Japan may move towards importing American-made cars

Over the summer, Japan and the United States reportedly finalized a trade agreement; But the negotiations do not appear to have been completed. New reports indicate that the Japanese domestic market may soon see an influx of American-made cars.

according to NachLast week, Toyota President Sato Koji told reporters that the automaker was considering importing American-made models to its home country. Toyota He did not say what vehicles might make the trip, but the company is allegedly exploring its options now.

April is another automaker considering importing its U.S.-made vehicles, which could include the Murano and Pathfinder. Ichi Akashi, chief technology officer at the automaker, said Nikki Asia These two models are likely candidates because “there is also demand in Japan for larger vehicles.”

However, Nissan has more to worry about than just tariffs. Japan’s third-largest automaker is also facing major financial hurdles that have forced it to close factories, cut 20,000 jobs and make other drastic cuts. The situation was so bad that… Nissan replaces its CEO Earlier this year, and now, Ivan Espinoza has been tasked with correcting course.

One of the problems facing the automaker is the underutilization of its factories in the United States. Earlier this year, a report claimed Nissan was considering this Build a Honda-branded pickup truck at its plant in Canton, Mississippi, to maximize plant profitability.

If Nissan can’t partner with Honda or Mitsubishi, which has also been rumored, it could ramp up production of its own cars and ship them back to Japan. Nissan previously offered the Murano in Japan but discontinued it in 2015, and dealers are allegedly demanding the automaker launch more new models at home, according to the post.

US President Donald Trump will visit Asia early this week, and Japanese automakers are expected to present their plans. Japan is also considering making it easier for its automakers to import American-made vehicles by simplifying the safety certification process.

When the two countries concluded the trade agreement in July, the United States imposed a 15% tariff on their imports. Imported Japanese carsA decrease from the proposed percentage of 25 percent. The two countries also agreed that Japan would invest $550 million in the United States.