[Guest]

3 or 4 of my dealer's stock of 25 Camrys were
assembled in "Aichi, Japan."

The origin sticker shows 80 percent
U.S.A./Canada parts and 20 percent Japan parts.

The engines and the transmissions both come
from Japan in those 3 or 4 cars.

If the sticker says Aichi, Japan, meaning,
I suppose, Aichi Prefecture (or "state/province"),
does that mean the Camrys were assembled in
Toyota's Tahara plant in Tahara City, Aichi??

I'm hoping it does mean that, because J.D.
Power's 2003 IQS Assembly Plant Awards says:

"For the second consecutive year, Toyota's Tahara,
Japan, car plant receives the Platinum award for
worldwide plant quality with a score of 63 PP100.
Toyota sweeps the plant awards in the Asia Pacific
region, with the Motomachi, Japan, assembly plant
receiving the Silver plant award and the Tsutsumi,
Japan, assembly plant receiving the Bronze."

Would anyone happen to know if Toyota has any
other plants in Aichi Prefecture/State/Province
other than the Tahara plant? I'm hoping NOT, because
my dealer's origin stickers only show Aichi, without
making mention of the city or plant.

I'd love if the Camry I buy were built by the
Tahara plant. They are car making gods in
Tahara!

Many Lexi are built there--or is that Lexuses...

My only other concern would be the number of
Camrys built in Aichi? I'm hoping a lot are built
there, since I would guess the quality improves with
the quantity.

In 2003, NUMMI assembled 446,199 Camrys,
Avalons, and Siennas--a large number I think.

Where do most of the Aichi Camrys go, if not
America?

Thanks very much for any insights.

 

[Guest]

"Built_Well" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news[email protected]
>3 or 4 of my dealer's stock of 25 Camrys were
> assembled in "Aichi, Japan."

This is an interesting question no one seems to have an answer to. I was
working at a Toyota dealer this summer and noticed most of the new Camrys
were made in the USA. We did have one come in with the Origin Sticker you
mentioned. Same thing: 75% US/Canadian content, 25% Japanese. There were a
few more after that, but most were made in the USA.

If you look at the sticker again, you will notice that the engine and
transmission are of Japanese origiin. Of course, this also happens in about
25% of the cars made in Kentucky.

No one had an answer for me, and I posted this a few months ago when I first
noticed it. My best guess: the bodies are assembled in the US minus the
drive trains, and then put on one of the Marus and sent back to Japan for
final assembly. The reason? Who knows? Perhaps Toyota has to manufacture a
certain amount of autos in Japan to still be considered a Japanese auto
maker (?) It certainly doesn't make much sense to assemble 75% of a car in
Kentucky and then ship it to Japan for the drivetrain; my only other guess
is that they are sending parts to Japan and then assembling them there.
Notice that the sticker only indicates the parts origin and the *FINAL*
assembly, not the entire assembly point of the vehicle!

>
> The origin sticker shows 80 percent
> U.S.A./Canada parts and 20 percent Japan parts.
>
> The engines and the transmissions both come
> from Japan in those 3 or 4 cars.
>
> If the sticker says Aichi, Japan, meaning,
> I suppose, Aichi Prefecture (or "state/province"),
> does that mean the Camrys were assembled in
> Toyota's Tahara plant in Tahara City, Aichi??
>
> I'm hoping it does mean that, because J.D.
> Power's 2003 IQS Assembly Plant Awards says:
>
> "For the second consecutive year, Toyota's Tahara,
> Japan, car plant receives the Platinum award for
> worldwide plant quality with a score of 63 PP100.
> Toyota sweeps the plant awards in the Asia Pacific
> region, with the Motomachi, Japan, assembly plant
> receiving the Silver plant award and the Tsutsumi,
> Japan, assembly plant receiving the Bronze."
>
> Would anyone happen to know if Toyota has any
> other plants in Aichi Prefecture/State/Province
> other than the Tahara plant? I'm hoping NOT, because
> my dealer's origin stickers only show Aichi, without
> making mention of the city or plant.
>
> I'd love if the Camry I buy were built by the
> Tahara plant. They are car making gods in
> Tahara!
>
> Many Lexi are built there--or is that Lexuses...
>
> My only other concern would be the number of
> Camrys built in Aichi? I'm hoping a lot are built
> there, since I would guess the quality improves with
> the quantity.
>
> In 2003, NUMMI assembled 446,199 Camrys,
> Avalons, and Siennas--a large number I think.
>
> Where do most of the Aichi Camrys go, if not
> America?
>
> Thanks very much for any insights.

