THERE’S NOT A SINGLE CAR MAKER THAT HAS not modelled its manufacturing and supply chain management on Toyota’s “lean production” system. Reams have been written about its systems and processes. Much of what is described as the Toyota Production System is now part of everyday business language.
With “just-in-time” delivery came the biggest influx of Japanese vocabulary into English since the importation of judo. Soon factories across the world were using kanban controls—tags to control the flow of parts—and were practising kaizen, the process of continuously seeking small improvements to gain greater efficiency, better ergonomics and higher quality.
In order to stay in the fray, global auto manufacturers are required to regularly launch new products. The competitive nature of the business compels auto companies to indulge in plenty of R&D so as to stand out in the market. Recently, TKM revealed images of the interiors of its youngest urban SUV, the all new Toyota Urban Cruiser. It’s entering the compact SUV segment with this. The Urban Cruiser gets a BS6-compliant, 1.5-litre, petrol engine. The motor develops maximum power of 103bhp and peak torque of 138Nm. The transmission options include 5-speed MT and 4-speed AT. The Urban Cruiser AT is equipped with a smart hybrid system.
Raju Ketkale, deputy MD, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, gets candid about the advancements that the company has made today and tells Manufacturing Today about today’s production process and how the company is dealing with Covid-19 blues.
You have begun production after a gap of almost two months. What are some of the measures you have in place today?
This story is from the September 2020 edition of Manufacturing Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2020 edition of Manufacturing Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Precision Revolution
Exploring the fusion of Machine Learning and CAD/CAM Technologies, Shriyal Sethumadhavan delves into the transformative impact of AI integration in manufacturing.
Empowering MSMEs
In conversation with Amit Mande, Chief Revenue Officer, U GRO Capital
Fornnax unveils SR-200 HD recycling innovation
Fornnax Technology continues to expand its portfolio of high capacity lines and debuted an upgraded variant of primary shredder.
Transforming manufacturing and product development
India's manufacturing sector, currently contributing 17% to the GDP, is expected to be one of the key drivers of growth for the country.
Transforming E-commerce: How LLMs are changing visual content
LLMs reshape e-commerce with captivating visuals, balancing benefits and drawbacks of authentic content in the digital retail arena
An intelligent move
Dive deep into the future of manufacturing as we explore the transformative power of intelligent technologies revolutionising the industry.
Meeting India's data centre cooling demands
Schneider Electric inaugurates state-of-the-art cooling factory in Bengaluru
The gender matters of manufacturing
Does the manufacturing industry suffer from a gender gap?
Navigating India's manufacturing landscape
Jibak Dasgupta, Director General and CEO, Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers' Association's view on the influx of investments and the manufacturing landscape
A decade of 'Make in India': The foundation for building a manufacturing powerhouse
As India experiences profound economic growth, it has emerged as the second most sought-after manufacturing destination in the world, contributing 13.9%1 to the economy.
