The Chairman of Toyota, Akio Toyoda, recently admitted his fears that the company could become "ordinary" again. Despite Toyota's success as a leading automaker, Toyoda expressed concern that the company could lose its edge and fail to adapt to changing market trends. He emphasized the need for Toyota to continue innovating and pushing boundaries in order to stay ahead of the competition. Toyoda also acknowledged the challenges facing the automotive industry, including the shift towards electric and autonomous vehicles. He stressed the importance of collaboration with other companies and industries in order to navigate these changes successfully. Overall, Toyoda's remarks highlight the ongoing pressure for companies to remain agile and forward-thinking in a rapidly-evolving business landscape.
 |
| David Becker/Getty Images |
Toyota's chairman, Akio Toyoda, recently opened up about the challenges and concerns he faced during his tenure at the company. In a candid discussion at the Japan Mobility Show, Toyoda shared some insights into the difficulties he encountered while trying to transform Toyota's approach to new product development.
Initial Challenges
It all began 14 years ago when Lexus introduced its new GS model, only to receive feedback that the brand was perceived as boring. Toyoda also heard comments from European automakers testing vehicles at the renowned Nurburgring, who doubted Toyota's ability to deliver exciting cars. These reactions served as a wake-up call for Toyoda, pushing him to initiate a significant shift in the company's operations.
To bring about change, Toyoda collaborated closely with Toyota's executives and engineers, working to make them more receptive to his concerns. In addition, he personally tested most of the brand's new vehicles, providing direct feedback to the Research and Development department. This hands-on approach allowed Toyoda to ensure that his vision for more exciting cars was being realized.
Remarkable Transformation
As a result of these efforts, Toyota has undergone a remarkable transformation. The brand now offers a range of thrilling products, including the Supra, the Yaris GR, and the recently unveiled Crown range. However, with this change comes a new set of worries for Toyoda.
New Set of Worries
The chairman expressed his constant fear that Toyota could revert to its old ways, becoming an ordinary company once again. He emphasized the importance of addressing this fear before it spreads throughout the organization, as he believes that once it takes hold, it may be too late to reverse the course. Despite holding the title of president for 14 years, Toyoda recognizes that maintaining Toyota's transformation requires ongoing vigilance and effort.
Summary
Akio Toyoda's tenure as CEO of Toyota has been marked by a determined push for change. Through his leadership and personal involvement, he has successfully steered the company towards producing more exciting and innovative vehicles. However, Toyoda remains wary of complacency and is committed to ensuring that Toyota continues to evolve and thrive in the ever-changing automotive industry.
(This article is sourced from Motor1.com and curated by Thetransporteronline24)