 

[Guest]

The county of origin can be determined by the first digit of the VIN#. A
'1' indicates assembled in the US of at least 70% north American parts, A
'4' indicates assemble in the US of between 40% and 70% north American
parts. A '5' indicates assembly in the US of less than 40% north American
parts. Camry assembled in the US today exhibit a '4' or '5' with the
majority being a '5.' The balance exhibit a 'J' made in Japan.


mike hunt




-- Original Message -----
From: "Hachiroku" <[email protected]>
Newsgroups: alt.autos.toyota,alt.autos.toyota.camry
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2005 8:06 AM
Subject: Re: Origin Sticker question


>
> "Built_Well" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news[email protected]
>>3 or 4 of my dealer's stock of 25 Camrys were
>> assembled in "Aichi, Japan."
>
> This is an interesting question no one seems to have an answer to. I was
> working at a Toyota dealer this summer and noticed most of the new Camrys
> were made in the USA.

 

[Guest]

"Built_Well" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news[email protected]
>3 or 4 of my dealer's stock of 25 Camrys were
> assembled in "Aichi, Japan."
>
> The origin sticker shows 80 percent
> U.S.A./Canada parts and 20 percent Japan parts.
>
> The engines and the transmissions both come
> from Japan in those 3 or 4 cars.
>
> If the sticker says Aichi, Japan, meaning,
> I suppose, Aichi Prefecture (or "state/province"),
> does that mean the Camrys were assembled in
> Toyota's Tahara plant in Tahara City, Aichi??

Camrys are assembled at the Tsutsumi plant.

Check out the chart near the bottom of this web site if you want to know
what vehicles are assembled in what plants:
http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/about_toyota/manufacturing/


>
> I'm hoping it does mean that, because J.D.
> Power's 2003 IQS Assembly Plant Awards says:
>
> "For the second consecutive year, Toyota's Tahara,
> Japan, car plant receives the Platinum award for
> worldwide plant quality with a score of 63 PP100.
> Toyota sweeps the plant awards in the Asia Pacific
> region, with the Motomachi, Japan, assembly plant
> receiving the Silver plant award and the Tsutsumi,
> Japan, assembly plant receiving the Bronze."
>
> Would anyone happen to know if Toyota has any
> other plants in Aichi Prefecture/State/Province
> other than the Tahara plant? I'm hoping NOT, because
> my dealer's origin stickers only show Aichi, without
> making mention of the city or plant.

See the web site I referenced above. Toyota has 12 assembly plants in Aichi
Prefecture.

>
> I'd love if the Camry I buy were built by the
> Tahara plant. They are car making gods in
> Tahara!


>
> Many Lexi are built there--or is that Lexuses...
>

The plural of Lexus is Lexus.

> My only other concern would be the number of
> Camrys built in Aichi? I'm hoping a lot are built
> there, since I would guess the quality improves with
> the quantity.
>

Quality does not improve with quantity. Quality improves with improved
manufacturing and assembly methods and improved quality control.

> In 2003, NUMMI assembled 446,199 Camrys,
> Avalons, and Siennas--a large number I think.

NUMMI does not assemble Camrys.

>
> Where do most of the Aichi Camrys go, if not
> America?
>
> Thanks very much for any insights.

