It’s the C-word that makes good carmakers great.
I’ve been in Japan this week for business.
What a country. Trains that run to-the-second. Architecture you won’t find elsewhere. And enough lights at night to make Edison faint.
Every visit to Japan reminds me it’s the home of global carmaking. Germany invented the car, America invented its mass-production, and Japan, it’s fair to say, created the carmaking formula that everyone wants.
Japan might not be the largest carmaker by volume (China is) but it’s arguably the best at it.
Generations of strong sales show that Japan is masterful at creating reliable, efficient and versatile new cars at affordable prices.
And you can add this:
Japanese automakers have a history of making new cars that buyers want.
Whether it’s tiny ‘kei’ cars for Tokyo or big SUVs for Tennessee, it’s evident they listen and deliver.
For me, two ingredients seat Japan at the head of the carmaking table: Kaizen (continuous improvement) and Monozukuri (craftsmanship).
And the one catalyst that makes them bind so strongly, especially over the long run, is consistency.
Japan Inc.’s formula works. Build the new cars buyers want, do it well, and keep improving everything, especially the bits customers can’t see. Then lather, rinse, repeat.
It’s easy to say, easy to lose sight of, but easy to do when you have the discipline and commitment.
History shows that automakers who follow this approach become overnight successes within decades. It might take a long time, but it’s worth it.
Bernie Quinn – CEO, Premcar Pty Ltd
About Premcar:
Premcar Pty Ltd is a leading Australian vehicle engineering business that specialises in the automotive, defence and aerospace industries. For more than 25 years, global car-makers have made Premcar their go-to partner for the complete design, engineering and manufacture of niche-model new cars, full-scale new-vehicle development programs, and electric vehicle (EV) conversions and manufacturing. Premcar’s body of work is extensive. It is the name behind more than 200,000 new cars and 55,000 new-vehicle engines. The company has delivered technical advancements and sales success for major car brands from Europe, the USA, Japan, China and Australia. Visit premcar.au.
