Title: Simpler and smarter: appropriate technology for meeting customer needs into the 21st century

Authors: Kenichi Sasaki

Addresses: Managing Director, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., Nissan Technical Center, USA

Abstract: This paper by the Managing Director of a Japanese car company, reviews the development of that country|s car industry during the post-war era. After rapid growth and increasing technological complexity, the emphasis is shifting towards customer values, such as environmental issues, through the concept of SYMPLE. By attempting to harmonize the relationship between the car, people and the environment, SYMPLE should lead to cars that are easier to use and with only the necessary features, e.g. the Altima and Micra.

Keywords: appropriate technology; automobile industry; automotive consumers; customer-based technology; productivity improvement; layout technology; new technologies; powertrain downsizing; suspension weight reduction; SYMPLE; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1995.061939

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1995 Vol.16 No.4/5, pp.305 - 313

Published online: 28 May 2014 *

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