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Toyota developing new ultra-low-cost production process
Forbes ^

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.


TOPICS: Business/Economy
KEYWORDS: globalism; toyota; trade
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To: Lunatic Fringe

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.


61 posted on 01/22/2007 8:07:24 AM PST by ken21 (it takes a village to brainwash your child + to steal your property! /s)
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To: Lunatic Fringe

Detroit -- R.I.P.


62 posted on 01/22/2007 8:08:42 AM PST by quesney
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To: ken21

Ford is run by accountants.

Toyota is run by engineers.

It's no wonder Toyota has a superior product.


63 posted on 01/22/2007 8:09:22 AM PST by Lunatic Fringe (Say "NO" to the Trans-Texas Corridor)
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To: ForOurFuture
will they cover?

Yes.

64 posted on 01/22/2007 8:14:31 AM PST by Aquinasfan (When you find "Sola Scriptura" in the Bible, let me know)
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To: kinoxi

That is where they are planning on building a new plant....


65 posted on 01/22/2007 10:19:27 AM PST by eraser2005
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To: TruthWillWin

"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.


66 posted on 01/22/2007 10:25:03 AM PST by eraser2005
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To: eraser2005
Not everyone choosing to buy some other vehicle over GM now owned a GM car 30 years ago. Think about what you are saying.
67 posted on 01/22/2007 10:27:44 AM PST by 1rudeboy
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To: 1rudeboy

True, but a majority of the most vocal people on here haven't owned one in decades.


68 posted on 01/22/2007 10:58:26 AM PST by eraser2005
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To: N. Theknow

Kinda like when you buy a bike in a box that requires assembly.


69 posted on 01/22/2007 7:32:27 PM PST by Army Air Corps (Four fried chickens and a coke)
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To: Lunatic Fringe

So how well do dry wall cars hold up in bad weather?


70 posted on 01/22/2007 8:06:59 PM PST by Boiling point (My tag line is grounded for misbehaving.)
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To: Pro-Bush
Katsuaki Watanabe

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

71 posted on 01/23/2007 5:59:07 AM PST by MarkL (When Kaylee says "No power in the `verse can stop me," it's cute. When River says it, it's scary!)
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