F O C U S

5Research and Development
Toyota Industries aggressively engages in R&D in a variety ofalso utilizes the long-accumulated technological know-how

fields for the purpose of achieving sustainable growth. Ourand outside network (both people and information) of eachR&D activities are mainly focused on product development

division to systematically and continually explore theand improvement conducted independently by each division,

potential for new products and services that may becomeand comprehensive research done by the Corporate Technicalfuture pillars of our business.

Center.

”E-Lab,” our IT research laboratory completed in May 2002,

Toyota Industries has a diversified range of businesses, anddivision as well as our R&D facility for information technology.

strengths, core technologies and market characteristics. In

The lab is responsible for researching digital simulation

order to develop new products efficiently, it is imperative thattechnologies with a view to reducing lead-times fromthe development department of each division carries out

development to manufacture to shipment. It is also involved

product improvement, technology development and appliedin developing an optimal network system for jointresearch. Each division also has its own engineers,development of parts with suppliers, and for parts

experimental facilities and research laboratories.

procurement.

The Corporate Technical Center takes the initiative in basic

BT Industries AB (“BT Industries”) has its own R&D facilities,

R&D in the materials field as well as research in the latest

which engage mainly in warehouse equipment research.

technologies, such as electronics. The Center engages in R&D

TOYOTA Material Handling Company (“TMHC”) conducts

together with each division or independently, depending ontechnological exchanges with BT Industries, and is examining

the research themes. We also collaborate with Toyota Central

the feasibility of jointly developing key parts of materials

Research & Development Laboratories, Inc., an R&D facility ofhandling equipment.

the Toyota Group, and other outside R&D institutions,

At TIBC Corporation, one of our subsidiaries, our joint

including universities. In addition, in July 2003 we set up theventure partner Ibiden Co., Ltd. contributes to product

New Electronics Department within the Corporate Technicaldevelopment, while Toyota Industries offers support in theCenter, establishing a structure to deal with new businessmanufacturing technology field. ST Liquid Crystal Display

endeavors in the electronics field.

Corp., our affiliate accounted for by the equity method,

In January 2003, Toyota Industries combined the Technicalbenefits from the product development technologies of Sony

Planning Department, which was responsible for company-Corporation, our joint venture partner, and our own

wide technological management, and the Business

manufacturing technologies.

Development Department, which was charged with creating

Research and development expenses were ¥29.7 billion in

new businesses, and established the Business Planningfiscal 2003, a decrease of ¥0.3 billion (0.9%) from the previous

Department within the Corporate Center to promote new

fiscal year, and accounted for 2.8% of consolidated net sales, abusiness development and quicker decision-making withdecrease of 0.3 percentage points. By segment, research andregard to new businesses and technological management.

development expenses were ¥18.7 billion in the Automobile

This department engages in the lateral transfer ofSegment, ¥9.3 billion in the Materials Handling Equipment

technologies among the different divisions and theSegment, ¥1.1 billion in the Textile Machinery Segment andexamination of new technology development themes in order¥0.6 billion in the Others Segment.

to establish a strong and efficient corporate R&D structure. It

30serves as a support organization for the information systemeach of its business divisions has distinctive technological

TOYOTA INDUSTRIES CORPORATIONANNUAL REPORT 2003

The following are some of the new products unveiled in fiscal 2003.

Automobile Segment

Textile Machinery Segment

Electrically driven CO2 car air-conditioning compressor

JAT710 air-jet loom

HFC-134a, the hydrofluorocarbon most commonly used asThe JAT610 is Toyota Industries’ best-selling air-jet loom. Ina refrigerant for car air-conditioning compressors at theJanuary 2003, we started marketing the JAT710, anmoment, is effective in preventing the destruction of theimproved version of the JAT610. The product boasts

ozone layer. However, its global-warming potential is 1,300

greater energy efficiency, with 20% less air consumption,

times that of CO2. Toyota Industries developed jointly withhigher speed and 30% lower vibration than the older

DENSO Corporation a car air-conditioning compressor

model. It is capable of running at speeds of up to 1,250

that uses CO2 as a refrigerant, presumed to be effective inrpm when the reed space is 190 cm and the machine isremedying both problems. This CO2 compressor isequipped with a positive cam motion.

incorporated in the fuel-cell hybrid vehicles developed by
Toyota Motor Corporation, which were delivered to theJapanese government
in December 2002.

CO 2 compressor

JAT710RX240NEW-EST compact-yarn ring spinning frame

Materials Handling Equipment Segment

In October 2002, we commenced sales of the RX240NEW-GENEO-E (7FBE outside Japan)

machine is equipped with a state-of-the-art compact

In January 2003, Toyota Industries started domestic

spinning system, which allows for a smooth collection ofmarketing of the GENEO-E, its greatly improved 1-2 ton

fleece fibers through the condensing device, consisting of

three-wheel electric counterbalanced forklift truck series.

suction slit and perforated apron. The RX240NEW-EST

The product was subsequently introduced into markets in

produces quality yarn with low hairiness and highAustralia, Asia, the Americas and Europe. The GENEO-E

evenness by eliminating the spinningincorporates TMHC’s proprietary computer control

triangle at the delivery section oftechnology, System of Active

EST, our latest compact-yarn ring spinning frame. This

the front roller.

Stability (SAS) for greater
operability and stability, andan AC-drive system forexcellent power control
under driving and loading/unloading.
RX240NEW-ESTGENEO-E (7FBE)

Compact spinning system

TOYOTA INDUSTRIES CORPORATIONANNUAL REPORT 2003

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