Mexico vs US Assembly Plant Article

per the article

"The Tijuana plant has fewer robots; Toyota instead chose to have human backups just in case the machinery goes down. Since the plant is remote (it doesn't have any suppliers on-site or a dedicated rail line to the facility), all the materials, powertrains, parts and raw materials that are not made at the plant have to be shipped in. That includes the parts, tools and diagnostic software that the robots might need for repair. So the Tijuana plant embraces the idea that the less advanced technology used, the better."

 

Many of the parts are not made at the assembly plant. Domestic Aisin transmission are made I think in Indiana, Toyota used to make differentials in Japan (my 8" has Kanji characters on the side) but those are probably domestically sourced now, u-joints are Spicer, so I dunno, Longview, TX, maybe? There may be Mexican plants supplying one or both, too. The whole supply chain is more than the final assembly so I don't know what conclusion you can really draw from this. My truck was made at NUMMI in Fremont, CA, and the frame was starting to rust so it's not impossible in some cases Mexican sources might be better since the EPA won't be on them and they could use different cleaning chemicals and finishes that might hold up better.

 

A big part of that was when VW starting making US and Canadian market cars in Mexico the quality control was complete and utter shit. They are a lot better now but the stigma still hasn't left them.

 

From one stereotype to another?

 

I have heard about this also

 

We bought a Wolfsburg-made Jetta because of this perception. It's been good, but it also could just be because it's got a stick shift, crank windows, etc. so there's just nothing electrical to act up, too.

 

This would be hard to prove, but take a look at China and the quality of their products. Same scenario... hard workers and fear of losing one's job. China produces junk.

 

I read once that China only produces junk because that's what they are paid to produce. Same as Japan or Korea in the 1950s. Chinese factories can produce high end things, Nikon, Canon, Leica, Panasonic, Apple, etc. have plants there making decent stuff. At some point they will experience the same upward change as Japan, which is why you're starting to see low end stuff made in Vietnam, since it's even cheaper.

http://www.scmp.com/business/compan...turers-step-search-low-cost-alternative-china

 

All of the 3.5 engines are made here in Huntsville Al. Not sure about the 2.7 though

 

I've got a "handmade" Taco by Mexicans and so far, it's been pretty good at 1560 miles. I've gone over the truck extensively as I was a former auto tech at dealerships, they're on par with anything else so far, if not better.

 

That is really the point that I was trying to make but didn't have enough time to type out in great detail.

 

That mean it's an artisanal Tacoma?

 

with jalapeños.

mmmmmm

 

LOLOLOL......

Yes. It's wrapped with a super white corn Tortilla!

 

Mine was made in Mexico...

 

same here @ 7650 miles

 

Is there a Mexican Taco vs. Texan Taco thread for the 3rd gens? Should let all the complaints get sorted into these to see how and if the complaints add up for all the issues people are "noting", when spending 40k on a ladder framed mid-sized truck.

 

LOL. I had some sleezy salesperson tell me manual transmission Tacomas were assembled in Japan still. Isn't the manual transmission itself made in Thailand?

 

Yeah, lots of 'em are painted inferno orange

 

Complaints are always magnified on this forum. Not very representative of actual Tacoma Owners. I have noticed a high percentage of manual transmission owners on this forum. Much higher percentage than are actually sold in the real world. Probably because MT drivers are kind of enthusiasts to start with and are more likely to hop on an internet forum than the average owner.