Perception and Truth
It’s interesting how perception is often more important than truth. For example, I keep hearing and reading all sorts of comments in the media and by random people about how Toyota is more “American” than the Big 3 when it comes to building cars. This is simply not true. Here’s a breakdown of U.S. production of cars and trucks:
- General Motors: 3,382,315
- Ford: 2,965,872
- DaimlerChrysler: 1,652,703
- Toyota: 1,283,829
- Honda: 973,290
DaimlerChrysler alone produces more cars in the U.S. than Toyota, and it’s the smallest of the Big 3. Ford produces more than twice as many vehicles as Toyota. GM makes 2.6 times more.
Where does Toyota make it’s vehicles? Here’s a breakdown:
- Japan: 3,789,582 (52%)
- United States: 1,283,829 (17%)
- Other: 907,222 (12%)
- Thailand: 422,670
- Canada: 309,986
- China: 150,078
- Mexico: 24,48
Toyota makes over half their vehicles in Japan, and only 17% in the U.S. Here are the percentage of vehicles manufactured in the U.S. of the Big 3:
- DaimlerChrysler (Chrysler Group Only): 60%
- Ford: 46%
- General Motors: 43%
Hopefully this sets the record straight.