Some cool things I learned about Toyota when I worked for them.
"Kaizen" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaizen Continous improvement. Its part of the work ethic.
Also on the production line, if someone see's something wrong, regradless of who they are. They can stop the production line so that the problem can be addressed.
Their production efficiency is something like 105% or more IIRC. They have been by domestic auto mfgs. to come to their factories to consult them about improving their factory productivity.
When they look at the companies future, they are not looking 3-5 years ahead, they are thinking 50-100 years ahead and what it will take to get them there.
One thing that I was  by is, Toyota has enough cash in the bank. They could stop selling cars world wide for 5 years and still make payroll!!!