I believe the majority of Camrys assembled in Japan are sold in Japan.
--
Ray O
correct the return address punctuation to reply

 

[Guest]

Ray O wrote:
> "Built_Well" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news[email protected]
>> 3 or 4 of my dealer's stock of 25 Camrys were
>> assembled in "Aichi, Japan."
>>
>> The origin sticker shows 80 percent
>> U.S.A./Canada parts and 20 percent Japan parts.
>>
>> The engines and the transmissions both come
>> from Japan in those 3 or 4 cars.
>>
>> If the sticker says Aichi, Japan, meaning,
>> I suppose, Aichi Prefecture (or "state/province"),
>> does that mean the Camrys were assembled in
>> Toyota's Tahara plant in Tahara City, Aichi??
>
> Camrys are assembled at the Tsutsumi plant.
>
> Check out the chart near the bottom of this web site if you want to
> know what vehicles are assembled in what plants:
> http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/about_toyota/manufacturing/
>
>
>>
>> I'm hoping it does mean that, because J.D.
>> Power's 2003 IQS Assembly Plant Awards says:
>>
>> "For the second consecutive year, Toyota's Tahara,
>> Japan, car plant receives the Platinum award for
>> worldwide plant quality with a score of 63 PP100.
>> Toyota sweeps the plant awards in the Asia Pacific
>> region, with the Motomachi, Japan, assembly plant
>> receiving the Silver plant award and the Tsutsumi,
>> Japan, assembly plant receiving the Bronze."
>>
>> Would anyone happen to know if Toyota has any
>> other plants in Aichi Prefecture/State/Province
>> other than the Tahara plant? I'm hoping NOT, because
>> my dealer's origin stickers only show Aichi, without
>> making mention of the city or plant.
>
> See the web site I referenced above. Toyota has 12 assembly plants
> in Aichi Prefecture.
>
>>
>> I'd love if the Camry I buy were built by the
>> Tahara plant. They are car making gods in
>> Tahara!
>
>
>>
>> Many Lexi are built there--or is that Lexuses...
>>
>
> The plural of Lexus is Lexus.
>
>> My only other concern would be the number of
>> Camrys built in Aichi? I'm hoping a lot are built
>> there, since I would guess the quality improves with
>> the quantity.
>>
>
> Quality does not improve with quantity. Quality improves with
> improved manufacturing and assembly methods and improved quality
> control.

Anyone ever question this, take a look at Windows. BTW, last Tuesday was
Microsoft black Tuesday - don't forget to download and apply the latest bug
fixes - most of which fix bugs in other bug fixes which "adjust" other bug
fixes, etc. You too Scott!

Back on topic..; though reliable, Camrys and Lexus are sloppy handlers and
not much fun to drive. Very Buick like which is probably where Toyota got
the idea.

 

[Guest]

I'm in the PNW and the majority of the camry's I've seen about here are
"J" VIN. Probably has something to do with the ports and shipping.

I have an '03 "J" VIN camry, and have had several "under warranty"
problems with it. They aren't perfect over there.

 

[Guest]

Built_Well wrote:
> 3 or 4 of my dealer's stock of 25 Camrys were
> assembled in "Aichi, Japan."
>
> The origin sticker shows 80 percent
> U.S.A./Canada parts and 20 percent Japan parts.
>
> The engines and the transmissions both come
> from Japan in those 3 or 4 cars.
>
> If the sticker says Aichi, Japan, meaning,
> I suppose, Aichi Prefecture (or "state/province"),
> does that mean the Camrys were assembled in
> Toyota's Tahara plant in Tahara City, Aichi??
>
> I'm hoping it does mean that, because J.D.
> Power's 2003 IQS Assembly Plant Awards says:
>
> "For the second consecutive year, Toyota's Tahara,
> Japan, car plant receives the Platinum award for
> worldwide plant quality with a score of 63 PP100.
> Toyota sweeps the plant awards in the Asia Pacific
> region, with the Motomachi, Japan, assembly plant
> receiving the Silver plant award and the Tsutsumi,
> Japan, assembly plant receiving the Bronze."
>
> Would anyone happen to know if Toyota has any
> other plants in Aichi Prefecture/State/Province
> other than the Tahara plant? I'm hoping NOT, because
> my dealer's origin stickers only show Aichi, without
> making mention of the city or plant.
>
> I'd love if the Camry I buy were built by the
> Tahara plant. They are car making gods in
> Tahara!
>
> Many Lexi are built there--or is that Lexuses...
>
> My only other concern would be the number of
> Camrys built in Aichi? I'm hoping a lot are built
> there, since I would guess the quality improves with
> the quantity.
>
> In 2003, NUMMI assembled 446,199 Camrys,
> Avalons, and Siennas--a large number I think.
>
> Where do most of the Aichi Camrys go, if not
> America?
>
> Thanks very much for any insights.

