Strategies used by Toyota in order to get success on selected markets to develop business and to impose on these markets are strategies most, created by Japanese specialists.
The strategy that generally based both Toyota company and most Japanese companies is KAIZEN strategy which means continuous improvement and the impact that it has on the level of product quality. ”KAIZEN” is an integrative strategy, which means a cross-functional strategy that appoints the gradual improvement, management and continuous business activities and the parameters of quality, productivity and competitiveness, with direct involvement of all staff.
The product strategy of Toyota is based on high quality, on developing new innovative technologies, focusing on further research, creativity, but also hard work.
Toyota is a world leader in research and development of advanced automotive technologies. Toyota develops intelligent responses to the challenges of the automotive industry today, while assuming responsability for future generations.
Regarding the problem of pollutant emissions, Toyota explores simultaneously a variety of solutions for designing less polutting vehicles as well. Toyota has committed to develop hybrid systems as a basic factor in manufactoring clean technology cars, combining different sources of power. It has made significant progress in designing engines that use alternative energy sources. One of the most promising approach is combining two different sources of energy in a single system with the potential to use both. This solution is known as hybrid technology and is the most promising way to achieve Toyota’s green machine.
Search for innovative solutions is based on new technological concepts of this company. Unconventional ideas need a way of expression, and future technologies has to be tested in terms of daily life. Therefore, Toyota develops concepts such as the Fine-N engine powered by a fuel cell or CS&S roadster powered by a Hybrid Synergy Drive system. The fabrication technology of engines is one of the most valuable property of Toyota. Toyota’s performance range of engines and advanced design reflects the high standards set by engineers. Toyota’s engines are designed for comfort and performance, while constantly aiming to reduce emissions and optimal fuel consumption. So, today, Toyota may offer its clients the following advantages: gasoline engines with advanced technology, variable rate control valves VV-i and VVT-i, D-4D common rail turbocharged engine - now available in D-CAT variant to equip Avensis, unique hybrid propulsion system Synergy Drive. Safety is a priority for Toyota. Advanced steering systems, brakes, suspension and traction control help keep control of the car. Each is designed with a Toyota extreme care in terms of safety, using advanced computer simulations and crash tests. Body and chassis are designed to absorb energy from impact and provide a maximum occupant protection, besides SRS (Supplementary Restraint System) airbags protection system they used. Toyota made over time many innovations and improvement in active and passive safety. From the first active suspension system in the world in 1991, to the marketing of Stability Control System Vehicle in 1995, and to the first curtain airbag launched in 1998, Toyota has aimed to improve the security and technology benefits that it offers to its clients.
It can be said that Toyota’s main strategy is the total control of the quality using the „zero defects”, continuous improvement of its products.
Toyota makes independent studies on consumer needs, getting the vote of confidence on their part. Also, this is reinforced by the exceptional results of Toyota vehicles in Euro NCAP safety tests. Consumers trust Toyota cars and feel safe in their wheels. This trust is the result of the highest standards of quality which Toyota designs and produces its cars.
The Japanese have turned their attention to markets with significant growth potential. In Europe car manufacturers have invested substantial amounts to build production plants, research centers and design workshops.
Toyota designers from three continents are exploring ideas, visions and desires in order to design advanced machines and new technologies bringing more quality of life.
Toyota opened in 1954 in Tokyo, Japan, Head Office Technical Centre, which was the center of design activities, planning, designing, production of prototypes and evaluation of vehicles. It was responsible for all fields, including planning, designing and evaluating vehicles. In addition, the center is also in charge of security technologies, energy conservation and environmental protection.
In 1973, in Newport Beach, California Toyota opend the design center Calty Design Research, Inc..
Toyota Europe Design Development is opened in 2000 and is located in Nice, France. The company created the European Laboratory for Design ED for a better understanding of local influences and preferences of current and potential clients. Here, the team has developed successful models Yaris, Corolla, Corolla Verso, Avensis and Land Cruiser.
The company experts were quickly realize that local production of vehicles and exporting them to different countries is not as profitable business as their installation even in areas of marketing.
Very rapid conquest of significant market share in the EU is a direct result of rapid adaptation to the specifics of each area and complying with regulations without trying to avoid or modify them (a characteristic of U.S. firms).
Also, a major component in Toyota’s strategy is to build more research and design centers in the proximity of production facilities. These bring specific items of the areas regarding the design and amenities. Unexpected success of the Japanese led to the exportation of vehicles produced in Europe to other markets of the world.
This is the strategy that Toyota has adopted to penetrate foreign markets worldwide. ”Think global, act local” is the slogan that guides the company on the global market. Toyota has adopted the strategy of direct investments on the growing and stable markets, as we have demonstrated, and it fully managed.