Toyota's "Meister" Focuses on Enhancing Land Cruisers: Constructing Infrastructure for Superior Automobiles (Segment 1)

In the 70-year history of the Land Cruiser, Takanobu Fukuoka, affectionately known as the "Land Cruiser Meister," has been a driving force behind its development. Fukuoka joined Toyota Motor Corporation in 1971 and spent nearly four decades shaping the Land Cruiser's evolution.

Fukuoka's tenure saw significant changes in the Land Cruiser, particularly during the 80 Series. The vehicle underwent a dramatic transformation, moving from rigid suspensions and leaf springs to the use of coil springs, a feature more commonly found in passenger cars. This shift contributed to a more comfortable ride while maintaining the Land Cruiser's renowned reliability.

One of Fukuoka's most notable contributions was the introduction of coil springs in the 80 Series Land Cruiser. This decision marked a departure from traditional off-road vehicle design and set new standards for drivability on rough terrain.

The Shibetsu Proving Ground, one of the biggest test sites in Hokkaido, played a crucial role in the Land Cruiser's development. Fukuoka was instrumental in constructing an off-road test course at this facility. The variety of course layouts and road surfaces at Shibetsu simulate overseas driving conditions, allowing the honing of all Toyota and Lexus cars.

Fukuoka's supervisors encouraged him to push the Land Cruiser to its limits, which led to the development of new off-road standards and improvements in the vehicle's drivability on rough terrain. The F-Course, constructed around 2011 under Fukuoka's supervision, is a testament to this approach. The course offers terrain capable of testing the reliability and durability of cars.

Sadayoshi Koyari, a member of the Land Cruiser development team, was taught off-road driving by Fukuoka from square one. Koyari, who is currently in charge of the Land Cruiser 70 Series and the Land Cruiser Prado, attributes his understanding of the core values of "reliability," "durability," and "drivability on rough terrain" to Fukuoka's mentorship.

Fukuoka's inventiveness led to the development of numerous electronic control systems and functions that improved the drivability of the Land Cruiser on rough terrain. This innovation was evident in the 100 and 200 Series, where electronic control systems were installed to improve drivability.

In the first-generation Celsior, launched in 1989, the completion of the Shibetsu Proving Ground resulted in a higher level of performance, both in power and silence. The vehicle was praised for its performance and became a symbol of Toyota's commitment to quality and innovation.

Fukuoka remains involved in constructing a test course for the LUNAR CRUISER, demonstrating his continued dedication to Toyota's off-road vehicles. Despite his Land Cruiser development contract expiring in 2021, Fukuoka's legacy continues to shape the future of Toyota's iconic SUV.

The Land Cruiser's evolution under Fukuoka's guidance is a testament to his dedication, ingenuity, and passion for off-road vehicles. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the Land Cruiser, making it one of the most reliable and capable off-road vehicles in the world.

Toyota's "Meister" Focuses on Enhancing Land Cruisers: Constructing Infrastructure for Superior Automobiles (Segment 1)