The Toyota TundraThe full-size pickup is one of three models the brand has announced it plans to export from the United States to Japan in 2026. However, this move is not expected to result in factory production of right-hand drive vehicles for Australia.
The Tundra, Camry sedan and Kluger SUV – sold in the US as the Highlander – have been confirmed by the automaker as “prepared” for sale in Japan.
The Japan-bound Tundra is manufactured in Texas, the same factory that supplies vehicles for the Australian market, before being converted to right-hand drive (RHD) locally by Walkinshaw Automotive Group in Melbourne, Victoria.
While the Texas factory produces the Tundra exclusively in left-hand drive (LHD) – and Japan is an RHD market – this does not mean the vehicles need to be converted before export, as Japan allows left-hand drive vehicles on its roads, where they are relatively common.
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““At this time, Toyota has no plans to change the current supply arrangements for Tundra in Australia,” a company spokesperson said Daily Sparkz.
Toyota Australia is expected to continue sourcing the Camry from Japan, while the locally sold Kluger will be built at the same plant in Indiana, US, that will supply Japan.
The announcement follows comments from US President Donald Trump, who suggested selling more US-built vehicles in Japan during tariff negotiations between the two nations and confirmed last month that car exports to Japan were on the cards.
“By selling these three popular American models in Japan, Toyota will be able to meet the diverse needs of a wide range of customers while contributing to improving trade relations between Japan and the United States,” the automaker said in a statement.
“Toyota will also use a new system that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is considering following bilateral negotiations.”
The Trump administration imposed a 27.5 percent tariff on Japanese vehicle imports before later reducing it to 15 percent.
Earlier this year, President Trump again pushed for an increase in U.S. auto exports to Japan, saying in April, “They’re not taking our cars, we’re taking them.” Millions from them!” on social media after a phone call with then-Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
In November, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda donned a “Make America Great Again” hat as he hosted a Toyota event at Fuji Speedway in Japan that featured U.S. NASCAR drivers, U.S.-built Toyota models and even a Ford F-150.
In addition to the Tundra, Camry and Highlander, Toyota also produces the Corolla, Grand Highlander, Sienna and Sequoia in the USA.
Last month, Toyota announced a US$10 billion (A$15.3 billion) investment in its US operations and officially opened a new battery production facility in North Carolina.
The US president has also floated the idea of importing small, city-friendly “Kei” cars made in Japan into the US.
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