"Chairman Toyoda Encourages Meisters to Achieve Centurion Status"
In an intriguing turn of events, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda has announced a new program that promises to take viewers on a journey through his life, as seen through the lens of the iconic Toyota Century.
The program, set to begin this week, is not related to any advertisements and is a testament to Chairman Toyoda's deep-rooted connection with the Century, a car that has been significant in his life.
Chairman Toyoda shared personal memories of the Century, a car that represents the pinnacle of Toyota's craftsmanship and status. The original Toyota Century, introduced in 1967, was Toyota's flagship luxury limousine, and the New Century, launched decades later as an updated and modern successor, continues that legacy.
The Meister system in Toyota dealerships originated with the launch of the Toyota New Century. It was introduced as an elite professional certification system in dealerships, recognizing a small group of highly skilled employees—currently about 0.6% of dealership staff—who exemplify advanced expertise and customer service standards.
Chairman Toyoda's commitment to maintaining the Century’s tradition of meticulous quality and exceptional craftsmanship is reflected in initiatives like the Meister system. The Meister certification process includes interviews and training, and only 0.6% of people working at dealerships in Japan are certified as Meisters.
At a symposium, Chairman Toyoda encouraged the Meisters to maintain their interest and curiosity about the Century. He also referred to the words of then-Project General Manager Kenya Nakamura, emphasizing the Meister system's focus on unique, not repetitive, car production.
The Meister system was developed alongside the New Century to elevate dealership expertise and honor the prestigious heritage of the Century line, a model closely associated with Chairman Akio Toyoda’s vision for Toyota’s luxury craftsmanship. The program is a continuation of the Meisters' involvement with the Century, providing an enjoyable ride for the viewers.
Chairman Toyoda has had ideas about chauffeur-driven cars for over twenty years, and this program is a realization of those ideas. He spoke to the Meisters at the symposium, emphasizing the importance of preserving the Century's legacy and the role of the Meisters in that preservation.
Interestingly, Chairman Toyoda had a difficult childhood memory related to the Century and his father, Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda. This memory made the Century a car that Chairman Toyoda felt he must not get involved with or ride.
In conclusion, the upcoming program is a unique exploration of Chairman Akio Toyoda's personal journey with the Century and the Meister system, two elements that have played a significant role in shaping Toyota's luxury craftsmanship. It promises to be an engaging ride for viewers, offering insights into the story of the Century and Chairman Toyoda's vision for Toyota.
The upcoming program, delving into Chairman Akio Toyoda's life, will also touch upon significant aspects of Toyota's business, such as the finance, automotive, and transportation industries. In particular, it will focus on Toyota's flagship luxury model, the Toyota Century, a symbol of Toyota's status and craftsmanship, and the Meister system, an elite professional certification established within the finance sector of Toyota dealerships, known for its emphasis on unique, not repetitive, car production.
