While many of our older readers will undoubtedly remember, this was a long-standing venture with varied results.
Named the New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc (NUMMI), the joint venture came from GM’s desire to produce small, quality, fuel-efficient vehicles while learning about the famous Toyota Production System. Toyota gained a manufacturing foothold in the US and guidance into what it takes to produce vehicles here. It was opened at the previously shuttered GM Fremont Assembly plant, notorious for mismanagement and work disruption.
Opened in 1984, the NUMMI plant welcomed 85% of the Fremont Assembly’s workforce back, but significant changes were made. Toyota sent 30 managers and production coordinators, and GM sent 16. Toyota went about implementing its system. This consisted of sending many workers to Japan for training, and in December of that year, the first car, a Chevy Nova, rolled off the line. Many vehicles like the Nova, Hilux, Tacoma, Matrix, Corolla, and more were produced over its lifetime before it was closed in 2010.
The venture ended for many reasons, and it’s hard to say which side came out on top. We know that someone did benefit, and that someone is Tesla, which purchased the site from Toyota in 2010, creating the Tesla Fremont Factory and setting the rest of the industry ablaze.
