Difference between factories? Baja vs Guanajuato

Anyone know the difference between these two factories where the tacomas are assembled? Any insight on better build quality from one or the other? Always was curious about this. I understand
Guanajuato is a much newer factory and that’s about it.

 

I thought the Tacoma was only made in Mexico for the past several years?

 

My 2015 was made in S A Texas and they had a Baja factory at that time also.

 

Both these factories are in Mexico

 

Here is a news story from a few years ago when Toyota announced shifting production plants

https://www.autoblog.com/2020/01/18/toyota-tacoma-production-mexico/

 

Oh, I see, but still thought production was out of one plant. I’m dunno, someone here probably does

 

I’m trying figure it out myself lol.

 

I'm curious why people care about which factory an automobile is assembled in. Has any slightly scientific study ever been published that compares the quality of automobiles assembled at different factories of the the same manufacturer? I don't doubt there are (small?) differences, but how would we as consumers ever get that information? wiki leaks?

I'm sure Toyota and other manufacturers try very hard to normalize quality across factories for the same model. I think it's more likely that they intentionally vary it by brand though, e.g. lexus vs toyota.

 

Guanajuato was originally earmarked for Corolla, then Toyota decided to produce Tacomas there, freeing up production space in San Antonio for Tundra & Sequoia. For Gen4, Guanajuato will produce the hybrid trucks.

There’s more automation in Guanajuato than Baja, but the workforce in Baja arguably has more experience assembling Tacomas. I’ve yet to see anything to indicate one’s better than another (and TMC won’t share their internal stats), so probably a wash.

Regardless of which Mexico plant technically handles final assembly, should note that all the engines, axles, transmissions and a bunch of other major parts come from the same suppliers in the the USA anyway.

 

I’m guessing one factory gets better fish tacos? Mine is from Baja.

 

The company I work for has quite a few more plants than the average carmaker. Yes there are production statistics that are compared across plants, and there are also very detailed post mortems with every customer that goes to the competition. As far as the public is concerned, neither of those exist. For obvious reasons both data sets are need-to-know, eyes-only for a small group of people. Also for obvious reasons if plant A is showing a statistically significant difference in defects from plant B, corrective actions happen. And the things that trigger corrective actions might look like mountains internally, but to the customer it would look like a big fuss over nothing.


That said, I'm as baffled as you on why people want to know. Probably boils down to the very basic instinct of na na na na boo boo, my truck is better than you.

 

This^^^ plus remember that the tech are following a production plan, they are not engineering it. Cheers!

 

One is easier to pronounce
I’m sure they meet the same quality standards

 

There shouldn't be. Toyota has certain standards that I'm sure they apply to all their plants no matter where in the world. They have an image and reputation to uphold.

 

I think the Baja plant has Tacos Lengua in the Cantina whereas the other location has asada.

 

I specifically requested my 2020 sr5 access cab be built in texas, knowing how easy the mescal flows south of the border.

 

Access cab was ONLY built in Texas

 

Drunk robot arms are THE WORST. And grad students. They’re also the worst.

 

My taco was built in Texas. And has had enough issues to make me re think another Toyota purchase. Failed AC Evaporator coil in dash (foully dash removal) and just recently the water bypass pipe on the back of the engine.

I’ve had better luck with my past and current Hondas.