Here are some pictures of the production of cars inside Toyota's Japanese plant.
Lexus cars have been built since the debut of the LS400 sedan in 1989.
Toyota Lexus engine plant is the only one in the world where workers must pass through an air shower to remove dust before starting work on the factory floor.
To demonstrate a smooth-running engine, a glass of a mysterious pink liquid is placed under the open hood. When the engine begins running, the liquid wobbles slightly before settling.
At this plant, 200 Lexus experts are responsible for checking 4,000 quality items.
A driver prepares to move a new Lexus LS600h off the production line. At this plant, a new Lexus rolls off the line 675 times every day, or once every 87 seconds.
After rolling off the production line, engineers make yet more checks. This Lexus worker is checking the clearance gap between the hood and the front wing using a digital calibrator.
A gloved Lexus test driver takes a new LS600h for a test drive. Testing includes a total of 55 checks, such as monitoring noise levels while driving on cobbles at 20 mph. Drivers also conduct braking and cruise-control tests.
Lexus workers drop into the dojo, a kind of training camp for the body and mind, to polish up on skills and fitness. Here, a gloved worker is caressing a panel for imperfections in the paintwork; flaws almost invisible to the human eye.
Another Lexus engineer is being put through his paces on screwing in bolts to just the right level of tightness using an electric screwdriver. To aid learning, a laptop computer and speaker system replays the sounds of a perfectly tightened bolt.
To maintain product quality, workers are encouraged to stay in trim. Here, a Lexus employee exercises his hands and wrists by squeezing golf balls. Workers also do sit-ups and use cycling machines to stay in shape.
To ensure that parts are fitted to the highest levels of accuracy, Lexus workers practice fitting blocks to a board at various angles. Through practice, accuracy and speed are improved.
Lexus cars have been built since the debut of the LS400 sedan in 1989.
Toyota Lexus engine plant is the only one in the world where workers must pass through an air shower to remove dust before starting work on the factory floor.
To demonstrate a smooth-running engine, a glass of a mysterious pink liquid is placed under the open hood. When the engine begins running, the liquid wobbles slightly before settling.
At this plant, 200 Lexus experts are responsible for checking 4,000 quality items.
A driver prepares to move a new Lexus LS600h off the production line. At this plant, a new Lexus rolls off the line 675 times every day, or once every 87 seconds.
After rolling off the production line, engineers make yet more checks. This Lexus worker is checking the clearance gap between the hood and the front wing using a digital calibrator.
A gloved Lexus test driver takes a new LS600h for a test drive. Testing includes a total of 55 checks, such as monitoring noise levels while driving on cobbles at 20 mph. Drivers also conduct braking and cruise-control tests.
Lexus workers drop into the dojo, a kind of training camp for the body and mind, to polish up on skills and fitness. Here, a gloved worker is caressing a panel for imperfections in the paintwork; flaws almost invisible to the human eye.
Another Lexus engineer is being put through his paces on screwing in bolts to just the right level of tightness using an electric screwdriver. To aid learning, a laptop computer and speaker system replays the sounds of a perfectly tightened bolt.
To maintain product quality, workers are encouraged to stay in trim. Here, a Lexus employee exercises his hands and wrists by squeezing golf balls. Workers also do sit-ups and use cycling machines to stay in shape.
To ensure that parts are fitted to the highest levels of accuracy, Lexus workers practice fitting blocks to a board at various angles. Through practice, accuracy and speed are improved.
The new LS600hL hybrid car features a 5-litre hybrid engine system, all-wheel drive, and rear seats with a massage system.
