Unveiling a New Era for Car Manufacturing Excellence: Exploring the Anticipated Production Center
Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama: A Hub for Car Development and Innovation
The Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, located in Toyota City and Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, is a specialized facility dedicated to testing, driving, breaking, and fixing cars. This state-of-the-art facility, which opened its doors in 2024, serves as a key site for Toyota's advanced vehicle development process.
Chairman Akio Toyoda views Shimoyama as more than just a research and development facility. He considers it a starting point, not a goal. In his words, "doing that over and over is what it is to make a car." This hands-on approach emphasizes the importance of learning from real-world driving and testing experiences, translating those lessons into durable, enjoyable vehicles for customers.
The facility is designed for repeated driving, breaking, and fixing of cars. Cars on the test course return to the garage when they break, allowing engineers to meticulously "fix" or refine the vehicles to achieve the best performance, quality, and reliability. This approach has been instrumental in refining models like Lexus, with engineers working on suspension, ride, and handling adjustments tailored for modern requirements such as those demanded by electric vehicles (EVs).
Shimoyama also functions as the international headquarters for Lexus vehicle development in Japan, further emphasizing its role in blending cutting-edge technology with hands-on engineering craftsmanship. The unveiling ceremony for the facility took place in April 2024, with the vehicle development building officially opening its doors.
During the unveiling ceremony, a smashed GR Yaris was displayed, which had been flipped and destroyed by Chairman Toyoda himself. This spectacle underscored the facility's focus on rigorous testing and continuous improvement. The test course was completed in 2021, and the facility has since become a business base for developing Lexus and GR vehicles.
The facility's design facilitates agile development due to everyone being in one place. Engineers rush down from the second floor to discuss repairs, demonstrating the close collaboration and teamwork that is integral to the facility's success.
Lastly, the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama is open for public viewing, allowing visitors to witness firsthand the innovative work being done to create the cars of the future. Chairman Toyoda expresses excitement about figuring out how to use the facility to its full potential, looking forward to the advancements and improvements that will come from this unique and dedicated space.
- The Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, while primarily focused on car development, also offers an insight into the intersection of various industries, such as finance, as it houses the team responsible for managing the facility's budget and resources.
- In the realm of technology and transportation, the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama's automotive division is continually innovating, particularly in areas like electric vehicle (EV) technology, to create a future where vehicles are not only reliable but also environmentally friendly.
