Toyota cutting the fabled andon cord, symbol of Toyota Way

Andon cords are a fixture in modern auto factories, draped over lines like Christmas tinsel.

August 05, 2014 05:00 AM

TOYOTA CITY, Japan -- Toyota Motor Corp. is retiring the fabled “andon cord,” the emergency cable strung above assembly lines that came to symbolize the built-in quality of the Toyota Way and was widely copied through the auto industry and beyond.

Featured Stories

Here’s our list of the 2025 Top 150 dealership groups

Here’s our list of the 2025 Top 150 dealership groups

Dealership groups on 2025 top 150 list compete, consolidate and grow together

Dealership groups on 2025 top 150 list compete, consolidate and grow together

Hyundai warns U.S. dealers of possible price hikes amid 25% tariffs

Hyundai warns U.S. dealers of possible price hikes amid 25% tariffs

Tesla U.S. sales and EV share are in decline. Has the industry disrupter peaked?

Tesla U.S. sales and EV share are in decline. Has the industry disrupter peaked?

Latest News

Hyundai warns U.S. dealers of possible price hikes amid 25% tariffs

UAW membership rises 1.3% after successful VW organizing drive

Daily 5 report for March 31: Why the Renault-Nissan alliance now seems more about Nissan survival; see our 2025 Top 150 Dealership Groups

Karma Automotive solidifies lineup with focus on energy range-extended powertrains

Staying current is easy with newsletters delivered straight to your inbox.

See More in Manufacturing

UAW membership rises 1.3% after successful VW organizing drive

No sign Trump will honor U.S. auto tariff protections won by Canada, Mexico in 2018

Live updates on tariffs

Trump says he ‘couldn’t care less’ if automakers raise prices for tariffs

Staying current is easy with newsletters delivered straight to your inbox.