Philosophy
Kaizen. The production system, which makes everything better
The entire Toyota Production System is built on a vision of constant improvement. Nothing is so good that it cannot be made better, and so we constantly look for ways to improve everything we do.
Whether that means making our technologies cleaner, setting higher standards of ethics or making our production lines more efficient, it is a deep-seated philosophy, which drives absolutely everything we do.
There is a Japanese word that sums up this philosophy - 'Kaizen', meaning 'continuous improvement' or 'change for the better'.
Kaizen is more than a philosophy, it's a commitment to the highest ethics and a commitment to constant technological development. And this commitment runs through the entire Toyota production system.
Through that commitment, we have pursued and continue to pursue, the development of sustainable technologies that make a real contribution to the quality of all our lives.
Our vision of better, more efficient technology led us to the creation of Hybrid Synergy Drive®. We first developed this technology 30 years ago, before current concerns over climate change and energy reserves had emerged. We saw Hybrid Synergy Drive® as a way to make motoring better by saving fuel and reducing noise and exhaust fumes. Since then, thanks to our kaizen approach and long-term vision, we have added dozens and dozens of small improvements to Hybrid Synergy Drive® so that now it is a collection of innovations and features that deliver plenty of power and a smooth, quiet, drive, while reducing fuel consumption - Hybrid Synergy Drive® even knows to switch itself off when you stop in traffic, then it automatically switches back on when you need it again, and it stores energy that would normally be lost through deceleration when you brake, to use later.
Our Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology has been and continues to be developed and engineered to constantly improving standards. It is the world's leading hybrid system and offers you superb quality and reliability. When you drive a Toyota hybrid, you are helping to minimise the impact of cars on the planet, to say nothing of driving a cleverly designed and beautifully engineered machine that offers high levels of performance. So far over 3 million people have opted for a Toyota hybrid - maybe it's time you did too.