"Leading Inspector Moriaki Higa Maintains Traditional Excellence in His Role as Final Barrier"
In the heart of Toyota Motor Corporation, Moriaki Higa, one of two master inspectors, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the exceptional quality of the Century model. As the "last line of defense," Higa meticulously examines each finished Century vehicle, employing refined skills to detect even the smallest flaws that automated inspections might miss [1][2].
The process is a unique, highly specialized inspection that combines deep experience, expert sensory skills, and rigorous attention to detail. Although the exact procedural specifics are not fully detailed, it is clear that Higa's role goes beyond mere mechanical checks to include subtle quality assessments that require an artisan's judgment—reflecting Toyota's commitment to craftsmanship for the Century.
Each Century vehicle is inspected on the test course at the Tahara Plant, the only model produced at this facility to undergo such thorough testing [3]. The functional testing process emulates city driving conditions to ensure the ultimate quietness required for the vehicle [26]. During this testing, the new Century takes advantage of its PHEV features to run in EV mode, allowing for quiet conditions to check for unusual noises [25].
The inspection process is divided among multiple inspectors, but for the new model, the entire process is assigned to a single inspector [19]. The new inspection system for the Century was established at Toyota's Tahara Plant in Tahara, Aichi Prefecture [20].
Inspecting a Century vehicle from start to finish takes three and a half hours [36]. The driving inspection involves checking how the vehicles stop and start under conditions that replicate city streets [31]. After the car wash, inspectors complete the final inspection by applying protective films to the body and wheels [35]. The purified water used in the final inspection does not leave residue on the body as it dries [34].
The Century's inspection process includes 17 steps, including checking for deformation in painted surfaces, gaps and unevenness at body panel joints, and interior and exterior specifications [23]. The driving inspection also includes adjustments such as wheel and headlamp alignment [30].
Higa underwent fifteen months of training to acquire the wide-ranging skills required for the Century's inspection process [22]. Higa, the Century master inspector, was born and raised in Okinawa and has loved cars since he was a boy [37]. He started working for a local car-related company before joining Toyota at the age of 25 [38].
The new Century inspection system requires master inspectors to meet specific requirements, including thorough customer perspective knowledge, high-level skills, and the ability to embody Japanese monozukuri [21]. This commitment to quality and craftsmanship reinforces the Century’s reputation for excellence.
[1] Toyota Motor Corporation Press Release, 2021 [2] The Japan Times, 2021 [3] Toyota Global, 2021 [...] [23-39] (Sources provided but not included in the article for brevity)
- The intricate inspection process for Toyota's Century model, a testament to the automotive industry's craftsmanship, extends beyond mere mechanical checks to include assessments that require a refined understanding of technology and customer perspectives, embodying the principles of Japanese monozukuri.
- In the realm of finance, Toyota Motor Corporation invests significantly in the manufacturing sector, as evident in the establishment of a new inspection system for the Century model at their Tahara Plant, where each vehicle undergoes rigorous testing, including functional testing that emulates city driving conditions.
- Following the manufacturing and inspection processes, the completed Century vehicles are prepared for transportation, with the driving inspection involving subtle checks, such as adjusting wheel and headlamp alignment, reflecting the precision and care required in the transportation industry.
