Toyota has sent up to 150 engineers over to Subaru, and Subaru has done likewise. The idea is that both companies can learn from one another, resulting ultimately in better products for each company.
According to David Sullivan, product car manager at SOA: âThat exchange started a couple months after the agreement was reached for Toyota to invest in 8.7% of our parent (Fuji),â he says. âSo thereâs some intermingling going on right now, and in a year or two I think youâll see that bear some fruit for both companies.â
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sabastian says:
05:52 AM, 04/27/07
Uh oh. One of Japan's most interesting carmakers could become one of its most boring. I'll be interested to see how this turns out.
bbechtel16 says:
07:20 AM, 04/27/07
I think this will be for the better of both. It's a way to share ideas and learn without one bending the other to it's will, in theory.
I didn't know intermingling was an actual word. My cousin and I always used to use it to describe a situation when our extended family was driving somewhere, and him and I (The Boys) would ride with either my parents or his parents, while my sisters and his sister (The Girls) would ride with the other.
estreka says:
07:39 AM, 04/27/07
It could be good. I dunno though. Their platforms are so radically different. I'm not sure what can be learned. If anyone could learn anything from anyone, I'd say send Subaru plant chiefs to Toyota plants. Toyota is the master of production.
boxermike says:
08:09 AM, 04/27/07
So long as they don't do anything crazy to Subies engine layout that would conflict with my name....
ateixeira says:
10:58 AM, 04/27/07
I think Subaru can find some new efficiencies, particularly things like HVAC, that the driver could never tell the difference.
Think about it. Subaru's auto climate control is terrible anyway. What would they have to lose by sharing suppliers with Toyota/Lexus?
Another example - GPS Navigation. Another area where Lexus is clearly ahead, and Subaru could benefit.
Meanwhile, the Toyota engineers can learn how to make the drive a bit more interesting.
SubyTrojan says:
01:05 PM, 04/27/07
From my perspective, this can only be good for both parties! :o)
rsholland says:
01:39 PM, 04/27/07
I agree. I see it as a win-win for everyone.