Right Lane Cruiser
06-23-2009, 08:17 AM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Japanese_Flag_30x22.jpg Out of 750,000 Prius battery packs produced and distributed so far, only 306 have been replaced as worn-out or a warranty fault. (http://www.examiner.com/x-10798-Portland-Auto-Examiner~y2009m6d18-2010-Toyota-Prius-takes-hybrid-cars-to-the-next-level)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2010_Prius-III_coming_off_the_assembly_line.jpgJeffrey Zurschmeide - EXAMINER (http://www.examiner.com) - June 18, 2009
An extremely effective, reliable, efficient, and capable machine. What's not to like? --Ed.
Historians will look back at the Toyota Prius as a pivotal change agent for the automotive world. Some of the reasons for this are obvious – the first mass-produced hybrid engine passenger car leaps immediately to mind. But there are other factors as well. At the time, no major new car had ever been produced on such a short timeline. Just 18 months went into the development of the Prius, and most industry insiders would still swear that was impossible. They teach the Prius development project in business schools now as a case study in how to do it right.
Business schools talk about "disruptive technology" as developments or inventions that fundamentally change the way we approach a common task. Cell phones and personal computers are the most obvious disruptive technologies of the last 30 years. Yet the Prius was and is a quietly disruptive development. Not only has it spawned a wave of hybrid cars, trucks, and SUVs in its wake, but it has given rise to an entire hybrid car culture that competes to maximize fuel economy, length of gasless driving, and overall travel efficiency.
Now Toyota has launched the third generation car to bear the Prius name, and while 90% of the functional components are new, the characteristic elements of the car remain unchanged. It's unique that a car that is completely recognizable can also represent a quantum leap forward in hybrid and next-generation technology, but that's what Toyota has done.
In addition to Prius development, business schools and corporations everywhere have studied Toyota's production system – designed to maximize quality and efficiency by empowering individuals and getting things right the first time. It's that production system more than... http://www.examiner.com/x-10798-Portland-Auto-Examiner~y2009m6d18-2010-Toyota-Prius-takes-hybrid-cars-to-the-next-level
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2010_Prius-III_coming_off_the_assembly_line.jpgJeffrey Zurschmeide - EXAMINER (http://www.examiner.com) - June 18, 2009
An extremely effective, reliable, efficient, and capable machine. What's not to like? --Ed.
Historians will look back at the Toyota Prius as a pivotal change agent for the automotive world. Some of the reasons for this are obvious – the first mass-produced hybrid engine passenger car leaps immediately to mind. But there are other factors as well. At the time, no major new car had ever been produced on such a short timeline. Just 18 months went into the development of the Prius, and most industry insiders would still swear that was impossible. They teach the Prius development project in business schools now as a case study in how to do it right.
Business schools talk about "disruptive technology" as developments or inventions that fundamentally change the way we approach a common task. Cell phones and personal computers are the most obvious disruptive technologies of the last 30 years. Yet the Prius was and is a quietly disruptive development. Not only has it spawned a wave of hybrid cars, trucks, and SUVs in its wake, but it has given rise to an entire hybrid car culture that competes to maximize fuel economy, length of gasless driving, and overall travel efficiency.
Now Toyota has launched the third generation car to bear the Prius name, and while 90% of the functional components are new, the characteristic elements of the car remain unchanged. It's unique that a car that is completely recognizable can also represent a quantum leap forward in hybrid and next-generation technology, but that's what Toyota has done.
In addition to Prius development, business schools and corporations everywhere have studied Toyota's production system – designed to maximize quality and efficiency by empowering individuals and getting things right the first time. It's that production system more than... http://www.examiner.com/x-10798-Portland-Auto-Examiner~y2009m6d18-2010-Toyota-Prius-takes-hybrid-cars-to-the-next-level