socalJD

I hope not - Friday here is already Saturday in Japan . . .

socalJD

I hear you, and it's encouraging since you work for Toyota, MMC. But consider this, Lexus as a stand alone division has been around for almost 20 years. I would say 90% of all Lexus produced, are sold in N. America. So wouldn't it be more cost efficient to produce all Lexus in N. America rather than in Japan ? Instead, 90% of all Lexus produced are still assembled in Japan and shipped to N. America - I find this very interesting . . .

Sexi_Lexi

When I said Friday, it wasn't as in Fri here in the US.

Btw, the Japanese are known to work on weekends too.

josephdoc

I like you because you like M-I-J things!
Good to know another JDM fan!

nois3504me

Well before purchasing my IS i had a Scion XB. My aunt bought a corolla built in the US/Canada and man there was a HUGE difference in build quality. The XB Fit and finish was immaculate. The Corolla was nice, but you definitely could see some poor quality control. well gotta go im being kicked off the computer!!

Hip_hop77

i doubt u could tell the difference if nobody told you...
its probably just the car difference..
and if you could tell.. and assembly sux dat bad...
lucky me.. i got the 06

duckduck

I wouldn't mind having my car being built in the US.

Assuming the workers got paid $1,000 an hour, built only one car a day, had all the benefits in the world, whose job security is directly tied to customer satsifaction, and who are car aficionados.

As long as the car is perfect and fine...free from problems and rattles, I could careless where it's built.

S54toIS350

No disrespect to the hardworking blue collar Americans out there, but there is just something to be said about products made in Japan.

Japan are world reknown for their finished goods - cars are no exception.

American factory workers are to say the least, unmotivated. Now personally I have not visited any companies in Japan, but I have visted many in the US. If you want a better comparison, visit some of the factories in Southern California - you'll be lucky to get one that speaks proper english. Sometimes diversity is a bad thing when it comes to quality finished products.

Without giving a speech about domestic economics in the U.S. just look at some of the finest that the U.S. auto makers have to offer, Ford and Chevy.

bgarre

It's a good thing you can hide behind your computer when you sling insults at America and it's blue collar workers. I'm sure there are many Blue collar workers that would like to show you what it means to be American.

If Japan is so awesome why don't you relocate. We blue collar workers do not want your money or your disrespect.

BobsGX

There was a window sticker on my 06 GX470 that said the vehicle was comprised of 100% Japanese parts. Yet the Michelin tires on it were made in the USA. So how can they say its 100% Japanese?

Technique

I know what you mean man... I faced this SAME problem when I was vacationing in Tokyo last year... I met this cute girl, really cute... She told me she was 100% japanese... But then, get this, she was wearing Nike shoes that were made in China!!! Needless to say, I never spoke to her again... She should have told me she was 95% Japanese and 5% Chinese...

Cornellian

That is a good question. One reason is that the labor is cheap in Japan compared to USA. However, there are many other Business reasons, which I don't want to mention here...

Cornellian

Took the words right outta my mouth...

S54toIS350

Spoken like a true redneck; try putting your beer down first before you hop on the keyboard.

First, please address where in my original thread did I ever insult any "blue collar" americans? exactly, because I never did.

I simply stated during my visit of american factories all I saw was unmotivated workers - not to say all of them are like this, but this is what I have collected from my observation. Please, do not assume I am a tourist. Chew on this idea... would you buy a house before ever stepping foot in it?

Please do not imply of what I am writing as a generalization or stereotyping blue collar americans. You don't need a masters in economics to understand that without blue collar americans, there will be no america; so yes, I do have great respect for blue collar americans.

Based on your last statement, would I be accurate to assume you are union?

b3dlam

Consider the components that make up the car...it would mean the ecu, carpet, transmission..etc etc would have to be sourced/made in the u.s. as well. The increase in costs of production for each separate part would add up very quickly. If the IS cost $10k more, i doubt it would sell as well. Plus, you have to appreciate that toyota parent company is in Japan...and they will look out for japan's interest first and foremost. To do otherwise, it would be commercial suicide for them.

I too, have visited japan and the u.s. The difference in culture, attitude and general outlook is astounding! From my observations, americans are much more confident in the way they speak and present themselves...whereas Japanese ppl, outwardly, are much more humble. However, they do seem to take immense pride in their work...this is SOOO evident from train drivers, street cleaner to shop attendant that I saw. It would be hard to appreciate this difference until you go there and look for yourself. Hate to say it, but the difference is also similar with australians vs. japan.

2c