Toyota's Chief Production Officer Affirms Continued Manufacturing Vigor Amid Concerns

In a recent press briefing titled "Skilled Manufacturing Key to the Future," Okada, Toyota's Chief Production Officer, emphasized the continued importance of manufacturing in the company's plans. Okada argued against the notion that manufacturing in Japan is past its prime, stating instead that it is gearing up for continued growth.

One of the key areas where Toyota is focusing its efforts is in reducing its carbon footprint. Among vehicle manufacturing processes, painting emits the most CO2, and Toyota is working on technological innovations to reduce CO2 emissions in this process. The company is developing painting technologies that aim for maximum application efficiency with minimum paint and reduced power consumption.

Toyota's suppliers are also playing a crucial role in this endeavour. They are supporting the project by applying engine part machining technology for micron-level hole drilling, which is essential for the new painting technologies.

In an ambitious move, Toyota is verifying a technology that might eliminate the need for the painting process altogether. The technology involves completing resin molding and paint coating within the metal mold used for resin molding. This could potentially revolutionize the manufacturing process and significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

Toyota is also making strides in the area of hydrogen technology. The company has created a hydrogen-powered engine by combining FCEV and engine manufacturing technologies. President Toyoda demonstrated the potential of this technology by driving a 24-hour endurance race in a hydrogen-powered car.

Hydrogen tanks require a different level of safety compared to gasoline tanks, and fuel injectors had to be redesigned for hydrogen use. Okada highlighted the challenges and achievements in building a high level of rigidity into the GR Yaris, the first mass-produced hydrogen-powered car, which is a testament to Toyota's commitment to this technology.

Okada mentioned the development of the GR Yaris as an example of manufacturing with purposeful passion and action. The car's development was not a one-dish race but a collaborative effort between Toyota's engineers and prototype technicians, who worked hard to overcome difficulties in replacing gasoline with hydrogen.

Toyota is striving to achieve green factories and carbon neutrality by 2035, and has taken on various challenges to make its factories carbon neutral. The company is replacing the painting process with adhesive film, which can be customized and replaced for fun, as part of its efforts to contribute to a recycling-oriented society.

Okada also emphasized that manufacturing has the power to create happiness, smiles, and joy. He used examples of Toyota's involvement in providing people with freedom of mobility to illustrate this point.

Young people in Japan interested in the future of manufacturing are those who engage with advanced technologies like robotics and smart manufacturing. Manufacturing in Japan offers career opportunities in high-tech fields, including automation, collaborative robots, and lifelong learning to keep skills updated. This trend towards digitalized, flexible production environments is fostering both innovation and stable job growth in advanced factory settings.

Okada argued that manufacturing can survive in earthquake-prone Japan, citing examples of Toyota's disaster recovery efforts and prompt initial responses to emergencies. He pointed out that the manufacturing industry in Japan has faced challenges due to moves to tax manufacturers for CO2 emissions and the need for life-cycle assessment toward achieving carbon neutrality.

In conclusion, Toyota is at the forefront of innovative manufacturing technologies, striving to reduce CO2 emissions, and making strides in hydrogen technology. The company's commitment to green factories and carbon neutrality by 2035, along with its focus on digitalized, flexible production environments, positions it well for the future of manufacturing.

Toyota's Chief Production Officer Affirms Continued Manufacturing Vigor Amid Concerns