Shinya Yamamoto interviews BEV's President, discussing key moments in his professional journey.
Takero Kato's career path, marked by transitions between body design, production, and leadership roles, has culminated in his current position as President of Toyota's Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Factory. This journey, filled with challenges and opportunities, has shaped Kato into a versatile professional who bridges the gap between technical and operational domains.
Initially trained as an electronics engineer, Kato's early exposure to automotive design led him to the Body Design Division at Toyota. Despite his unfamiliarity with the role, Kato's dedication to learning and his passion for design led to increased responsibilities. His time in the Body Design Division provided him with deep insights into vehicle aesthetics and structural functionality, laying the groundwork for his future success.
A significant turning point in Kato's career came when he was transferred to the production-side Project Planning & Management Division in 2009. This transition demanded a shift in focus from design to production, encompassing manufacturing processes, quality control, and supply chain management. Kato's experiences in this role equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of how vehicle designs are realised in practical, cost-effective production, strengthening his managerial abilities.
Kato's subsequent return to design, now with a production-informed perspective, was instrumental in shaping a more integrated approach to vehicle development. He leveraged his production experience to influence design decisions that optimise manufacturability and efficiency, contributing to the creation of innovative and feasible BEV designs.
In 2011, Kato was transferred to the Vehicle Structure Planning Division, where he worked on advanced development for the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). Here, he began to understand how elements such as rigidity, mass distribution, and tire characteristics impact the resulting car. Kato's work also extended to determining the best types and shapes for curved car glass, showcasing his versatility.
Kato's love for BEVs stems from his experiences in his career and personal life. As a university student, he relied on a motorcycle for transportation and became captivated by it. However, a lack of job openings in motorcycles steered him towards Toyota. Kato's studies in human anatomy, including the use of x-ray images to examine tongue speed and movement, were unexpectedly beneficial in design.
The BEV Factory, launched in May, is a testament to Kato's leadership and Toyota's commitment to innovation. His career demonstrates the value of versatility and the ability to bridge technical and operational domains, which has been crucial for navigating industry transitions and advancing new business ventures within Toyota.
Kato's story aligns with his recognition as a "Toyota man" who embodies the company’s spirit of innovation and continuous improvement, particularly in emerging fields like BEV manufacturing. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring professionals seeking to make a significant impact in the automotive industry.
- Kato's versatility, honed through his experiences in electronics, automotive design, production, and leadership roles, has equipped him with unique insights into finance, technology, and transportation - crucial elements in the current advancements of the automotive industry, particularly in battery electric vehicle (BEV) manufacturing.
- In the realm of the automotive industry, Kato's career journey intertwines with the world of finance, as he navigates the intricacies of manufacturing processes, quality control, and supply chain management, all while ensuring cost-effective production of innovative BEV designs.
- Beyond the automotive industry, Kato's passion for design and technology extends to other sectors, such as gadgets, where his early training as an electronics engineer and his work in human anatomy could potentially be applied to create new, innovative products.