Gosh, it's just a car not a heart-lung machine.

LOL

 

[Guest]

Ray O wrote:
snip
> Quality does not improve with quantity. Quality improves with
> improved manufacturing and assembly methods and improved quality
> control.
snip

I had the privilege to tour Toyota's Industrial Manufacturing plant in
Columbus, Indiana, where they make fork lifts. One of the first things
several of us noted was that so many of the workers were in a good mood.
They weren't partying or goofing off, but were having a fun-loving type
attitude towards all things in general. When talking to anyone I came in
contact with that day, everyone was at least cordial and polite but, the
majority were friendly beyond minimum requirements. The place was clean, if
you did see a scrap of paper blowing around, the FIRST person to encounter
the paper would pick it up and if trash, throw it away and if not carry it
away to where it was supposed to be I presume.
I know when you have visitors in a plant that things aren't always what they
would normanlly be but, this was beyond that, they projected a warm fuzzy
feeling towards outsiders.
One other thing most noticeable was if a group had a problem they stop their
process, a red light flashes, a siren sounds and everyone converges on the
problem. After a very short time period people from other groups come over
trying to help solve the problem and people will continue to converge until
there is no more room.
So, I agree with your statement that quality improves with improvement and
is a management function. But in the scenario I saw, the workers were a part
of the process to a large degree and probably had a say in how/what/when
whatever was done. This is probably a large part of the equation on the
worker's attitudes.
Finally, I agree with the assessments on how quality is initiated, but if
the correct attitudes are conveyed to the working people, input from them
solicited and feedback welcomed by management when there's a problem then
quality will improve.
davidj92

 

[Guest]

"davidj92" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]
> Ray O wrote:
> snip
>> Quality does not improve with quantity. Quality improves with
>> improved manufacturing and assembly methods and improved quality
>> control.
> snip
>
> I had the privilege to tour Toyota's Industrial Manufacturing plant in
> Columbus, Indiana, where they make fork lifts. One of the first things
> several of us noted was that so many of the workers were in a good mood.
> They weren't partying or goofing off, but were having a fun-loving type
> attitude towards all things in general. When talking to anyone I came in
> contact with that day, everyone was at least cordial and polite but, the
> majority were friendly beyond minimum requirements. The place was clean,
> if you did see a scrap of paper blowing around, the FIRST person to
> encounter the paper would pick it up and if trash, throw it away and if
> not carry it away to where it was supposed to be I presume.
> I know when you have visitors in a plant that things aren't always what
> they would normanlly be but, this was beyond that, they projected a warm
> fuzzy feeling towards outsiders.
> One other thing most noticeable was if a group had a problem they stop
> their process, a red light flashes, a siren sounds and everyone converges
> on the problem. After a very short time period people from other groups
> come over trying to help solve the problem and people will continue to
> converge until there is no more room.
> So, I agree with your statement that quality improves with improvement and
> is a management function. But in the scenario I saw, the workers were a
> part of the process to a large degree and probably had a say in
> how/what/when whatever was done. This is probably a large part of the
> equation on the worker's attitudes.
> Finally, I agree with the assessments on how quality is initiated, but if
> the correct attitudes are conveyed to the working people, input from them
> solicited and feedback welcomed by management when there's a problem then
> quality will improve.
> davidj92

Toyota has had an obsession with quality since before I went to work for
them. They track warranty expense by production range, supplier, POE,
dealer, and assembly plant. The team spirit is pretty strong and all
associates are motivated to improve quality and reduce expenses. I worked
at the POE where accessories were installed, I've toured the Georgetown,
Cambridge, and Tahara plants.

