Would you buy a 2010 built at NUMMI?

Noticed that a number of the 2010's have VIN numbers from NUMMI in Fremont, CA.

In case you missed it, NUMMI is supposed to close in March 2010. I have a feeling the UAW employees at NUMMI will retaliate or sabatoge the final Toyotas shipped out of NUMMI.

Why? Because they no longer have the incentive to do a good job. It would be their way of giving Toyota a middle finger on the way out.

What's your opinion? I intend to get a 2010 model and I think I will go for a Mexican-built truck. I just don't trust NUMMI's workmanship any longer.

 

I 2nd that.

 

no way

 

Not to sound like and idiot but I thought Toyota was not part of the UAW? (hence they are still in business???)

 

To be honest, I would. Nummai's put out solid trucks (mine's one) and I have no reason to discredit them. I've seen plants shut down (not auto but same gig), and usually the people work HARDER to ensure high quality, to try and win back the contract or make themselves more sellable to transfer to the new location, ect. That's just been my observation, I'm sure there are some people that might do something out of spite but especially in this economy, I think 99% of them would rather keep their job even one extra day than risk screwing it up.

 

how do i know if mine was built in mexico or fremont?

 

The only Toyota plant in the US that has UAW is Fremont.

 

I read that the NUMMI plant has re- upped until 2011

 

Where did you hear this?

There's nothing online to support this. In fact, the UAW is holding a rally tomorrow.

 

it was in another thread here, someone who worked at NUMMI knew someone on this forum... I'll try and find the thread..

 

I saw that too. I think it was their labor contract, not NUMMI's contract with Toyota. They are not the same thing.

 

If you find meth in the bed boxes, it's built in mexico

If you find a shop rag in the cylinders, and lead weights inside the tires its from NUMMI

 

Thanks, I did not follow the thread enough to know. just seen that Tacomas may be built in Japan on a temporary basis until a new US plant location is established...

 

A new article says UAW's labor contract expires Friday.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/08/18/BURI199PF4.DTL

The contract governing Nummi workers had been set to expire Friday, but Sergio Santos, president of UAW Local 2244, said the agreement has been extended indefinitely with a provision that allows either side to cancel it with five days' notice.

 

I agree that NUMMI has done a great job on the Tacomas.

The difference with UAW and NUMMI is that if (or once) Toyota pulls the plug, UAW has nothing to win back. Working harder in the final weeks nets them nothing, it's like a doctor saying your cancer is terminal and you've got 3 months to live.

People in these circumstances don't usually approach their final days the same way, their world has been turned upside down.

I fully expect UAW members at NUMMI to feel the same way.

 

I dont know if i missed it on this thread , but is toyota trying to move those people and keep them hired?

 

Honestly, I don't think you have anything to worry about - especially if you plan to buy in the next few months. I'd rather have an American-assembled truck than a Mexican-assembled truck regardless.

I've read several articles that speculate that Toyota will shut down the NUMMI plant in March 2010 and move Tacoma production to the new Tundra plant in San Antonio... but that a final decision has NOT been made yet. They say that decision is expected by the end of August - but again... no guarantees. If Toyota knows, they aren't saying yet.

Here's a few of the articles I'm talking about:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/report-toyota-to-end-production-at-nummi-in-march/

http://www.carthusiast.com/toyota-closing-nummi-plant-in-march-2010-2108.html

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/08/18/BURI199PF4.DTL

California is trying to sweeten the pot to keep them there too:
http://www.examiner.com/x-11005-San...rnia-lawmakers-rush-legislation-to-save-NUMMI

It's not a done deal just yet...

 

I dont care where its built, I'd buy it, its a Toyota Tacoma, they are reliable and great. whats wrong with this nummi plant?

 

I have no idea if Toyota wants to keep the UAW employees as non-union members.

The UAW would be pretty stupid to say no. NUMMI workers average $28/hour compared to $20-25 at Toyota's non-union plants.

A 25 percent pay cut is great compared to the alternative: no job at all.

 

Why the hate for Mexican built?

The Mexico plant won a quality award from JD Power & Associates a couple years ago.

There's absolutely no evidence that Mexican built is inferior to American built.