Toyoda's Chairman Urges Meisters to Pursue Century-level Obsession
Toyota's Meister System: A Commitment to Craftsmanship
In a bid to maintain and enhance the quality and craftsmanship of Toyota vehicles, Chairman Akio Toyoda introduced the Meister system in Toyota dealerships. The system, established with the release of the New Century, is a prestigious certification for expert service technicians, known as "Meisters."
The Meister system is not based on a business model that prioritizes selling a lot. Instead, it emphasizes deep technical knowledge, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to upholding Toyota's manufacturing standards even after the car leaves the factory.
Chairman Toyoda's vision for the Meister system is to ensure that Toyota dealerships are staffed by elite professionals who not only service vehicles but also embody the passion and philosophy of craftsmanship embedded in Toyota's manufacturing culture. The Meisters play a key role in providing customers with confidence in the care their vehicles receive and contribute to maintaining Toyota's reputation for quality and reliability.
The system reflects Toyota's broader philosophy of continuous improvement (kaizen) and respect for people. By certifying technicians as Meisters, Toyota ensures sustained high standards across its service network and preserves the legacy of craftsmanship throughout the ownership experience.
According to Chairman Toyoda, the Meister system is not about building and selling cars in the same way as others. His ideas, strongly influenced by personal experiences, shaped the New Century and continue to influence Toyota's approach to automotive excellence.
Currently, only 0.6% of all the people working at dealerships across Japan have been certified as Meisters. This exclusive certification underscores the high standards these technicians must meet to become part of this elite group.
The upcoming program, a journey through Chairman Toyoda's life as seen through the Century, promises to offer insights into the genesis and evolution of the Meister system, providing a unique perspective on Toyota's commitment to craftsmanship.
The Meister system, a prestigious certification for expert service technicians in Toyota dealerships, reinforces Toyota's commitment to quality and craftsmanship not just during manufacturing, but also in their finance and service divisions, such as transportation and automotive maintenance.
The Meisters, elite professionals who embody Toyota's manufacturing culture, play a crucial role in upholding Toyota's reputation for financial credibility and reliability in the automotive industry.