I remember reading in the employee newspaper about a guy who installed
"Toyota" decals on truck tailgates at the POE who got a huge bonus,
something like a half million dollars, for submitting a suggestion on
reducing the size of the masking on the decals. He received 50% of the
first year's savings. Needless to say, every employee started thinking real
hard about how to improve work processes and quality!

Toyota's forklift division used to be called Toyota Industrial Trucks - the
acronym was not politically correct so it was changed to Toyota Industrial
Equipment, and more recently to Toyota Material Handling.

--
Ray O
correct the return address punctuation to reply

 

[Guest]

Don't put to much emphasis on a JD Powers survey. There are far better
measuring sticks for manufacturing plants. Just think not even 15 years ago
JD Powers was just an upstart. Careful on quoting a JD Powers survey.
Don't forget that JD Powers places Buick ahead of Toyota in their vehicle
surveys. For 2005 its 163PP100 for Buick and 194PP100 for Toyota. We know
the true story here. My Camry was made in Kentucky in 1989 and I still
drive it with 243,000 miles on it. Location isn't a factor anymore.

Tony



"Built_Well" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news[email protected]
>3 or 4 of my dealer's stock of 25 Camrys were
> assembled in "Aichi, Japan."
>
> The origin sticker shows 80 percent
> U.S.A./Canada parts and 20 percent Japan parts.
>
> The engines and the transmissions both come
> from Japan in those 3 or 4 cars.
>
> If the sticker says Aichi, Japan, meaning,
> I suppose, Aichi Prefecture (or "state/province"),
> does that mean the Camrys were assembled in
> Toyota's Tahara plant in Tahara City, Aichi??
>
> I'm hoping it does mean that, because J.D.
> Power's 2003 IQS Assembly Plant Awards says:
>
> "For the second consecutive year, Toyota's Tahara,
> Japan, car plant receives the Platinum award for
> worldwide plant quality with a score of 63 PP100.
> Toyota sweeps the plant awards in the Asia Pacific
> region, with the Motomachi, Japan, assembly plant
> receiving the Silver plant award and the Tsutsumi,
> Japan, assembly plant receiving the Bronze."
>
> Would anyone happen to know if Toyota has any
> other plants in Aichi Prefecture/State/Province
> other than the Tahara plant? I'm hoping NOT, because
> my dealer's origin stickers only show Aichi, without
> making mention of the city or plant.
>
> I'd love if the Camry I buy were built by the
> Tahara plant. They are car making gods in
> Tahara!
>
> Many Lexi are built there--or is that Lexuses...
>
> My only other concern would be the number of
> Camrys built in Aichi? I'm hoping a lot are built
> there, since I would guess the quality improves with
> the quantity.
>
> In 2003, NUMMI assembled 446,199 Camrys,
> Avalons, and Siennas--a large number I think.
>
> Where do most of the Aichi Camrys go, if not
> America?
>
> Thanks very much for any insights.

 

[Guest]

TonyJ wrote:
> Don't put to much emphasis on a JD Powers survey. There are far better
> measuring sticks for manufacturing plants. Just think not even 15
> years ago JD Powers was just an upstart. Careful on quoting a JD
> Powers survey. Don't forget that JD Powers places Buick ahead of
> Toyota in their vehicle surveys. For 2005 its 163PP100 for Buick and
> 194PP100 for Toyota. We know the true story here. My Camry was made
> in Kentucky in 1989 and I still drive it with 243,000 miles on it.
> Location isn't a factor anymore.

So, tell us.. what IS the true story?

 

[Guest]

TonyJ wrote:
>
> My Camry was made in Kentucky in 1989 and I still
> drive it with 243,000 miles on it. Location isn't
> a factor anymore.


I'm glad to hear you've had so much luck with
your Camry. Here's to another 243,000 miles!

I was just wondering if you've had to do any
repair work on the engine, tranz, or other part of
the car, other than regular maintenance?

Thanks.