|
 The Toyota Motor Company Ltd. was first established in 1937 as a spin-off from
Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, one of the world's leading manufacturers of weaving
machinery.
The Toyoda Automatic Loom Works was then headed by Japan's "King of
Inventors" Sakichi Toyoda. The patent rights to one of his machines had been
sold to Platt Brothers (UK) and provided the seed-money for the development and
test-building of Toyota's first automobiles.
Production systems were improved in the late 1950's, culminating in the
establishment of the "Toyota Production System". It became known as TPS in 1970
but was established much earlier by Taiichi Ohno. Based on the principles of
Jidoka (Just-in-time) and Kaizen, the system is a major factor in the reduction
of inventories and defects in the Plants of Toyota and its suppliers, and it
underpins all their operations across the world.
 Toyota launched its first small car (SA Model) in 1947. Production of vehicles
outside Japan began in 1959 at a small Plant in Brazil, and continued with a
growing network of overseas Plants. Toyota believes in localizing its operations
to provide customers with the products they need where they need them; this
philosophy builds mutually beneficial long-term relationships with local
suppliers and helps the company fulfill its commitments to local labour.
Over and above manufacturing, Toyota also has a global network of Design
and Research & Development facilities, embracing the three major car markets of
Japan, North America and Europe.
In every community in which the company operates, Toyota strives to be a
responsible corporate citizen; close relationships with people and organizations
in the local community are essential contributors to mutual prosperity. Across
the world, Toyota participates enthusiastically in community activities ranging
from the sponsorship of educational and cultural programmes to international
exchange and research. Today, Toyota is the world's third largest manufacturer
of automobiles in unit sales and in net sales. It is by far the largest Japanese
automotive manufacturer, producing more than 5.5 million vehicles per year,
equivalent to one every six seconds. Continuing in the 21st century, Toyota aims
for stable long-term growth, while striving for harmony with people, society and
the environment.
|
