Developing Superior Automobiles: An Inside Look at the Values Drive Engineers in Toyota's Land Cruiser and GR Yaris Production (Continuation)

In the world of automotive engineering, two iconic vehicles stand out from the crowd - the Land Cruiser and the GR Yaris. Both vehicles, developed by Toyota Motor Corporation, have a unique focus on customer-oriented development, a philosophy that has been championed by key figures within the company.

Naohiko Saito, currently assigned as the Chief Engineer for the GR Yaris, is a firm believer in this approach. Saito, who joined Toyota in 1997, has a history of focusing on being the most customer-oriented developer. His dedication to this philosophy is evident in the GR Yaris, a vehicle that boasts strengths in both rallies and daily life.

Saito is not alone in his commitment to this approach. Akio Koyari, who joined Toyota in 1985 and has been involved in the development of the Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser Prado, also emphasises the importance of young engineers getting their hands dirty and learning through making mistakes.

The Land Cruiser, a stalwart of Toyota's lineup, is known for its durability and exceptional drivability on rough terrain. This has been tested time and again in the gruelling Dakar Rally, providing security and satisfaction to its customers. The Dakar Rally course, a route commonly travelled by Land Cruiser customers, offers a challenging and realistic test for the vehicle's capabilities.

In addition to the Dakar Rally, the Land Cruiser has also participated in the Silk Way Rally, another tough route that pushes the vehicle to its limits. The Land Cruiser's participation in these rallies is a testament to its customer-oriented development, as it is designed to meet the needs of its customers who often traverse challenging terrain.

Saito, in his efforts to foster the next generation of engineers, plans to hold a workshop on welding for younger members, aiming to help them understand various types of steel. This hands-on approach mirrors Koyari's belief in the importance of practical learning.

The strengths of the Land Cruiser in rallies are not lost on Saito. He recognises the parallels between the Land Cruiser's success in extreme conditions and the GR Yaris's performance in rallies. Both vehicles are developed by Toyota, each with a unique focus.

Toyota's rally sports teams have played a significant role in developing high-performance models like the Land Cruiser and GR Yaris. The racing experience and expertise provided by these teams influence vehicle design and engineering, especially for the GR Yaris, which was initially conceived as a race car before becoming a production model.

Saito's past roles include working as Chief Engineer in developing the new LS at Lexus Center and planning and developing the next-generation Yaris at TC Company. His mentor, Morizo, emphasises the importance of continuous learning and never becoming complacent.

In conclusion, the Land Cruiser and GR Yaris are two standout vehicles in Toyota's lineup, each developed with a focus on customer-oriented development. The lessons learned from rallies, where these vehicles have proven their mettle, are incorporated into their design and engineering, ensuring they meet the needs of their customers in the harshest conditions.