Auto Makers Retreat From 50 Years of 'Just in Time' Manufacturing Pressured by pandemic, the hyperefficient supply-chain model pioneered by Toyota is under assault published : 5 May 2021 at 09:50 New cars are seen parked at Toyota Motor Corp's plant in Onnaing, France. REUTERS Toyota Motor Corp. is stockpiling up to four months of some parts. Volkswagen AG is building six factories so it can get its own batteries. And, in shades of Henry Ford, Tesla Inc. is trying to lock up access to raw materials. The hyperefficient auto supply chain s...