Toyota 2014 Annual Report Download - page 17

ANNUAL REPORT 2014
President’s MessagePresident’s Message
Overview of
Four Business Units
Overview of
Four Business Units
Special FeatureSpecial Feature
Review of OperationsReview of Operations
Consolidated Performance
Highlights
Consolidated Performance
Highlights
Management and
Corporate Information
Management and
Corporate Information
Investor InformationInvestor Information
Financial SectionFinancial Section
Page 17
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were being lost to pass vocational skills onward
due to automation in plants limiting the ability of
veteran technicians to ply their trade.
The body remembers the experience of build-
ing something. When an issue arises, the experi-
ence can be drawn on to quickly get to the root
of the problem through a cyclical process of
hypothesis and verification. These advanced,
hard-earned skills are reflected in production
technologies, and through a constant evolution
and sharpening of skills and technologies, a spiral
of improvement leads to innovation.
To reinforce its foundation for creating ever-
better cars, Toyota launched an initiative last year
wherein young workers come into direct contact
with how customers around the world use Toyota
vehicles in various transportation environments.
These young engineers, who were mostly
dispatched to our overseas R&D centers,
conducted surveys of market conditions, evalu-
ated local conditions, and participated in develop-
ment. The knowledge they gained through these
experiences will help us create the ever-better
cars of the future.
Knowledge and skills from the grueling
world of motorsport go into making
ever-better cars
For many years, Toyota has tested its vehicles on
the race circuit in Nürburgring, Germany, which is
regarded as the world’s most grueling course.
With the aim of fostering human resources able to
make ever-better cars, Toyota has taken this a
step further and has participated in the 24 Hours
of Nürburgring endurance race since 2007. The
over-25-kilometer course combines the
Nürburgring (North Loop) and the GP Course
used by the F1 Grand Prix. Since 2012, Toyota
has sent its “skill inheritance team” of mechanics
comprising young employees with expertise in a
variety of fields.
Nürburgring features intense elevation changes
of up to 300 meters on a course laid out like
European public roads, complete with rough
patches. During the race, the car design is tested
and seasoned as the team members address
unexpected problems that arise, with the group
becoming closely attuned to the car and group
cohesion strengthening. In an intense and short
period, participants gain a profound appreciation
of automobiles and a level of know-how and skill-
fulness that transcends their daily work. At our
eighth appearance at the competition, 14
mechanics from Toyota participated. Toyota won
in the SP3 class, SP8 class, and the SP-PRO
class, and the Toyota team finished in the best
position with the highest number of laps it has
ever accomplished.
As Toyota manufacturing spreads globally, as
the spirit of innovation is passed along at work-
places around the world, and as technologies
and skills evolve, our DNA will continue to be
passed on for not only the next 10 years but the
next 100 years.
Toyota in 10 Years and 100 Years Our DNA is Creating Ever-Better Cars [2 of 2] What Sets Toyota Apart Enriching Lives and Building Tomorrow’s Toyota through Innovation New Values for the Next Hundred Years Message from the Executive Vice President Responsible for Accounting