Chairman Akio Toyoda recently inaugurated a new Toyota research and development (R&D) facility, with a visibly damaged GR Yaris rally car displayed behind him. It turns out Toyoda himself was driving when the car flipped onto its roof. Instead of discarding it, he decided to use it as a symbol of how the new facility could enhance Toyota’s car-making process.
The Shimoyama R&D center is now the main hub for developing GR and Lexus vehicles. Situated in a mountainous area about 30 minutes from Toyota’s headquarters in Toyota City, the facility sprawls across 1,600 acres. It includes various test courses and a building where 3,000 employees work.
One notable feature is a 3.3-mile road course modeled after the famous Nürburgring, complete with elevation changes and different types of turns. Toyota and other automakers often rent time at the Nürburgring for testing high-performance cars. However, this involves shipping cars, personnel, and equipment halfway around the globe, within limited time slots. The Shimoyama proving grounds eliminate these challenges by enabling Toyota to conduct comprehensive testing in-house. The facility boasts a large 40-bay garage and a dedicated team of mechanics, engineers, and designers, all under one roof. Toyoda believes this setup will significantly accelerate the development of new cars.
During his tenure as Toyota’s president, Akio Toyoda actively participated in motorsport events, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Nürburgring and Rally Japan, using the pseudonym Morizo. He underwent rigorous training in Toyota’s “Master Driver” program, which all top test drivers must complete.
However, even seasoned drivers can encounter accidents. Toyota released in-car footage showing Toyoda driving the GR Yaris on a gravel rally course, accompanied by Rally Japan champion Norihiko Katsuta as co-driver. During the run, Toyoda hit a mound, causing the hatchback to flip onto its roof. This incident embodies Toyoda’s philosophy of “Drive, break, fix,” which he aims to instill in Shimoyama’s employees by leading by example.
Despite the mishap, Toyoda remains committed to leveraging the incident positively. He views the damaged GR Yaris as a testament to the facility’s role in enhancing Toyota’s manufacturing capabilities. The chairman’s hands-on approach and willingness to push boundaries reflect his dedication to advancing Toyota’s innovation and quality standards through the Shimoyama R&D center.
