Toyota and Jinbei's Joint Venture, Technical Academy, Celebrates 3 Decades of "Nurturing Human Talent"

In September 1990, the Liaoning Toyota Jinbei Technician Institute was established in China, marking a significant milestone in the country's automotive industry. The academy, a joint venture between Toyota and Shenyang Jinbei Automotive Co., Ltd., was founded with a mission to develop skilled talents from China's own population through manufacturing (monozukuri).

Toyota's involvement in China was initially driven by its original intention to support the development of talent for the automotive industry. This visionary approach can be traced back to Eiji Toyoda, the academy's founder, who was renowned for his leadership and commitment to innovation in the industry.

One of the first fruits of this collaboration was the birth of the "Haise," a Jinbei-brand version of Hiace, in November 1988. Toyota provided technical support for commercial vehicle production, which helped Jinbei to become the largest manufacturer in its class/category and gain popularity due to its high quality and performance.

The academy, initially named the Technical Training Center of Toyota Jin Bei of China Automotive Industry, started with about 100 students a year. However, it has since grown exponentially, now accommodating over 4,000 students. The institute has over 35,000 alumni who are now supporting monozukuri in China, primarily in the automotive industry.

Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda, then President and now Honorary Chairman of Toyota, emphasized the importance of nurturing people who drive manufacturing at the completion ceremony of the Liaoning Toyota Jinbei Technician Institute in June 1991. Akio Toyoda, serving as the first head of the China region group in 2005, reinforced this message by emphasizing Toyota's goal to make cars while thinking about making people in the community happy.

Akio Toyoda's core values, including becoming a best-in-town company, creating mutual appreciation, and always keeping people at the center of Toyota's car-making, are reflected in the academy's mission. To celebrate the academy's 30th milestone, Akio Toyoda presented his calligraphy of the phrase "不忘初心" (bú wàng chūxīn), meaning "never forget the original intentions," to the institute.

As of 2019, the volume of the automobile market in China is now 50 times that amount, selling about 25.8 million units. Toyota appreciates having educated and talented people at the company and in the industry, as they grow and contribute to their community. The Liaoning Toyota Jinbei Technician Institute continues to play a vital role in this growth, nurturing the next generation of skilled talents in China's automotive industry.

Toyota and Jinbei's Joint Venture, Technical Academy, Celebrates 3 Decades of "Nurturing Human Talent"