Toyota announces $ 10 billion hit from Tariffs ...

[T4xCruiser25]

"Made in USA" is easier to say than to define in the auto world. Around 80% of Toyota/Lexus vehicles sold in the US are assembled in the US, Canada or Mexico. But the parts in them come from suppliers all over the world. To have a full supply chain 100% in the US right now is not realistic and would take decades to establish, if it's even possible. Even then, the tire supplier would still have to pay a tariff to source the rubber from Thailand, for example. Toyota has always invested heavily in the US for the US market. They just invested billions in a large US battery plant for future BEV models. But they can't ignore the rest of the global market. Japan is actually a much more profitable market than the US for them. China is a very small market for Toyota. The Chinese still hold a grudge against the Japanese from WWII. Plus, China is flooded with government-subsidized Chinese EVs. That market has pretty much moved away from ICE cars. No foreign car makers, maybe except for Tesla, are having a very good time in China right now.

I've owned an "American" car assembled in Detroit. I enjoyed it, so I don't knock American brands. But according to the sticker, the big American-muscle V8 under the hood was made in Mexico. So in terms of contribution to the US economy, it really wasn't that different from a Highlander.

 

[Marinna]

"Made in USA" is easier to say than to define in the auto world. Around 80% of Toyota/Lexus vehicles sold in the US are assembled in the US, Canada or Mexico. But the parts in them come from suppliers all over the world. To have a full supply chain 100% in the US right now is not realistic and would take decades to establish, if it's even possible. Even then, the tire supplier would still have to pay a tariff to source the rubber from Thailand, for example. Toyota has always invested heavily in the US for the US market. They just invested billions in a large US battery plant for future BEV models. But they can't ignore the rest of the global market. Japan is actually a much more profitable market than the US for them. China is a very small market for Toyota. The Chinese still hold a grudge against the Japanese from WWII. Plus, China is flooded with government-subsidized Chinese EVs. That market has pretty much moved away from ICE cars. No foreign car makers, maybe except for Tesla, are having a very good time in China right now.

I've owned an "American" car assembled in Detroit. I enjoyed it, so I don't knock American brands. But according to the sticker, the big American-muscle V8 under the hood was made in Mexico. So in terms of contribution to the US economy, it really wasn't that different from a Highlander.

I agreed with many of Trump’s policies, but depise him as a person. They always said don’t listen to what Trump says but rather what he did. But every time you looked his professional records, not only he has never done manufacturing, but also in his hospitality business he was just like everybody else who takes advantage of the overseas cheap labors the best he could. Many of his motives are quite questionable.

I think he just really enjoy the process of these business negotiations. That’s what he believed he did the best. and he seems to be way too intoxicated in the power he grabs from election. Whether the result helps the country he runs or whether these competitions actually follow through the agreements, he doesn’t really care. Also this admin lost a lot of credibility to me when Peter Navarro criticize Tesla as a car assembler not car manufacturer. I do wonder how many people in Trump’s inner circle are clown like that? Who is really driving these trade policy as an adult?

I think Toyota is probably one of the leading companies in this whole “Made in America” slogan. They manage their supply chain pretty well if you look at what happened during COVID. Ford and GM looked like a bunch of amateurs comparing to Toyota. If you can still remember the old news about a bunch of Broncos sitting somewhere in Michigan in snow because Ford can’t finishing the cars because of missing parts.

 

[cvx5832LC]

This is why I think TikTok and similar platforms are a threat to the US. Not because they're sifting through our data, but because everyone now wants to be an influencer of some sort.

 

[supernova]

Welcome to the era of Mass Stupidity. That will e corrected over time, for now it needs to be managed.
That will occur more and more as AI starts to run things better over the next 5-10 years, progressively.
By design, not accident.
It's here, its real, its happening like it or not.
Be smart, make shit loads of moeny and then live the way you want to, if you are able.

I just asked ChatGPT "what jobs are hard to replace by AI", here is the answer. Wonder where the jobs are going to come from
Categories of Hard-to-Replace Jobs
1. Relationship & Trust-Heavy Roles

• Therapists, counselors, social workers – People value human empathy, even if AI gives good advice.
• Teachers (especially early education) – Parents prefer human guidance for kids.
• Sales for high-value items – Negotiations often hinge on personal rapport.

2. Skilled Trades in Unstructured Environments

• Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians – Homes and job sites vary too much for full automation.
• Custom construction workers & foremen – AI can plan, but building in real life is messy.
• Vehicle repair specialists – Diagnosing & fixing unique mechanical issues is still hands-on.

3. Complex Judgment & Accountability Roles

• Judges, lawyers in complex trials – Laws require human reasoning and moral judgment.
• Senior corporate leaders – Leadership involves politics, vision, and risk-taking AI can’t own.
• Emergency response commanders – Rapid, situational decisions with lives at stake.

4. Creative & Cultural Work

• Authors, directors, artists – AI can generate, but style, taste, and lived experience matter.
• Musicians & live performers – Audiences connect with authenticity.
• Brand strategists – Understanding subtle cultural cues is hard for AI.

5. Hybrid “AI + Human” Professions

• AI auditors & ethics specialists – AI can’t regulate itself.
• Cybersecurity experts – The attack landscape evolves too unpredictably.
• Human–AI collaboration designers – Jobs focused on how people work with AI, not against it.

 

[Sugarloafer80]

Welcome to the era of Mass Stupidity. That will e corrected over time, for now it needs to be managed.
That will occur more and more as AI starts to run things better over the next 5-10 years, progressively.
By design, not accident.
It's here, its real, its happening like it or not.
Be smart, make shit loads of moeny and then live the way you want to, if you are able.

