Post by Rinconrolla on Jul 8, 2010 13:10:05 GMT -5
Toyota performs literally thousands of tests over millions of hours to enhance the technology and safety of our vehicles. During this Japan trip, our group is going to have a chance to see some of those significant research and development figures in practice, including:
• 400,000+ miles of driving on new model vehicles;
• 280,000 check items for software testing of the Electronic Throttle Control System (ETCS-i); and
• 1,600 crash tests each year
Toyota’s ongoing pursuit of safety improvements involves some of the world’s most advanced automotive R&D for all types of safety systems such as seatbelts, airbags, and electronic systems that help make driving safer when conditions are at their worst. During our tours of the test labs today, we got a chance to see some examples of this comprehensive testing, including the real world computer simulations and “worst case” scenarios that Toyota evaluates. I’ll share more details later, but I think what we saw today has been a real eye-opener for our visitors so far.
Another highlight today was a presentation by Takeshi Uchiyamada, an Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Corporation and Chief Engineer for the company’s global operations. Uchiyamada-san talked about Toyota’s commitment to listening to the voices of its customers and enhancing our current processes so we can act on that information to offer the best products.
For example, Uchiyamada-san talked about how Toyota is dedicating 1,000 additional engineers to quality activities and analysis. We are also extending the development of new vehicles by approximately four weeks in order to incorporate more testing based on customer usage and feedback before production begins. He also noted that Toyota has established a new Design Quality Innovation Division to oversee quality across development projects. Lastly, in order for Toyota to regain consumer confidence, he emphasized the importance of deep investigation and explanation to our customers about any issues that are occurring with their vehicles. And he talked about the creation of new and improved products for the U.S. market, especially enhanced safety features, based on our customers’ viewpoint and expectations.
Kristen Tabar
General Manager, Electronic Systems
Toyota Technical Center, Michigan, USA
• 400,000+ miles of driving on new model vehicles;
• 280,000 check items for software testing of the Electronic Throttle Control System (ETCS-i); and
• 1,600 crash tests each year
Toyota’s ongoing pursuit of safety improvements involves some of the world’s most advanced automotive R&D for all types of safety systems such as seatbelts, airbags, and electronic systems that help make driving safer when conditions are at their worst. During our tours of the test labs today, we got a chance to see some examples of this comprehensive testing, including the real world computer simulations and “worst case” scenarios that Toyota evaluates. I’ll share more details later, but I think what we saw today has been a real eye-opener for our visitors so far.
Another highlight today was a presentation by Takeshi Uchiyamada, an Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Corporation and Chief Engineer for the company’s global operations. Uchiyamada-san talked about Toyota’s commitment to listening to the voices of its customers and enhancing our current processes so we can act on that information to offer the best products.
For example, Uchiyamada-san talked about how Toyota is dedicating 1,000 additional engineers to quality activities and analysis. We are also extending the development of new vehicles by approximately four weeks in order to incorporate more testing based on customer usage and feedback before production begins. He also noted that Toyota has established a new Design Quality Innovation Division to oversee quality across development projects. Lastly, in order for Toyota to regain consumer confidence, he emphasized the importance of deep investigation and explanation to our customers about any issues that are occurring with their vehicles. And he talked about the creation of new and improved products for the U.S. market, especially enhanced safety features, based on our customers’ viewpoint and expectations.
Kristen Tabar
General Manager, Electronic Systems
Toyota Technical Center, Michigan, USA
Aww man, at least you tried. What are you planning to try next?
