Posted on 01/21/2007 6:57:00 PM PST by Lunatic Fringe
TOKYO (XFN-ASIA) - Toyota Motor Co is developing a radically different carmaking process that will drastically cut costs across the entire chain of production, President Katsuaki Watanabe said in an interview with the Financial Times.
'The focus is on low-cost technology,' Watanabe said. 'Everything from design to production methods will be radically changed and we are thinking of a really ultra-low-cost way of designing, using ultra-low-cost materials, even developing new materials if necessary.'
Watanabe said the company will review each step in the production process to lower costs for a new model and then to apply the lessons across its line-up.
Asked about the price of a car produced via the new process Watanabe said the company has a rough target of being 'at least' cheaper than the Renault Logan (currently $9,300).
Watanabe also denied media speculation that Toyota (nyse: TM - news - people ) is poised to strike a cooperation agreement with Ford, saying no specifics have been discussed.
general motors and ford are burdened by their bureaucracies and their unions.
the unions call themselves "progressives", but they destroy anything new that comes their way.
Detroit -- R.I.P.
Ford is run by accountants.
Toyota is run by engineers.
It's no wonder Toyota has a superior product.
Yes.
That is where they are planning on building a new plant....
"In the last few years they have become the maker of inexpensive, well made, and reliable cars with a great warranty."
And yet many of the same people praising Hyundai now insist that GM must still build crap because their carbureted Le Mans from 30 years ago fell apart after just 5 years.
True, but a majority of the most vocal people on here haven't owned one in decades.
Kinda like when you buy a bike in a box that requires assembly.
So how well do dry wall cars hold up in bad weather?
Wasn't he in Star Wars?
I thought it was that guy who played Long Duk Dong in "Sixteen Candles."
"No more yankie my wankie. The Donger need food!"
Mark
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