The Toyota Leaders: An Executive Guide [Hardcover]

Masaaki Sato (Author), Justin Bonsey (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 16, 2008

Six decades ago, Toyota was an embarrassment. Today, they are the auto- industry leader. The Toyota Leaders: An Executive Guide tells how they did it, and in such a way that allows readers to apply the lessons. Discover how Toyota is more than just a series of good business moves, but a culture first put into place by its founders and built on through the years. Not a corporate history, Sato uses Toyota's past to contextualize his discussion as he focuses on the company's unique business strategies.

- Find out why an innovative vehicle like the hybrid Prius came from Toyota and not the more technologically - advanced Honda.

- Learn how General Motors supplied invaluable business know-how to then-provincial Toyota in the early eighties.

- Discover why Toyota thinks giving back to Japan and the world is a smart idea.

- Learn how a national healthcare system is a good thing for business.

This is the Toyota book for entrepreneurs and executives in all industries, not just manufacturing.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Masaaki Sato's career as a business journalist enabled him to see firsthand much of the evolution..."-Maryanne Keller, leading auto industry analyst

About the Author

Masaaki Sato simply has no peer when it comes to reporting on the Japanese auto industry, his prominence dating back to the 1980's when he was on the auto beat for Nikkei (the Japanese Wall Street Journal). Currently an executive at Nikkei Business Publications, he is the author of highly regarded histories including one on the early days of home video technology (i.e., VHS vs. Betamax) and that has been adapted to the big screen. His most recent book is The House of Toyota.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Vertical (December 16, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1934287237
• ISBN-13: 978-1934287231
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 1.3 x 8.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,380,357 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!, February 25, 2010

By 

Tony Polidori "TPS" (CT, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Toyota Leaders: An Executive Guide (Hardcover)

I love this book! I think it's because I worked at TMC for many years. It's not a book on how to implement TPS. It's a testament to the philosophy of investing in people.
What appeals most to me is how the leaders maintained the vision, philosophy and respect of the founder throughout Toyota's growth, and the humility that each leader demonstrated. Humility should not be mistaken for weakness. Vision like "A world car made with Japanese brains" and "Protect your own castle" resonate with those who have experienced Toyota firsthand. Mr. Sato details many important events in Toyota history and the contribution from the leadership. The development of the Corolla, Lexus, Prius; the journey into North American manufacturing are explained.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Review for "THe Toyota Leaders", January 18, 2009

By 

Luis A. Cantu Vazquez (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Toyota Leaders: An Executive Guide (Hardcover)

Excellent book if you are interested in the Toyota History. Don't expect to find TPM tools,

regards

Luis Cantu