3 Times Toyota Was Ahead Of The Curve
True innovation often surprises us when it arrives unannounced, even if it takes some time to gain widespread recognition. Consider the case of compact discs, which were first introduced in 1982. It wasn’t until nearly a decade later, in 1991, that they became the top-selling music format. At Toyota, the pursuit of progress is a constant endeavor, and pushing boundaries is simply part of their DNA. Here are three instances where Toyota was ahead of its time.
Traffic Management Systems
Inside Toyota's Comprehensive Automobile Traffic Control System
In the early 2000s, Toyota began offering Land Cruisers with built-in navigation systems. Decades earlier, however, the company had already pioneered an advanced traffic management solution designed to reduce congestion. Known as the Comprehensive Automobile Traffic Control System (CATCS), it was nothing short of groundbreaking at the time.
According to Toyota, the system functioned by collecting traffic data in a central control room and transmitting it to cars equipped with receivers. Drivers could then follow instructions to bypass congested routes and take smoother, less crowded paths. Although CATCS never reached full-scale production, it fueled advancements in future technologies and demonstrated Toyota’s commitment to innovation.
The Toyota Production System
Toyota’s unique approach to manufacturing, known as the Toyota Production System (TPS), redefined how cars were built. Unlike traditional methods, TPS emphasized efficiency and adaptability through two key principles:
- Jidoka: Often translated as “automation with human wisdom,†it ensures that machines stop automatically when a defect is detected.
- Just-In-Time: This principle focuses on procuring parts only when needed, minimizing waste and maximizing productivity.
Developed through experimentation in the post-war era, TPS was fully integrated into all Toyota plants by the 1960s. Over the years, it has enabled the company to achieve three critical goals:
- Deliver high-quality vehicles promptly.
- Promote job satisfaction and fair treatment for employees.
- Stay flexible enough to adapt to market changes and implement improvements swiftly.
For those interested in learning more about TPS, additional resources are available online.
Hybrid Vehicles
When it comes to hybrid vehicles, Toyota’s Prius is undoubtedly a game-changer. Since its launch in 1997, the Prius has sold over a million units globally, cementing its status as a leader in eco-friendly transportation.
Interestingly, another Toyota hybrid predates the Prius by two decades. Dubbed the Sports Gas Turbine Hybrid, this experimental model was unveiled in 1977. Built on the chassis of the Toyota Sports 800, it featured a gas turbine engine connected to a generator, powering an electric motor linked to a custom transmission. Though this innovative roadster never hit the market, it laid the foundation for future hybrid designs that would prioritize fuel efficiency.
While the Sports Gas Turbine Hybrid remains a footnote in automotive history, its legacy lives on in the countless hybrids that followed.
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