Toyota is often cited as a master of platform sharing. For example, the fundamental platform used to create the last-generation Toyota Camry was also used to create the Solara coupe, the larger Avalon sedan, the Lexus ES, the Sienna minivan, and the Highlander and Lexus RX SUVs.

Toyota benefits from the fact that it has grown from the ground up into a global car manufacturer. By contrast, Ford and General Motors have acquired many different companies around the world with distinct engineering cultures. Now they have to "rationalize" those different approaches to create vehicle platforms that can serve globally, a process that is just beginning to see some success.