The evolution of the Toyota company, when examined in depth, has been nothing less than astonishing. This study looks at it from an economic perspective, analyzing the impact of the "lean" philosophy and the fundamental principles of the Toyota Way, alongside the company's strengths and the positive outcomes it has generated, at the three levels of its organizational structure. These principles and strengths together generate integral reductions in transaction costs that accrue positive economic benefits for the company. This book offers the reader new insights into aspects that to date have never been adequately considered by those who believe that Toyota's success is solely due to lower production costs and its exceptional JIT stock control system.