In line with plans to strengthen European R&D, Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has announced several executive appointments at its headquarters in Brussels and at its UK plant, from 1 January 2013.
Tetsuji Sano has been named vice president, research and development 1, TME as the unit in Zaventem (Brussels) is reorganised into three functions in line with TME’s strategy of becoming the global planning centre for A, B and C segment vehicles.
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R&D 1 and 2, each headed by a VP, will lead the planning and development of vehicles for Europe focusing on the three key areas where changes are made – diesel engines, interior quality and vehicle dynamics. R&D 3 will cover advanced research and technical affairs.
Katsutoshi Nishimoto is the new VP of operations management development in charged of the Toyota Production System and supporting manufacturing and logistics productivity improvements in Toyota’s nine factories in Europe.
Shigeru Teramoto becomes managing director of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, UK (TMUK) which assembles the Avensis and Auris in Derbyshire and makes 1.6- and 1.8-litre engines in Wales.
