Exclusive Interview: New Toyota Tundra Chief Engineer

Big news in Toyota land! For the Tundra and Sequoia fans out there, replacing Mike Swears in the Chief Engineer’s seat is Jay Sackett. This happened in January, but Jay’s been on this team for a few years now and he is not new to the full-size Toyota lineup. And after 30 years with Toyota we’d say he’s earned this spot as the new Toyota Tundra Chief Engineer! Enjoy this exclusive Pickup Truck +SUV Talk video interview!

The fun parts of being Toyota Tundra Chief Engineer

You’d think being able to say you helped design the truck would be the highlight, but Jay brings up his trips and interactions with people who drive the truck as some of his favorite things. We’ve seen this before with Toyota people and we really think their eagerness to listen to their customer is why their vehicle refreshes impress and why their customers keep coming back.

What’s new for the Tundra in 2024?

Besides for the 1794 Limited Tundra you see the guys sitting in, you can now get the off-road package on the platinum grades, there’s a new Nightshade packages available for the off-road packages where the chrome has been removed and body-match fenders and grille are added.

The questions we all want to ask

Tim asks Jay what happens when customers complain about something on their trucks and how those complaints get to the engineers and become recalls or change requests.

And then he asks about strikes, production, and parts shortages. It seems there are still some part shortages, but the plants are improving daily when it comes to output. Everything from a shortage of glass to potatoes can, and does, affect the production of trucks.

Watch the full interview with the new Toyota Tundra Chief Engineer

What would you have asked Jay? Do you want to see a full video on this 1794 Limited? Check out this leather!