Abstract
This paper describes the development process of Mitsubishi Motors production system. Since 1980s, the flexible production systems of Japanese automobile makers have received significant attention as a source of competitiveness, and a large number of researchers have examined how the Japanese flexible production system generated international competitive advantages. However, a considerable number of past studies have been made on the production system of Toyota Motor Company, and paid little attention to the other Japanese automobile makers production systems.
Therefore this paper specifically examines the Mitsubishi Motors production system. And the paper focuses attention on the aspect of coordination among distribution, production, and purchasing. It also attempts to compare Toyota production system with Mitsubishi Motors production system, and focus its attention on the differences between both companies production system.
Now Mitsubishi Motors attempts to develop its production system in order to adapt efficiently and quickly to the changes of demand. As a result of this development, the differences between Mitsubishi and Toyota are becoming larger, and the following factors are especially important: firm scale; product development performance; strategy; supplier system.
