Akio Toyoda turns the GR Yaris around: from a mistake to a revolutionary symbol in the automotive world!

When Toyota's president flips a GR Yaris rally car at a new research center

Recently, Toyota President Akio Toyoda has done amazing things in motorsport and automotive development! During a test run of the GR Yaris rally car at Toyota's new Shimoyama R&D center, he flipped the car. But instead of viewing it as a failure, Toyoda used this incident as inspiration to revolutionize the company's automobile development!

Shimoyama R&D Center: Toyota's Innovation Incubator

Shimoyama Research and Development Center is Located amidst mountains with beautiful scenery. Just 30 minutes from Toyota's headquarters in Toyota City, the facility spans 1,600 acres, complete with a test track designed to replicate the famous Nürburgring race track. and has a 3.3-mile-long course filled with challenging curves and hills.

There is no doubt that this is a car developer's playground. With a large garage that can accommodate up to 40 cars and full-time mechanics, engineers and designers. This center is therefore able to test and develop cars more quickly and efficiently.

From Nürburgring to Shimoyama: Turning Problems into Opportunities

Previously, car manufacturers had to send cars and teams to the Nürburgring in Germany for testing. But with the new testing center in Shimoyama Toyota can test its own cars at home. This change not only reduces costs and time. But it also increases the ability to develop modern cars and quickly respond to consumer needs.

Driving, Destroying, Editing: Akio Toyoda's Philosophy

While Toyoda served as president of Toyota, he was known for his participation in numerous motorsport activities under the pseudonym "Morizo". He trained in Toyota's "Master Driver" program, where he developed Excellent driving skills, however, in this test. Even a skilled driver like him can flip a car!

But instead of panicking, Toyoda used the incident as a tool to teach employees the concept of "drive, destroy, fix" by using the flipped GR Yaris as a symbol at the research center. It represents a process of learning from mistakes and continuous improvement.

Flipping the car turned out to be a turning point.

Flipping a GR Yaris is no small event. However, it began a major shift in Toyota's automotive development process. It reflects Akio Toyoda's commitment to pushing the limits of innovation and learning from failure To create even better cars.