The Prius That Shook.. - VFAQ Prius Site

The leader's announcement
About that time, the Public Affairs Division began to
ask for test vehicles that were just starting to run
properly. The cars were to be made available to reporters at
test drive events and at product presentations for dealers.
A young engineer said to Shinichi Abe.
"I can't believe they are holding test-drive events
considering the situation that we're in. Our priority should
be to complete the car. What are the PR people thinking?"
"What you're saying is true for ordinary cars. But
Prius is special, so we have to accept that. The test-drive
events were probably suggested by the Board," Abe replied,
but was not convinced of that himself. Moreover, he was
afraid the disruption and distraction from by such activities
would cause his engineers lose their motivation.
"Okay, I should go discuss this with Uchiyamada-san."
On his way to see Uchiyamada, Abe came up with an
idea. He returned to his office, opened his laptop, and
began writing an E-mail.
"This is Shinichi Abe in charge of engine development. I
have an announcement to make. We are working furiously
24 hours a day to complete Prius. We cannot tolerate others
doing unnecessary work like test-drive events and so forth.
We understand that public relations is an important
function of the company, but we don't
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