The Toyota Motor approach from basic research to product realization

— Interview with Dr. Umeyama, General Manager, R&D Management Division —

Abstract

Toyota Motor Corporation is a world-class automotive manufacturer and unquestionably one of the most successful manufacturers in Japan. The company has been introducing new technology to society without being caught in the conventional concept for cars. Foreseeing the shape of an ideal society, their vision is reflected in the creation of the world's first hybrid automobile. The automobile is a compilation of diverse technologies, and there is hardly any technology that is not used in cars. The R&D Management Division is an integrator of technological development of all automobiles in the Toyota Group and includes the Toyota Central R&D Labs. We interviewed General Manager Umeyama of the R&D Management Division, and asked him about the flow from basic research to product realization at Toyota Motors, as well as his expectations for Synthesiology.