is a Japanese automotive manufacturer headquartered in Toyota, Aichi, Japan. In 2013 the multinational corporation consisted of 333,498 employees worldwide and, as of January 2014, is the fourteenth-largest company in the world by revenue. Toyota was the largest automobile 0manufacturer in 2012 (by production). In July of that year, the company reported the production of its 200-millionth vehicle. Toyota is the world's first automobile manufacturer to produce more than 10 million vehicles per year. It did so in 2012 according to OICA, and in 2013 according to company data. As of November 2013, Toyota was the largest listed company in Japan by market capitalization (worth more than twice as much as #2-ranked SoftBank and by revenue. The company was founded by Kiichiro Toyoda in 1937 as a spinoff from his father's company Toyota Industries to create automobiles. Three years earlier, in 1934, while still a department of Toyota Industries, it created its first product, the Type A engine, and, in 1936, its first passenger car, the Toyota AA. Toyota Motor Corporation produces vehicles under 5 brands, including the Toyota brand, Hino, Lexus, Ranz, and Scion. It also holds a 51.2% stake in Daihatsu, a 16.66% stake in Fuji Heavy Industries, a 5.9% stake in Isuzu, and a 0.27% stake in Tesla, as well as joint-ventures with two in China (GAC Toyota and Sichuan FAW Toyota Motor), one in India (Toyota Kirloskar), one in the Czech Republic (TPCA), along with several "nonautomotive" companies. TMC is part of the Toyota Group, one of the largest conglomerates in the world.
STRENGTH
Innovative culture. Toyota is one of the most innovative auto companies and has a strong culture that is focused on constant innovation. The company was the first to introduce Kaizen, Kanban and Total quality Management systems widely in their organization. The company was the first to mass-produce and sell hybrid vehicles too. Brand reputation valued at $30 billion. Toyotas brand is the most valued automotive brand in the world. The business is known for its environmentally friendly, safe and durable cars that are sold in more than 170 countries. Industry leader in production and sales. Toyota was the first company to introduce lean manufacturing and total quality management practices in manufacturing process. For some time, the company was the only practitioner of these practices and had the lowest manufacturing and production costs worldwide. Although many manufacturers were able to replicate Toyotas lean manufacturing system, the company is still one of the most profitable manufacturers in the world. Strong brand portfolio. Toyota currently sells about 70 different models of cars under its namesake brand. This does not only increase brands awareness but also satisfies nearly every consumer group needs. Toyotas flagship models are Corolla and Prius. The leader in green cars development. Toyota understands that environmental friendly cars are the necessity nowadays. Consumers are more selective in terms of CO2 emissions and fuel-efficiency of the cars they buy and Toyotas early move towards selling hybrid and efficient cars is the strength few competitors can match.
WEAKNESS
Large-scale recalls. Toyota had quite a few large-scale vehicle recalls over the past few years. The business recalled 9 million vehicles in 2009-2010 and 7.43 million cars in 2012. Such recalls does not only hurt the firm financially but significantly damages firms brand. Weak presence in the emerging markets. Toyotas main markets are Japan, US and Europe, while such emerging economies as China or India make only a small percentage of all Toyotas sales. Due to poor presence in the largest automobile market (China), Toyota will find it hard to compete with GM that has huge market share there.
OPPORTUNITIES Positive attitude towards green vehicles. Today consumers are more aware of the negative effects (air pollution) caused by cars. Large quantities of CO2 emissions intensify greenhouse effect and negatively impact the life on earth. Thus, consumers are more likely to buy new hybrid and electric cars that emit less CO2. Increasing fuel prices. Increasing fuel prices open up large markets for Toyotas hybrid cars as consumers shift towards efficient cars. Changing customer needs. By introducing new car models, Toyota could satisfy varying consumers tastes and needs and access wider customer group. Growth through acquisitions. Toyota has successfully acquired other car companies in the past and should continue doing so to grow, gain new skills, assets and access to new markets.
THREATS THR New emission standards. New emission standards introduced by the government would require more investments into producing cleaner engines. More investments mean less profit for Toyota. Rising raw material prices. Rising raw material prices are especially important to automobiles manufacturers. Higher prices mean higher costs and less profits for Toyota as the raw metals are the main components in car manufacturing. Intense competition. Toyota faces more intense competition from other auto manufacturers more than ever. Volkswagen group is strongly growing and GM steps up after its reorganization to become more competitive than ever. Natural disasters. Toyotas has manufacturing facilities in Japan, Thailand, China and Indonesia. These countries, including others, are often subject to natural disasters that disrupt manufacturing in the facilities and decrease Toyotas production volumes. Appreciating yen exchange rate. Most of Toyotas revenue comes from foreign countries. The profits earned abroad must be sent back to Japan and converted to yen. Appreciating yen exchange rate against other currencies means lower profits for Toyota.
SWOT ANALYSIS OF MYSELF
STRENGTHS Hardworking,good communication skills,cooperative,leadership qualities.