But do it ethically, not the way the Donald did it.............he was quite ruthless and destructive. He milked the banking and investment industry for every penny he could. I have direct family that experienced his negotiations first hand, helicopter trips to sites, etc...and yes, total pervert to boot.

 

[Sugarloafer80]

I just asked ChatGPT "what jobs are hard to replace by AI", here is the answer. Wonder where the jobs are going to come from
Categories of Hard-to-Replace Jobs
1. Relationship & Trust-Heavy Roles

• Therapists, counselors, social workers – People value human empathy, even if AI gives good advice.
• Teachers (especially early education) – Parents prefer human guidance for kids.
• Sales for high-value items – Negotiations often hinge on personal rapport.

2. Skilled Trades in Unstructured Environments

• Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians – Homes and job sites vary too much for full automation.
• Custom construction workers & foremen – AI can plan, but building in real life is messy.
• Vehicle repair specialists – Diagnosing & fixing unique mechanical issues is still hands-on.

3. Complex Judgment & Accountability Roles

• Judges, lawyers in complex trials – Laws require human reasoning and moral judgment.
• Senior corporate leaders – Leadership involves politics, vision, and risk-taking AI can’t own.
• Emergency response commanders – Rapid, situational decisions with lives at stake.

4. Creative & Cultural Work

• Authors, directors, artists – AI can generate, but style, taste, and lived experience matter.
• Musicians & live performers – Audiences connect with authenticity.
• Brand strategists – Understanding subtle cultural cues is hard for AI.

5. Hybrid “AI + Human” Professions

• AI auditors & ethics specialists – AI can’t regulate itself.
• Cybersecurity experts – The attack landscape evolves too unpredictably.
• Human–AI collaboration designers – Jobs focused on how people work with AI, not against it.

Pretty much any job that requires intuition and true talent....................

 

[Stage7]

Tariffs will hit ALL auto manufacturers (and our wallets). The difference which manufacturers can survive the hit, and which not. Toyota can certainly survive although it will be very painful. Hyundai/KIA will survive, too. Some manufacturers like Volvo may simply decide to pull out of US market.

Some manufacturers like Stellantis US branch (Dodge, RAM) are in much more difficult situation. I wouldn't be surprised to see Stellantis pull out of US, sell Jeep brand to somebody and just shut down Dodge and RAM. There aren't many car companies who have enough financial strength to buy Jeep - Toyota, Hyundai/KIA and the Chinese. Certainly not Ford or GM. It will be ironic to see a Chinese manufacturer (BYD, SAIC, Geely, ...) ending up owning an iconic American brand like Jeep.

GM will survive thanks to the fact that they make a lot of money in China. Ford is in more difficult situation - their profitability sucks, and their international business is much smaller than in the past.

While US is still a large and important car market, the reality is that it only matters to GM and Ford, and for all other large manufacturers China is the priority. China is the biggest, growing and most influential auto market in the world.

Isn't Volvo owned by Ford at this point?

 

[TakaraLC]

Isn't Volvo owned by Ford at this point?

Nope, it’s owned by Geely.

 

[Stage7]

Isn't Volvo owned by Ford at this point?

Nevermind the question. I'm 15 years behind the times with that one.

 

[griso]

I like it.
End game, paving the way for US superior AI and automation.
Some of us get mega/ giga rich, yes, US AI automation, not anyone else, no one, only here, by law, by golly.
As the screw turns, welcome to a nation founded on profit margin, the rest is

Welcome to the era of Mass Stupidity. That will e corrected over time, for now it needs to be managed.
That will occur more and more as AI starts to run things better over the next 5-10 years, progressively.
By design, not accident.
It's here, its real, its happening like it or not.
Be smart, make shit loads of moeny and then live the way you want to, if you are able.

Your comment is incoherent. Is AI supposed to make us stupid? Are we already stupid and AI will correct that? Either way I disagree

 

[RideWithYanu]

Your comment is incoherent. Is AI supposed to make us stupid? Are we already stupid and AI will correct that? Either way I disagree

You may not have been able to comprehend it but it was pretty coherent.

 

[Sugarloafer80]

I wouldn't do that Dave.....................

 

[Area 51]

I have removed all of my posts in this thread.
It's like taking candy from a baby.
It's just too easy, then the crying and whining, its sad and i feel bad.
Those that know and understand, do, the rest, carry on,,,
This is a very pleasant consumer grade forum, better to let it be what it is intended to be and doing a very good job of it.
Carry on,,,

 

[Marinna]

I have removed all of my posts in this thread.
It's like taking candy from a baby.
It's just too easy, then the crying and whining, its sad and i feel bad.
Those that know and understand, do, the rest, carry on,,,
This is a very pleasant consumer grade forum, better to let it be what it is intended to be and doing a very good job of it.
Carry on,,,

But our politics still prevent all of us from owning a Hilux in U.S., so I don’t see avoiding politics can help us to get what we want.

Hilux is one of the very few exceptions that would make me give away my LC.

 

[Sugarloafer80]

Lost arts courtesy of social media.
#1 Sarcasm. It's left or right. No tongue n cheek allowed because it MAY offend someone. I grew up on cartoon., In Living Color etc. Offend everyone with humour.
#2 The truth lies somewhere in the middle. God forbid you say that.
#3 it is OK to disagree. So many thin skins out there these days. Ignore a different viewpoint........
#4 Politics has not changed. The way it is thrust at us is changed.....
To those I have offended, no offense was intended...but don't expect me to be a sheep.

Area 51 , please feel the same

 

[ovʀʟxnᴅ]

Build it in the USA and see ZERO tariffs.
So easy, even a caveman can do it.

US built stuff is subject to UAW. That adds a lot of cost as well.