Wal-Mart

Background information:

1. -Developing Localized Products That Are

“Made by Toyota”

(http://www.toyota-global.com/company/toyota_traditions/innovation/may_2011.html)

Research into local preferences of both interior and exterior vehicle design started in the 1970s, and Toyota’s design capabilities overseas eventually expanded to the U.S. and Europe. In emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, where passenger cars were not common, Toyota recognized the need for a heavy-duty vehicle for both cargo and family use that could be driven on unpaved surfaces. The result was the Kijang minivan in 1977. The Kijang satisfied local preferences as an “Asia Car,” yet still remained affordable in comparison to competing vehicles on the market.

2. Globalizing and Localizing Manufacturing

"Made by TOYOTA" - Aiming for Global Quality Assurance

(http://www.toyota-global.com/company/vision_philosophy/globalizing_and_localizing_manufacturing/

Since 1957, when the Crown was first exported to the United States, Toyota has expanded the scope of automobile sales across the entire globe. For over fifty years, Toyota vehicles have found their way to over 170 countries and regions throughout the world. As their exports have continued to develop so has the localization of their production bases, in line with a policy of "producing vehicles where the demand exists". Now there are 51 bases in 26 different countries and regions. In addition, there are design and R&D bases in nine locations overseas, showing that "from development and design to production, as well as sales and service, Toyota has now achieved consistent globalization and localization."

Ethical Dilemma

1. -Three separate but related recalls ofautomobiles by Toyota Motor Corporationoccurred at the end of 2009 and start of 2010. Toyota initiated the recalls, the first two with the assistance of the U.S.National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), after reports that several vehicles...