The Prius That Shook.. - VFAQ Prius Site

After Toyota decided to develop its own IGBT,
Uchiyamada's views changed: "It would be okay to use the
ones in the market, but if we are developing our own, we
must make a product that can dominate the world
market."
Yasuho told him, however, "I'm afraid that is wrong. If
we use what's available on the market, it would not even last
three years. We'll have serious problems later." He explained
his views in detail by showing photographs and actual
remnants from tests in which the boards were burned or
had blown up into pieces.
"I see. Yasuho-kun, please do your best to make a good
reliable product. But make sure you keep it inexpensive, too.
"Don't worry, sir. I've been converted into a Toyota-man. I
am always thinking of ways to cut cost," Yasuho replied with a
smile.
With such a man as his trusty helper, Uchiyamada felt
that it would not be so bad trying to manufacture the part.
Having decided on the basic construction and the
materials, Yasuho and Baba also went to Shiomi to report
on the progress.
"Really, you've found it? Now you just have to build it.
Show me the finished module by the time cherry
blossoms are out."
However, as this was their first try, they were not able to
finish the module as quickly as that. After repeated trial and
error, the hand-assembled prototype was finally
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