I believe in May 2019! Beautiful car! Even though RC model line is “older”, I love the lines on the car, very fluid and SPORTY, IMO! Thank you so much for info on the birthplace of these vehicles👍. Perhaps you could do a video on the RC and future plans for it…. Your knowledge and automotive experience is to be respected. So glad of your “car guy” enthusiasm!

[@pedrocooper]

Excellent video David. Recently discovered your channel. Very informative.

[@AutomotivePress]

Welcome aboard!

[@lawrencewang5429]

This is an amazing video. Very likely only you could have done it . Awesome

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you very much!

[@giliethedeliveryman3516]

I love your videos thank you so much

[@augustinep6193]

Good video. Thanks.

[@johnwebb2232]

Thankyou David for a really indepth video on the toyota brand, it makes me feel proud to own my 2016 4runner, it really is a shame that the north american market can't take out a page from these highly skilled people. keep up the great work you are doing. love my 4runner.

[@daviddabo2682]

A mix of quality, tradition and innovation!

[@crewzincool]

Very interesting thanks

[@M5_Sonu]

Gem of a video! Thank you sir!!

[@AutomotivePress]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DLewis-pc2op]

Thanks David...........another very informative video. Please........."tell us more"........

[@earlenecarson395]

Very informative. I never knew that there was such a variety of Lexus/Toyota vehicles manufactured in Japan. I'm waiting to see the next design for the GX.

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you!

[@jamietoro8373]

Thank You Very Informative.

[@AutomotivePress]

Glad it was helpful!

[@azizbass]

Wow, what amazing research and commentary.

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you kindly

[@aynsleyjeansonne]

Yoshiwara for the win. Love to see more content for the century and the LC

[@robertdavis8171]

Also, look for TOYOTA VIN numbers starting with the letter J. These models are made in Japan.

[@surfingtothestars]

that's how I'm doing my car shopping rn lol

[@jimmydewberry]

Very informative and interesting! Toyota is such an impressive company of people!

[@robertheymann5906]

Thanks! Great to know my beloved 4runner was made in Japan

[@walterfick157]

Thanks David 👍👍👍👍👍

[@alecnguyen5334]

David, thank you for sharing all of your knowledge of Toyota/Lexus with all of us who watch. I have been a production team member at TMMWV for almost 4 years now. I’m 23 years old, when I started in Dec. 2018 I worked in mainline assembly for the ZR 1.8L I4 for Corolla LE, now as of Sept. 2021 I work mainline TNGA 2.5L I4 for Rav4 and now NX250. I have always been a car enthusiast since birth I say, from BMW to Porsche I had little interest in the Toyota brand when I started working at this major manufacturing facility just outside of my home town here in West Virginia. Mind you like many I’ve had several memorable Toyota encounters throughout my life. But now I’m a Toyota/Lexus fanatic for life. I currently drive a 22’ 4Runner TRD Pro in Lime Rush, I also have a 22’ Premium Plus GX460. Love them both and how differently each one’s characteristics are even though they’re are essentially share the same vehicle underpinnings. I hope some day I will be able to join you on some tours of factories oversees. Thank you again for all the knowledge and information you share! Sincerely, Alec Nguyen

[@CoralSea]

I heard that the 4Runner and the GX460 require constant little adjustments of the steering wheel on freeway. Is it true?

[@alecnguyen5334]

@@CoralSea Yes and no. The 4Runner and GX460 being body on frame as well as the sides acting like sails, will float around in the lane a bit more then say your typical highlander or RX. Don’t be discouraged this is not a design flaw its just how body on frame trucks and suvs handle. It can be a big change coming from a car or unibody suv but I’m almost certain anyone can adapt to it and eventually it’ll be second nature/feel normal to you. You should definitely test drive one or the other, I’ll tell you this if you get a GX460 they glide effortlessly on the freeway. Both my 4Runner TRD Pro and GX460 behave differently in little ways. You should know that you can get the GX460s KDSS suspension geometry on a premium trim 4Runner which in my opinion would be a must have for me if I wasn’t getting a pro or limited 4R. It just handles the road so well and is capable off-road too. Hope this helps

[@CoralSea]

@@alecnguyen5334 Thanks for your response. I had a car that wandered on freeway at > 60 mph and I had to get rid of it. It made long distant driving tiring. I'm looking for something to replace my 07 Odyssey that is a very good road trip van with no wandering issue like the newer car with electric power steering I mentioned above.

