I was comparing the specs of the Highlander Hybrid AWD to those of the Lexus RX350 Hybrid AWD a couple of months back (will eventually need a mtn/snow vehicle). I found few differences such as the usual reinforced doors and double-wishbone steering, etc, in the Lexus. It appears I would have to buy the Lexus at least two years older but that’s not really an issue with me. I would think the Highlander would be a little longer and roomier inside. They seem comparable in many ways.
Several Toyota models and also parts are manufactured in the US (also using Japanese parts), so not sure the inventory of these models will be affected by the tsunami.
Toyota has received a little over a billion USD in federal, state, and local government tax subsidies and incentives including:
* $323.9 million in subsidies for the plant in Tupelo from Mississippi taxpayers. [1][2]
* $371 million in subsidies for the Georgetown plant from Kentucky taxpayers.[3][4]
* $227.5 million in subsidies and tax incentives for the Tundra plant by Local, Texas, and U.S. taxpayers. [5][6]
* $125 million (Canadian) in subsidies to help cover research, training and infrastructure costs. [7]
* $29 million in subsidies for the Huntsville Engine plant by Alabama taxpayers[8]
