Japanese Companies Can Lead, Too - 5 bold steps for Toyota

It took Toyota 28 years to acquire a controlling interest in Daihatsu.

With the way things are changing in the global car industry, Toyota is no longer inclined to wait a generation to take such steps, given the way things are changing in the global car industry.

The point, however, is that Japanese companies can lead, too. Not always follow.

1. Toyota bought into Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd in 2005, taking shares away from General Motors. Toyota then installed a cutting-edge manufacturing line. Toyota’s prez said, “If they copy our technology, we will just have to develop something even more superior.”

2. Toyota boosted its stake in Panasonic EV Energy Co to 60% taking control of the battery manufacturer from its previous leading shareholder, Matsushita Electric. The company is making lithium-ion batteries. Can you say hybrid?

3. Toyota will release Toyota-brand vehicles in South Korea. The company’s Lexus will compete and win against U.S. and European luxury cars.

4. A Toyota supplier of auto bodies has been spreading good will - training some 25,000 engineers from the Samsung group and other South Korean companies. Do you think any of those who were trained will be inclined to buy a Toyota?

5. Toyota has plans for a second factory in Russia. Toyota is committed to growing markets.

Toyota can lead, too. Japanese companies can lead, too.
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