TPS helps maintain Toyota’s high standards in 53 plants in 27 countries around the world, with annual production exceeding 5.6 million vehicles in 2002. A design, research and development network spread across the three major car markets of the world enables Toyota to produce vehicles that meet local demands and taste. A principle of respect for differing cultures and customs has led to economic and social development through corporate activities in communities and support for beneficial causes at the local level.

Toyota has begun to introduce and implement TPS into all areas of the company’s F1 activities, with a particular emphasis within the Toyota Motorsport factory in Germany, and for the F1 team’s work on the all-important pit stops. TPS is one of many Toyota Way principles, which have helped establish Panasonic Toyota Racing as one of the most efficient teams in the pitlane.

Motorsport:

Toyota Motor Corporation’s involvement in motorsport goes far beyond just Formula 1. Since 1996, the company has supplied engines to the American CART series. It’s first pole position came in 1999. One year later, Juan Pablo Montoya and Target Chip Ganassi Racing took Toyota to its first podium and victory at the Milwaukee event. But, it was Cristiano da Matta who helped the company to its first ever engine manufacturers CART title in 2002, by winning the drivers’ title with 237 points. It was a fitting finale, as Toyota turned its attention to the Indy Racing League (IRL) from 2003.

Again, Toyota was an official engine supplier and repeated this success in only its debut year with the Penske Team, the highlight of the season coming at the famed Indianapolis 500 race, where Toyota engines scored a sensational 1-2-3. Toyota dominated both engine manufacturers’ and drivers’ titles in 2003 and plans to repeat that amazing accomplishment in 2004. With F1 and IRL running concurrently, Toyota is aiming to challenge the best in worldwide motorsports.

Toyota Motor Corporation - Management Structure

Dr. Akihiko Saito - Executive Vice President

Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan, Dr. Akihiko Saito also assumes the position of Chairman of Toyota's Motorsports Committee. In this role Dr. Saito is responsible for all Toyota's activities in motorsport worldwide, incorporating the company's newest challenge of Formula 1. Akihiko Saito: "We are taking Toyota's very successful motorsport heritage into the 21st Century to compete at the pinnacle of motorsport. To fully prepare for F1 is a huge undertaking but we believe the rewards are well worth it. As Panasonic Toyota Racing we will work together every step of the way to realise our vision - to innovate, to race, to perfect and to win!"

Tetsuo Hattori - Managing Officer

Tetsuo Hattori started his career with Toyota in 1971 as an engineer of technological and product development. In 1996, he became Chief Engineer of the Crown, the Toyota brand's flagship passenger car. In 1999, he was made a Director, a title that was changed to Managing Officer in July 2003. Now as Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation, he is responsible for all international Toyota motorsport activities.

Corporation - Management Structure

Kunio Komada – Managing Officer

Kunio Komada joined Toyota in 1972 and was involved with international and Japanese sales & marketing activities. In 2002, he became a Director, and now as Managing Officer, he joins the Toyota F1 Project, responsible for the business side of Toyota’s motorsport activities.

Yoshiaki Kinoshita - General Manager, Motor Sport Division

Yoshiaki Kinoshita is responsible for all technical developments in Toyota's motorsport projects around the globe. Kinoshita worked at Toyota Motor Sales USA and Toyota Racing Development USA from 1996 to 2001. As Vice- President, he led the CART programme during this time. He was also involved in the Le Mans programme (1992,1993) and the World Rally Championship programme (1989-1995).

Touri Ueno - General Manager, Motorsport Business Management Dept

Touri Ueno's role concentrates predominantly on the business side of Toyota's motorsport activities. Established back in January 2001, the Motorsport Business Management department focuses on all marketing, public relations and sponsorship-related aspects of Toyota's motorsport programmes.