[@alecnguyen5334]

@@CoralSea Both the 4Runner and GX460 for the time being have old fashioned belt driven power steering, honestly don’t have a lot of seat time in any larger suvs/minivans with electric power steering to help

[@Farhatullah-zv3wm]

I have a question if you dont mind answering. What tool do you use for screwing bolts I mean are they impact wrenches or ratchet and are they cordless, wired or air powered? Also what you use to torque the bolts? Do you use simple torque wrenches or any other special tool?😊

[@jimmyamico4713]

Hi David!! On my opinion, this video defines you and your phenomenal channel. This is why you are the best of the best of the BEST!! this video gives a complete synthesized analysis of all the models and where they are made and shows the world the quality control is truly the best in the world like the Tahara factory and the Moto Machi factory; your channel has the same quality that those factories have, and someday you will be in the millions of subscribers; your vision is exemplary, and those subscribers that see it will stay with you till the end of time. I am very excited for you and your channel and I am looking forward to meeting you hopefully in 2023 in Florida. With Kirk. Respectfully Submitted, Jimmy USAF🇺🇸✈️🙏😇👍💜🇨🇮🇨🇦🇯🇵

[@rightlanehog3151]

👏👏👏👏

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you thank you always Jimmy! I don't deserve such a wonderful comment! I'm very thankful and always inspired by your respectful manners about everything in life!

[@seumasmackinlay]

Fascinating video, David! It’s a shame about the FJ Cruiser -mine is getting old… 😕

[@mathieukouture]

Very nice again ! thanks, maybe I miss it but I would like to see a map and where the factories are when you talk about it !

[@Tahara-Aichi]

David is the man to follow If you like toyota products

[@THEONLYETP]

Perfect in every way!

[@timmiller7589]

David, Thank You so very much for sharing your knowledge and experience with Toyota! A truly insightful video filled with dream vehicles. Proud owner of a 2024 4RUNNER TRD O/R PREM in Solar Octane! Many compliments on the vehicle from family and neighbors. The build quality of the Takumi Specialists is apparent with paint finish, body panel alignment/gap, interior fit and finish. The quality of materials is top notch. I am amazed that the plastics seem to be of such a higher quality than what is typically seen here in USA??? I would happily own an IS or RC from Tahara😊

[@snortingmydeaddad]

Glad I stopped daily driving my FJ at 72,000 miles. Now enjoying an ‘07 V8 4 runner with 256,000. Drives beautifully!

[@bamidelesunday2308]

GREAT WORKERS TO JAPANESE RESPECT🙏

[@dancacciatore]

A great explanation of the manufacturing plants and the models they produce. Another KZbinr, The Car Care Nut, explained the uniqueness of the Century. In the 1970s, I visited the Porsche plant. Toyota seems to have taken that care and expertise and multiplied them exponentially.

[@tonypi4322]

The Century, aka the Emperor’s Car, is one of a kind!

[@tonypi4322]

A fantastic, very informative video as always David! I believe you forgot the Lexus LS, built in Tahara, and the Toyota Crown and Lexus RZ, now in production at Motomachi! Thanks David!

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you! Yes sorry I missed a few models. But yes indeed the LS is built in Tahara and the upcoming Crown and RZ will be built at the BZ factory in Motomachi.

[@lrod312]

Most famously, The LFA was also built at the Motomachi plant if I’m not mistaken as well.

[@MrComar1979]

Thanks for that Video! Now I know where my new Lexus UX was build 🙂. My Yaris was build in France as far as I know… greetings from Germany ✌🏻

[@rightlanehog3151]

David, The variety of cars and trucks produced by Toyota across Japan is staggering and you have not even mentioned their Daihatsu brand models. I hope you and your lucky guests manage to get a photo of EVERY Toyota product in your upcoming trip. I am just as impressed by the humble, workaday models like the Fielder, JPN taxi and, of course, the elusive Corolla Touring wagon as I am by the high end performance and luxury products. Lastly, I will go on the record and say how absolutely satisfied I have been for over 17 years by the quality of my made in California, USA 'Toyota'. I would be shocked if a car Toyota made ANYWHERE else would surpass its steadfast reliability. 😁

[@munrow22]

That taxi is sweet. I remember the corolla wagon. I think they could tart up the model 70 and have a Gwagon.

[@ak1ra1i]

Great information! When purchasing a Toyota or Lexus (I have both) I always ask where the vehicle is made. To me the QC is what makes the vehicle function years beyond most other brands. FANTASTIC content!

[@michaelhinson424]

Thanks for the video. I like my Corolla hatchback which was built in Japan. I also had a Yaris hatchback which was made in Japan.

[@donyoshimoto5466]

Hi David, enjoy and learn a lot from your videos. Keep up the awesome work. I have Lexus GS and IS. Thinking about a Lexus NX hybrid this coming year or so. I will be in the Nagoya area this May. Is it possible to take a car assembling factory tour in Nagoya? I will also see Toyota museum. Looking forward to your input. Doomo.

