Global Issues: Japan/Globalization/Toyota Megaweb

Overview

The Toyota Megaweb Showcase is a huge car showroom. Spread over 260,500 square feet in three pavilions, Mega Web has it's main focus on young consumers in their 20s and early 30s [1]. It's about the past, the present and the future. All the models of Toyota are in this showroom unlocked so as a visitor you can really experience a Toyota. In a way it is Disneyland for adults/men.The purpose of this exhibit is: `We want people to see, ride and dream', this was said by the Toyota Motor Corp. President Hiroshi Okuda [2].

There are six exhibits located in the various buildings of the Toyota Megaweb:

1 History Garage

Here cars from the past can be observed, not only from Toyota but from various brands. There are cars from all over the world from the 1950s to the 1970. The different rooms are a visit worth and have a different timezones and various types of cars.

2 Universal Designer Showcase

In this showcase is about the design of cars. How is this done and what should you think about.

3 Toyota City Showcase

In this part you can see and learn all about Toyota's new models. Experience for yourself Toyota's new technology showcased in the hybrid and racing cars. Also announcements of new cars and motorsport events are communicated here.

4 Ride One

At ride one a person with a car licence can perform a test drive in one of the latest Toyota cars on a track. The costs are around 300 yen per car. In this way you can really experience a Toyota.

5 E-com Ride

This ride consists of a large track that passes around the complex but also through the building. The E-com ride are small special painted cars that drive by themselves. It's a kind of cruise control of the future, the car increase speed or break automatically.

6 Kids Hybrid Ride One

The kids are not forgotten. In this exhibit kids can drive a car. Here there are motor assisted hybrid cars that drive around on a 150 m circuit.

History/Timeline

In March 1999 this Showroom opened her doors for visitors. The exhibits, and the current and the future cars are updated frequently.

References

[1-2] http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-54267288 retrieved on 25MAY09.

Personal visit to the Toyota Megaweb Showcase

Website of the Toyota Megaweb: http://www.megaweb.gr.jp/English retrieved on 25MAY09

http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/11/toyota-mega-web-the-best-auto-showroom-ever retrieved on 25MAY09

http://metropolis.co.jp/CarsBikesarchive349/305/carsbikesinc retrieved on 25MAY09