Is Toyota Still Relevant?

A few weeks ago, I decided to participate in the Virtual Lean Mini Conference organized and hosted by Bob Emiliani. The concept is fairly straightforward: participants register, Bob poses a couple of questions, and divides the participants into two groups to argue a position on each question. After preparing one’s analysis of their positions, the entire group meets for a facilitated discussion to present both sides of the arguments. The second question was very straightforward, “Is Toyota Still Relevant?”

This blog post is based on my reflections before and after the conference. So, let’s dig in… Is Toyota still relevant?