MIT Technology Review has named Toyota one of the world’s smartest companies for 2016, placing the car maker among respected tech leaders such as Amazon, Alphabet, and Facebook, and ahead of others such as Microsoft, IBM, and Intel. Ranked at number 17, Toyota was one of only two car makers to achieve the distinction.
“We’re very grateful to be recognised by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), one of the finest educational institutions in the world,” said Jim Lentz, chief executive officer of Toyota Motor North America.
“Toyota’s scientists are committed to innovation and leading the way to a future of mobility that is cleaner, safer, and provides freedom of mobility for all. In the spirit of kaizen, Toyota is committed to improving every day in the service of our customers and society.”
MIT Technology Review recognised Toyota for the launch of the Toyota Research Institute, which “will study the future of mobility, artificial intelligence, and robotics.”
The magazine also highlighted the release of the Toyota Mirai, one of the world’s first mass-market hydrogen fuel vehicles, and Toyota’s efforts to develop “a network of accessible and reliable hydrogen fuel stations” to support the Mirai and other potential future hydrogen vehicles.
MIT Technology Review, a global media company backed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is recognised for its coverage of science, business and technology. To make the smartest companies list, editors “pick the 50 companies that best combine innovative technology with an effective business model.”
Details in this article were correct at the time of publication.
