Ford tried this as well with the Transit and had to end up paying a $365 million dollar fine. Basically, Ford put seats in the Transit van, imported from Turkey, and called them passenger vehicles. They brought them into the port and took out the seats and called them cargo vans. U.S. Justice officials weren't too happy with this switcheroo.That's why the 4Runner and Land Cruiser can be built in Japan and imported to the US. The Chicken Tax only applies to light pickups with an open bed. Subaru put backseats and seat belts in the Brat to get around the tax. I know you know this, but others may not.
Ford settles US tariff dodging allegations for $365M
The fine ends a long-running allegation that the automaker skirted a 25% 'chicken tax' on cargo vans assembled in Turkey.
www.automotivedive.com