| |
AutoWorld.com - David S
AutoWorld.com - Long before a Toyota vehicle rolls off the assembly line, or makes its way to a hometown dealership, TTC evaluates everything from road to roof, and from bumper to bumper. The company's objective is to make sure that every vehicle and its parts and components meet a series of stringent performance standards before production begins.
Engineering Design
Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, TTC's Engineering Design activity works hand-in-hand with North American suppliers to develop parts and components for use at Toyota's North American manufacturing plants and for export to Japan. This group is responsible for both initiating and modifying part designs. The department includes professionals specializing in body engineering, interior engineering, electrical engineering, electronics engineering, chassis engineering and drive train engineering.
Parts Engineering
The Parts Engineering department is charged with testing and evaluating the function and durability of prototype parts and components destined for use in North American vehicles and for export to Japan. Based in Ann Arbor, this activity works closely with suppliers in analyzing and evaluating parts to ensure compliance with Toyota's exacting quality and reliability standards. The group focuses on eight key areas, including body mechanical, seats, wipers and mirrors, interior parts, seat-belts and safety, body strength, chassis strength and electrical.
Material Engineering
With offices in Ann Arbor, the Material Engineering department supports Toyota's North American vehicle development programs by selecting, evaluating and recommending domestically sourced materials. A major part of this activity's responsibility is to test and evaluate the physical, mechanical, chemical and environmental characteristics of materials used in prototype parts. Areas of emphasis include the evaluation of paints and sealants, composites, interior and exterior molded plastic parts, soft trim components, rubber materials, fabrics and elastomers.
Vehicle Evaluation - California
TTC's Vehicle Evaluation departments test, analyze and develop vehicle dynamics and vehicle systems in an effort to meet the demands of North American driving conditions and consumer preferences.
Within this activity, TTC engineers in Torrance, California evaluate and refine the ride, handling, brakes and stability of Toyota prototype and production vehicles targeted for North America. The group also investigates and evaluates competitor models. Members of this department conduct frequent test drives in extremely hot and cold climates and under a variety of road conditions to measure the dynamics of vehicle performance in real-world conditions.
In addition, the Vehicle Evaluation activity in California looks at vehicle systems and how to best tune these systems to meet the demands of the North American.
The department also carries out advanced vehicle research in an effort to provide Toyota with recommendations for future North American models.
Vehicle Evaluation - Arizona
With one of the world's largest test tracks, the Toyota Arizona Proving Ground (TAPG) is home to TTC's other Vehicle Evaluation department. Unveiled in 1993, the TAPG provides facilities for rigorous performance and durability tests, under the harsh conditions found in the Arizona desert.
Members of the Vehicle Evaluation department at TAPG have the facility's 10-mile high-speed oval track, ride and handling course, dirt course, straightaway, brake test area and steep grade area to simulate just about any road and driving condition around the United States.
At the Proving Ground, TTC professionals conduct a range of durability tests, incorporating all facets of motoring - from city and highway driving, to parking in the hot sun. The group tests and evaluates ride comfort, handling characteristics and trailer towing capabilities. In addition, the Arizona team conducts heat-related tests and rough-road reaction tests as well as cold weather tests at off-site locations.
Powertrain Evaluation
TTC has three Powertrain departments, two in Ann Arbor and the third in Gardena, California.
The first Ann Arbor activity is responsible for conducting emissions testing on all Toyota vehicles destined for sale in the United States. As part of this responsibility, the group is charged with obtaining the necessary federal emissions certification to sell Toyota vehicles in all states except California.
In addition, the Ann Arbor operation conducts emissions testing on a sampling of Toyota vehicles currently in use by customers. It also serves as a liaison with the Environmental Protection Agency during their emissions evaluation of Toyota products.
This department also reviews new engine technology, analyzes federal emissions regulations and works closely with alternative fuels research groups.
The second Ann Arbor Powertrain department acts as an engine-engineering design liaison between Toyota's North American manufacturing operations, Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan, and the company's domestic suppliers. The department's objective is to work with North American suppliers to foster new engine component designs - designs that yield enhanced performance and improved reliability and efficiency.
TTC's third Powertrain Evaluation department is in Gardena, California. This activity handles powertrain evaluation and calibration, with attention on performance, fuel economy, driveability, emission control systems and overall suitability for the North American market. The group conducts engine, transmission and drive line evaluations.
In addition to analyzing powertrains in both Toyota prototype and production vehicles,the Gardena facility evaluates competitors' systems.
The operation also works closely with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to ensure that Toyota vehicles meet California's strict emissions standards. This includes obtaining the necessary CARB approvals to sell Toyota vehicles in California, and the emissions monitoring of a sampling of Toyota products owned by Californians.
Technical Research
The Technical Research department is responsible for investigating new technologies and providing Toyota Motor Corporation with information necessary to make decisions on future product development. Based in Ann Arbor, the group also explores joint development projects with U.S. companies and conducts cooperative research with universities.
Prototype Development
A vital step in vehicle design and evaluation is the production of prototype vehicles. At TTC, this is carried out at the Plymouth Laboratory in Plymouth, Michigan.
This activity's primary objective is to duplicate the actual production process in a manufacturing plant, in order to analyze the manufacturability of a design. This process includes the procurement of prototype parts. To accomplish this, a great deal of time is spent by the Plymouth Lab procurement staff and designers working with suppliers to explain Toyota's expectations.
The Plymouth Lab is a mini-production plant, including inspection facilities, a welding line, an assembly line, and a paint facility, all geared to duplicate the mass production process. Assembly engineers and technicians work together to assure that the prototype assembly line follows the same sequence as Toyota's vehicle manufacturing plants.
Government Affairs
TTC's Washington group monitors congressional legislation and governmental regulation on safety and environmental issues. Their work includes tracking actions that will impact vehicle design and manufacture. Providing a critical communication link between TMC and all its affiliates is an important aspect of their activities.
General Administration
Behind the scenes, TTC's administrative support staffs include professionals in Accounting and Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Facilities, Purchasing, Training, Safety & Security, Information Systems and Public Affairs.
Teamwork and You
Throughout the years, Toyota has maintained its own unique approach to doing business. Some call it the "Toyota Way."
This approach is one that depends upon cultivating long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. At TTC, this means relationships between the company and its Team Associates, suppliers, communities and other Toyota companies.
Each of these relationships forms the basis for teamwork, the vital ingredient that brings the entire TTC operation together.
Visit www.autoworld.com for a complete price chart, additional product information and photography. Free Invoice and Trade-In pricing reports along with free insurance quotes, warranty quotes, finance quotes and vehicle history reports. 1-888-516-0059 or http://www.autoworld.com
Autoworld.com
Back to Today's News
|
