Live in your next Toyota

The giant car maker uses its traditional assembly-line production to construct prefab housing. The homes feature smart keys, noise reduction -- even scratch-resistant walls.

Cubicles that are bits of homes, tucked with stairways, built-in closets and pink bathtubs, roll off the assembly line at a bustling Toyota plant in central Japan -- not the usual rows of shiny cars.

Kasugai Housing Works, a plant for prefabricated housing run by Toyota Motor Corp., prides itself on the same production methods that gave the Japanese auto maker a reputation for quality and efficiency around the world. The plant was shown to reporters on a rare tour recently.

A house in 6 hours
Housing makes up less than 1% of Toyota's $183 billion annual sales. But company officials say technology acquired from years of making cars is central to homebuilding Toyota style.

*Not really automotive news, but somewhat related to the automotive world.

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johannas - 6/13/2007 10:55:18 AM

-1 Boost

One day we will all recognize and assimilate to the superiority of the Toyota Way.

jon21 - 6/13/2007 11:25:15 AM

-1 Boost

A new house in 6 hrs...that is sweet!

Czelinski - 6/13/2007 12:13:21 PM

+1 Boost

Maybe they can built a very large estate where all the Lexus fanboys can be placed. Toyota could give them everything they ever want, brainwash their children in special schools and all that to continue their sells of the Lexus vehicles. Great idea Toyota :)

Anti_Bangle - 6/13/2007 12:45:28 PM

+2 Boost

Before bashing Toyota, you have to know the real estate problems in large Japanese cities to realise why Toyota is doing this.

lexusis350 - 6/13/2007 2:39:34 PM

-1 Boost

Okay then...

Anti_Bangle - 6/13/2007 10:41:29 PM

0 Boost

haha, I suppose so :)

Czelinski - 6/13/2007 4:50:15 PM

+1 Boost

Lol, very funny, i believe the same comment came up last time. However, right on time is the type of Lexus fanboy i was referring to, top of the class, again SoCal!

Will_ - 6/13/2007 4:57:48 PM

-1 Boost

What's truly pathetic is internet trolls who do nothing but prey on, and antagonize said "fanboys."

Go back to your cave and stop throwing rocks at the civilized human beings.

izfuney - 6/13/2007 7:16:00 PM

+1 Boost

That i an interesting concept. Most homes /subdivisions in the US are designed off standard plans .. I wonder if some one could do the same here. only include ..the latest smart components..
I can see other people gettign into this ... specially designer names for Kitchen components , Italian design firms for Living room components...
Very interesting article...