Toyota's First Manufacturing Investment in the US

Toyota's initial manufacturing investment in the United States marked a pivotal moment in the company's expansion strategy. The investment was initiated through a partnership with Atlas, a company that specialized in assembling vehicles. This collaboration allowed Toyota to import light trucks into the U.S. as incomplete chassis cabs, which significantly reduced the tariff burden to just 4%. This strategic move not only facilitated the entry of Toyota's vehicles into the American market but also enabled Atlas to construct the truck beds and complete the assembly process domestically. The arrangement proved to be mutually beneficial, as it allowed Toyota to establish a foothold in the U.S. automotive industry while providing Atlas with a steady stream of work. The success of this partnership led to Toyota acquiring Atlas two years later, further solidifying its presence in the U.S. market and setting the stage for future manufacturing endeavors.