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Throughout automotive history, some truly iconic and impactful leaders have emerged. Most that come to mind are probably the founders of the brands themselves, but in more recent times it’s harder to pinpoint a leader who’s made an impact beyond the boardroom and into the automotive community as well.
The most recognizable modern leader is Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s longtime chief, who led the brand into the murky waters of electrified mobility and revived Toyota’s racing and sporting heritage through the birth of the Lexus LFA and the Gazoo Racing (GR) lineup. His contributions have now been recognized, as he is one of the newest inductees into the Automotive Hall of Fame.
Noriaki Mitsuhashi/N-RAK Photo Agency
Akio Toyoda Hall Of Famer
Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda has been officially inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame. The event was held in Detroit, Michigan, and drew over 700 attendees from across the automotive industry. Introducing Toyoda during the Hall of Fame ceremony was Greg Penske of the Penske Automotive Group, the custodian of Longo Toyota, considered the biggest Toyota dealership in the world, and he has had a working relationship with the Japanese automaker for more than four decades.
Penske said that “Akio’s presidency began as a trial by fire, with the one-two punch of the global financial crisis, followed by the recall that had him testifying in front of the U.S. Congress, before the ink was dry on his new business cards.” He also detailed how Toyoda went on a crusade to end all the brand’s boring cars, giving birth to the GR models we know and love today. Akio didn’t just command new sports cars; he was deeply invested in them by training to become a Master Driver under the alias of Morizo. He competed in races like the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and is still competing in some shape, way, or form.
In His Own Words
When Akio Toyoda finally took the stage that evening, his first words echoed Penske’s sentiments, letting the audience know that two days earlier, he (Toyoda) had been in an accident while test-driving one of their new off-road vehicles. He then thanked his 400,000-strong global Toyota family, saying he’s been extremely lucky to have exceptional partners, and that he stands today because of them.
Toyoda then speaks about what it means to be an automotive brand, saying that the customers’ happiness and what the car means to them has always been his driving force. He says that automakers sell happiness, and goes on to say, “Who in the world has ever been unhappy when taking delivery of a car? Cars are exciting, joyful, extraordinary things.”
Lastly, Toyoda spoke about the current industry, saying that they all have the unique ability to make people’s lives better, and he said that they should all use their collective ‘powers’ for the better. “What if we focused a little less on competing and a little more on collaboration, on what we can do together to make a positive impact.”
Noriaki Mitsuhashi/N-RAK Photo Agency
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