Toyota | Driving social change via language proficiency

Toyota is a world-renowned automotive manufacturer, building cars and trucks in 28 countries for sale in more than 170 markets worldwide. To overcome new challenges, Toyota’s global vision is shifting toward urban mobility, as it aspires to lead the future mobility of society by improving lives in the safest and most environmentally responsible ways.

To remain competitive in the market, employees need to go beyond standard technical manufacturing skills to acquire critical soft skills such as creativity, flexibility, and effective communication. As Toyota navigated this transformational period, they wanted to ensure employees remained aligned with the organization’s values and culture – which necessitated effective communication.

With 7,000 employees in the region, it was important that the language training was delivered in English, in a structured and standardized manner, to ensure the same employee experience regardless of location.

The training solution also needed to ensure Toyota had wide reach and flexibility, to allow all learners to access their training anytime, anywhere.

In this case study, we explore how a customized language training program has improved employees’ language proficiency and overall development at Toyota Brazil.

Toyota reports that the program has positively impacted employees’ development as they have become more committed to their training through understanding the importance of language proficiency in the manufacturing industry, and the impact this has on their own families. The rewards campaign has enabled Toyota to drive social inclusion by offering training beyond the organization, to promote the development of young people.

Overall, the corporate language training program has supported Toyota to successfully navigate the industry 4.0 in the context of a shifting global vision, through cultural challenges and rapid digital transformation.