[@stewartstarling2309]

David is a Takumi Toyota factory visitor!! ❤

[@GoingHomeMarch2012]

Thank you so much for doing this video! I’ve been trying to research this question and it’s been frustrating. I want my next car to be Japanese made.

[@AutomotivePress]

Glad it was helpful!

[@petervenkman8425]

I like these vids.

[@user-qn7fd5yn1i]

David, I Love this Detailed Video from a fellow Engineer! Please do a video on the LS500 the Original Flagship large car in USA since introduced in 1990. You didn’t mention that model or I missed it. Blessings and take care Bro! ✌️🙏

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you so much! Yes I should talk about the original LS!

[@steveflor9942]

I bought my Prius new in 2005. It is the most defect free thing I have ever purchased.

[@JohanSchmidt]

Brilliant videos - I enjoy them a lot. Do you know where the Rav4 models sold in Australia are built?

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you - I believe it's built in Takaoka and Tsutsumi plants in Japan (not from Canada as some sources indicate)

[@davidgirvan6007]

Excellent video! Hard to contemplate the organisation and coordination required to produce so many vehicles!!

[@denisenadeau5243]

beautiful

[@maxwood192]

I worked for a large Japanese International timber manufacturing company in New Zealand for twenty years so I have some a understanding of the Japanese work culture. I have always owned a Toyota and have had endless years of trouble free motoring. I agree with you that Toyota and Lexis are so successful because they have long term workers that their work becomes their life and they becomes very good at doing what they do. We had a factory meeting and the Japanese manager gave a speech in Japanese which when translated to English said that he wanted us to make love to our production machinery. New Zealander workers did not have the same work commitment but we did respect the Japanese work culture.

[@trustme2001]

I have a Lexus RX300 built in Japan. After 20 years, still looks and drives great. Japanese build vehicles are in a different League of their own.

[@golferpro1241]

Got my ‘04 RX330. Great vehicle

[@thomasr.1bad21ultra9]

Outstanding explanation my friend which begs a question. Regardless of the Toyota model which factory produces the highest quality vehicles? Many thanks but as you know I’m waiting for the 6th generation 4 Runner c

[@brianvallier8594]

Thank you for sharing such exciting and valuable information. Are the 2023 Prius models sold in the USA confusing to be built at the same factory in Japan?

[@steveglave35]

Great video. Which factory was the GS 350 manufactured in?

[@naseerahmed6805]

Really good information. Love my Limited nightshade 4Runner! #GoTeamToyota!

[@dbsantanapr]

Hi David! Interestingly, nearly all of the trims for the newer Rav4’s that arrive to Puerto Rico are made in Japan. (No idea which factories, if you can tell me I would appreciate it.) As far as I’ve seen the only exception is the TRD off road trim. The Corolla Cross that is arriving is from the Alabama plant, I think. Definitely not Japan. Also, from 1993-2015 I owned a Corolla wagon, which was built in Japan. I bought it in New York.

[@Asifalirahman1]

I have always found your videos helpful. You have also made me think more about Lexus. In my life, I have kept three Toyotas but never a Lexus. I am considering buying an SUV and finding it difficult to decide between an X5/X7 or a GX. Previously I have kept an X3 for three years, and I loved it, but in my experience, BMWs are high-maintenance cars. Although here in Canada, BMWs are always dealership maintained for the first four years, but it is still annoying to send it for maintenance so many times. What is your expert opinion, generally speaking?

[@haithamalhawamdeh3134]

Thank you from Jordan

[@rbaker3557]

Great and informative video. Where is the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (RAV4 Prime) manufactured? Just curious. Thanks!

[@fourbanks]

Hi David as always an excellent video. Do you know who is responsible for the Toyota BZ4X debacle, with the wheels could fall off?

[@JB-ie9hj]

I purchased a new V6 Camry SL in 2019 I am in Australia the car came from Japan. It is just an amazing car beautifully finished ,I just love this car I previously had General Motors Holden cars . The Toyota far superior car .Thank you for your video .Special thanks to Toyota workers in Japan for your dedication.

[@miltonblanchard]

Very good video. I’ve had the privilege of going to Tahara, Motomachi, Honsha and TAB Yoshiwara. Also of course TMC headquarters and Shinmei. 😊

[@AutomotivePress]

Thanks for sharing!

[@victorkonon]

Awesome video! Can you make one about Mazda?

[@golferpro1241]

My 2004 Lexus RX330 was made in Kyushu in August 2003. 38,009 miles on it. Love that car. Thanks for the video David.