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Is the 2024 Corolla made in Japan?

The 2024 Toyota Corolla is not exclusively made in Japan. Toyota runs a global production network, and Corollas are assembled in several countries to serve different regional markets. In North America, for instance, sedan models are produced in Mississippi, while European-market Corollas come from factories in the United Kingdom and Turkey, and cars for the Japanese market are built in Japan.

Global production footprint

The Corolla nameplate is produced at multiple plants around the world to balance demand, logistics, and regional specifications. Production locations vary by model variant (sedan, hatchback, hybrid) and by market, with several plants dedicated to specific regions.

Japan

In Japan, Corollas are manufactured for the domestic market, with some vehicles also allocated for export. Domestic production supports regional demand and aligns with Japan’s higher domestic sales alongside the broader export program.

North America

For the United States, the Corolla sedan is produced at Toyota’s plant in Blue Springs, Mississippi. Some North American hatchback units have historically involved other Canadian- and U.S.-based production lines, reflecting the region’s diversified supply chain and model mix.

Europe

European-market Corollas are built at Toyota’s Burnaston plant in the United Kingdom. This facility has long served Europe’s demand for the Corolla hatchback and related variants, aligning with regional safety and emission standards.

Turkey and other markets

Turkey’s Toyota Otosan joint-venture plants (notably in Gebze) produce Corollas for Europe and other markets, illustrating Toyota’s strategy of local assembly to reduce costs and tariffs while meeting regional consumer preferences. Additional markets, including China and other regions, maintain local production arrangements or imports through regional partners and distributors.

Why production is spread across regions

Toyota spreads production to optimize supply chains, reduce shipping times, and tailor vehicles to local regulations and consumer tastes. The 2024 Corolla lineup—encompassing sedan, hatchback, and hybrid variants—benefits from a diversified manufacturing footprint that supports global availability and market-specific features.

What this means for buyers

If you’re shopping for a 2024 Corolla, the country of manufacture depends on the market and trim you choose. Checking the vehicle’s VIN, window sticker, or contacting the dealer can reveal the exact production site for a given unit. For many North American buyers, the sedan will come from Mississippi, while European buyers may see UK- or Turkey-produced examples, and Japanese buyers will receive models built in Japan.

Summary

In short, the 2024 Corolla is not Japan-exclusive. Toyota’s global manufacturing network produces Corollas in several countries to serve different regions, with key sites including the United States (Mississippi), the United Kingdom (Burnaston), and Turkey (Gebze) for Europe, along with domestic production in Japan for the Japanese market. The exact country of origin varies by market and model variant, so interested buyers should verify the VIN/window sticker for the specific unit.

What is the Japanese version of the Toyota Corolla?

Toyota Auris
In Japan and much of the world, the hatchback companion since 2006 has been called the Toyota Auris. Prior to the Auris, Toyota used the Corolla name on the hatchback bodystyle in various international markets. Early models were mostly rear-wheel drive, while later models have been front-wheel drive.

How do I tell if my Corolla is Japan built?

To tell if your Corolla is built in Japan, check the first digit of the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If it is a "J," the vehicle was assembled in Japan. You can find the VIN on the dashboard near the windshield or on the driver's side door jamb.

This video explains how to find the VIN and determine the country of origin of your vehicle: 58sScotty KilmerYouTube · Apr 16, 2022
Check the VIN

Locate the VIN: Find the 17-character VIN on the driver's side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield, or on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb.
Read the first digit: The very first character of the VIN indicates the country of origin.
- J: Assembled in Japan
- 1, 4, 5: Assembled in the United States
- 2: Assembled in Canada
- 3: Assembled in Mexico

This video demonstrates how to locate the VIN on a vehicle: 58sE39M5SPEEDYouTube · Dec 3, 2023
Check other indicators

Door jamb sticker: The sticker on the driver's side door jamb might also indicate the country of manufacture.
Japanese imports: If the car is a Japanese import, the writing on the tire pressure plaque (usually in the driver's door jamb) may be in Japanese.

Which Toyota models are built in Japan?

Several Toyota models, including the Mirai, 86, Land Cruiser, and 4Runner, are exclusively made in Japan. Other models like the Prius, Camry, Corolla, and RAV4 are also produced in Japan, though some versions of these vehicles may also be made in other countries like the USA.
Exclusively or primarily made in Japan

4Runner: Built in Japan at the Tahara or Hino plants.
86: Exclusively made in Japan.
Land Cruiser: Exclusively made in Japan.
Mirai: Exclusively made in Japan.
Century: Made in Japan.
GR Corolla and GR Yaris: Built in Japan.
Crown: Various versions are manufactured in Japan.
Noah and Voxy: Made in Japan.
Prius: Exclusively or primarily made in Japan for certain markets, with the hybrid models being a key example.

Made in Japan and other countries

Camry: Produced in Japan and the USA; some trim levels (like AWD and V6) are made in the US, while some hybrid versions are built in Japan.
Corolla: Manufactured in both Japan and the USA, depending on the model and market. Japan-made Corolla Hybrids are a prominent example.
RAV4: Produced in Japan and the USA. The RAV4 Prime (plug-in hybrid) is exclusively built in Japan.
Harrier: Produced in Japan.
Corolla Cross: Produced in Japan.

How to check if a Toyota was built in Japan

VIN number: The 11th digit of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) indicates the assembly plant. If it is the letter "J," the vehicle was assembled in Japan.

Is the Toyota Corolla made in Japan or USA?

Corollas are manufactured in Japan at the original Takaoka plant built in 1966.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.