Toyota’s Chairman Akio Toyoda recently made headlines when he opened a new Toyota R&D facility, with a destroyed GR Yaris rally car displayed behind him. What made this even more remarkable was the fact that Toyoda himself had been behind the wheel when the car flipped over onto its roof. However, instead of scrapping the car, he decided to use it as a powerful symbol of how the new facility could help improve Toyota’s carmaking.
The Shimoyama R&D center, located in a mountainous region about 30 minutes from Toyota’s headquarters in Toyota City, is set to become the new base for GR and Lexus vehicles. Spanning over 1,600 acres, the facility includes multiple courses and a building that can house up to 3,000 employees. One of the standout features of the center is a 3.3-mile road course designed to replicate the famous Nürburgring.
Testing at the Nürburgring is crucial for manufacturers like Toyota, but it often comes with logistical challenges. Companies have to transport cars, personnel, and equipment halfway around the world to conduct testing during limited windows. However, the Shimoyama proving grounds aim to address these challenges by providing an in-house testing facility with a 40-bay garage and full-time mechanics, engineers, and designers all in one place. This centralized setup will undoubtedly speed up car development significantly for Toyota.
What sets Toyota’s Chairman apart is his personal experience in motorsports. As President of Toyota, Akio Toyoda actively participated in various events under the pseudonym Morizo. He has undergone rigorous training in the “Master Driver” program, which all of Toyota’s top test drivers go through. This experience gives him firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced in performance driving.
In fact, even the most skilled drivers can have mishaps on the track. In a recent incident captured on in-car footage, Toyoda was driving the GR Yaris with Rally Japan champion Norihiko Katsuta as his co-driver when he hit a mound, causing the car to flip over. However, Toyoda’s response to this incident perfectly embodies the spirit he wants the employees at the Shimoyama facility to adopt – “Drive, break, fix.” By setting an example of resilience and determination, Toyoda encourages his team to embrace challenges and learn from their mistakes.
Overall, the opening of the new Toyota R&D facility and Chairman Akio Toyoda’s personal involvement in testing and motorsports highlight Toyota’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. The Shimoyama center’s proximity, expansive facilities, and dedicated staff will undoubtedly drive Toyota’s car development forward, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of the automotive industry.
