Lean in automotive

Introducing the Lean Global Connection

InterviewsOct 25, 2021

VIDEO INTERVIEW - In this conversation with our editor, John Shook discusses Lean Thinking post-pandemic and its role tackling large-scale problems, and introduces an upcoming free event you don't want to miss.

Reflecting on Nate Furuta’s legacy

InterviewsOct 7, 2021

Mark Reich

INTERVIEW – Looking back at the time he spent at Toyota, Mark Reich reflects on his experience working with Nate Furuta and on his legacy exporting Toyota cultures around the world.

Don’t try to copy Toyota, understand it instead

FeaturesSep 13, 2021

Kiyoshi "Nate" Furuta

FEATURE – Based on his direct decades-long experience at Toyota, the author explains what it takes to establish problem-finding and a kaizen culture in new environments.

Creating Toyota cultures around the world

FeaturesSep 6, 2021

John Shook

FEATURE – The Lean Global Network just published a new book by Kiyoshi “Nate” Furuta sharing compelling examples of how Toyota principles and culture can be effectively spread to new environments.

30 years since Machine came out – Part 2

InterviewsSep 3, 2020

Jim Womack

INTERVIEW – Thirty years ago, a book introduced lean thinking to the world, started a global movement and transformed business forever. Our editor caught up with one of the authors.

Quality first means more sales

Case studiesJun 25, 2020

JB Limare

CASE STUDY – This insurtech venture has found in Lean Thinking a way to tackle its many scaling issues. It’s grown from two to fifty-five people in less than four years, ultimately thanks to a strong focus on quality.

Keep calm and manage stably: Akio Toyoda on crises

FeaturesMay 21, 2020

Jeff Liker and John Shook

FEATURE – Akio Toyoda’s May 12th press conference to present Toyota’s financial results offers great insights into how the company is reacting to the pandemic, say Jeff Liker and John Shook.

Staying ready in uncertain times

FeaturesApr 30, 2020

Catherine Chabiron

NOTES FROM THE (VIRTUAL) GEMBA – Throughout the lockdown, this car-selling business has never lost its focus on people development. The author learns how this approach is helping the firm make the most of the crisis.

Bringing lean to the people

Case studiesDec 16, 2019

Vagner Agostinho Junior

CASE STUDY – This article briefly outlines the different stages of the lean transformation at Mercedes Benz Brazil, as the company looked for the best approach to engage everyone in continuous improvement.

A lean transformation is a cognitive transformation

FeaturesNov 25, 2019

Eivind Reke, Robert Kusén & Daryl Powell

FEATURE – By looking at two practical examples, the authors discuss the cognitive shift towards learning and continuous improvement that takes place in a lean transformation.

Safari, so good

Case studiesNov 14, 2019

Sharon Visser

CASE STUDY – This company in Botswana has embraced lean thinking passionately to build the capacity and ability to deal with higher demand for its converted vehicles. The author tells us about their journey.

Leadership development at Volvo Cars

Case studiesSep 16, 2019

Eivind Reke and Gert Frick

CASE STUDY – What is the approach to people development used at Volvo Cars? The authors explain how the organization has created a production system fully owned by operators and managers.

Surviving an inflection point

FeaturesApr 9, 2019

Jim Morgan

FEATURE – The car industry is undergoing incredible change and ‘disruption’ is the word on everyone’s lips. How can companies survive it? Once again, Toyota shows us the way.

A lean take on trade

Womack's YokotenJul 31, 2018

Jim Womack

WOMACK’S YOKOTEN – As tariffs spread, the author explains where forcing production to move overnight is wasteful, particularly for lean producers.

What this leader has learned in 40 years at Toyota Australia

InterviewsMay 2, 2018

Roberto Priolo

PROFILE – What does one learn from working for Toyota over 40 years? This Australian leader has developed a unique holistic view, and a strong set of technical and social skills.

Walking the gemba at a Toyota parts supplier in Japan

FeaturesDec 7, 2017

Catherine Chabiron

NOTES FROM THE GEMBA – This month, the author shares her account of a recent gemba walk at a Tier 2 Toyota supplier, which has achieved impressive results by applying TPS.

Developing our people to flow value to our customers

Case studiesDec 5, 2017

Kirstin Wallis & Morné Fourie

CASE STUDY – One-piece flow and a focus on lean leadership and kaizen have allowed the Halfway Production Centre in Johannesburg to turn itself around in just 14 months.

Automation and lean supply chain at FIAT Chrysler

InterviewsNov 23, 2017

Luciano Massone

INTERVIEW – At the recent European Lean Summit, we sat down with a senior executive from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to learn more about the company’s World Class Manufacturing approach.

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