Purchasing & Materials Management | | Strategic Procurement & Supply Chain Management |

Introduction

The topic selected is (Strategic Procurement & Supply Chain Management). For this study, we have selected Toyota Motor Corporations as our company of choice. Toyota is without doubt the best in the world, with its many philosophies and principles on how to make the best out of the least; JIT, lean production and elimination of waste and the desire for continuous improvement are just a few ways how Toyota has become the best in the auto industry. Toyota as a name, a company, and as a brand has become synonymous with Quality. At the heart of its success, lie family values that have been passed down; a norm that has become the …show more content…

* Toyota maintains long-term partnerships with suppliers, and strategic partners. * Toyota holds the competitive edge of being the undisputed quality leader in automotive marketing. * Strong brand equity. * Diversified product portfolio (Lexus, Daihatsu, Hino) leading to increasing customer base. * Toyota’s success allows it to invest heavily in Research and Development and in the future.

Weaknesses * From the last quarter of 2009 through to the 1st quarter of 2010, Toyota had recalled more than 8 million cars and trucks globally in numerous recall campaigns, and temporarily stopped production and sales. * Toyota was badly hit by the 2008 financial crisis, and declared its first annual loss in its 70 years history. * Toyota does not have detailed customer segmentation * Customers are not involved in the process. * Toyota places a very high level of responsibility on employee shoulders. * After the 2009-2010 recall crisis, Toyota was criticized for not having or employing enough PR staff, and that it was not able to manage its Customer Relations.

Opportunities * Joint ventures with French motoring companies Peugeot and Citroen has provided various opportunities for the company to produce cars in France. * North American consumers have shifted to more fuel-efficient and higher quality products of the European and Japanese automakers. * Produce fuel-efficient, higher quality and smaller automobiles that can attract the