Toyota Motor Corporation has announced the full operation commencement of its research and development facility, Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, situated amidst the picturesque landscape straddling the cities of Toyota and Okazaki. Officially operational since March 25, 2024, this cutting-edge facility is poised to revolutionize vehicle development, serving as a pivotal hub where roads refine cars and the people who engineer them.
The Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama represents a culmination of meticulous planning and construction efforts that began in April 2018. Spanning over a vast area characterized by natural terrain, the facility boasts a comprehensive array of test courses designed to rigorously assess vehicles’ performance under various conditions, including challenging elevation differences and curves.
The completion of the western area, featuring a new vehicle development building and a visitor center, marks a significant milestone in the facility’s evolution. The vehicle development building, modeled after the famed Nürburgring pit, will serve as a collaborative workspace for teams from Lexus and GR companies. It will facilitate agile development processes, integrating real-world testing with cutting-edge digital technologies to identify and address issues efficiently.
Complementing the development building is the visitor center, envisioned as a space for fostering collaboration and innovation among Toyota’s business partners and suppliers. Designed to encourage open dialogue and co-creation, this facility underscores Toyota’s commitment to driving innovation beyond conventional boundaries.
Environmental sustainability lies at the heart of Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama’s ethos, with approximately 60% of the site dedicated to preserving original trees and greenery. The Environmental Learning Center, completed in March 2023, serves as a platform for engaging with the local community on environmental conservation initiatives, reflecting Toyota’s dedication to coexisting harmoniously with nature.
During the unveiling ceremony, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in realizing the project’s vision. He emphasized Toyota’s commitment to coexistence with the local community and underscored the facility’s role in driving continuous improvement in vehicle quality.
With around 3,000 development members and test drivers expected to collaborate at the Shimoyama facility, Toyota is poised to accelerate its pursuit of ever-better cars. Toyoda’s remarks underscored the facility’s significance in Toyota’s mission to deliver exceptional driving experiences worldwide, symbolizing a testament to Toyota’s dedication to making strides in automotive innovation.
The Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama stands as a beacon of excellence in automotive research and development, poised to shape the future of mobility through relentless pursuit of perfection.
