My husband and I are currently in the market for a new car. We both agree that I really need something bigger and…well…that’s about where our agreeing comes to a screeching halt. He thinks I should get a light color, I want dark. He thinks I need 4WD, I’d be perfectly happy without it. He insists that I buy American (aka not Toyota), I say I can buy Toyota and still buy/support America(n)

In the end the car will be mine so I’ll make the little choices but I really feel like we should be in agreement about the make and model.

After my visit to Toyota last month I am now armed with numerous reasons why buying Toyota is just as good for our economy.

1. There are ten Toyota plants in the US and nine Toyota model cars are produced here.

The newest plant is located just outside of Tupelo, Mississippi and will create around 2,000 new jobs by the end of this year. The new plant is also a zero

2. 365,000 jobs created in the US

That’s a lot of jobs yo.

3. $18 billion direct investment in the US

That’s a lot of money yo.

4. $595 million in philanthropic donations

From their dealer match programs to 100 Cars for Good to their community outreach programs, Toyota is constantly looking for ways to give back to the American people.

 Obviously Toyota is a foreign company and obviously profits from the sale of Toyota vehicles will go oversees, but I think it’s important that people understand that Toyota is striving to make a difference here in the US. The Toyota family –– and that’s what they are, a family –– is committed to not only building better cars but also the people that drive them.

At the end of the day (figuratively speaking, I think car shopping is going to go on for MONTHS) I’m just as likely to end up with a GMC as I am Toyota, but it will NOT be because one is more “American” than the other.

For more information visit the Toyota In Action site.

Disclosure: I was selected for participation in the TWIN community through a program with Clever Girls Collective. I did not receive ANY compensation for writing this post, or payment in exchange for participating. The opinions expressed herein are mine, and do not reflect the views of Toyota.