The overriding goal of Toyota’s technology and product
development activities is to minimize the negative aspects
of driving, such as traffi c accidents and the burden that
automobiles have on the environment, and maximize the
positive aspects, such as driving pleasure, comfort, and
convenience. By achieving these sometimes confl icting
goals to a high degree, we want to open the door to the
automobile society of the future.
To ensure effi cient progress in R&D activities, we
coordinate and integrate all phases, from basic
research to forward-looking technology and product
development. With respect to such basic research
issues as energy, the environment, information tech-
nology, telecommunications, and materials, projects
are regularly reviewed and evaluated in consultation
with outside experts to achieve effi cient R&D cost
control.