Akio Toyoda, chairman of the board of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame on Sept. 23 at an event in Detroit, Michigan. The honor recognizes leaders, innovators and visionaries whose work has shaped the global automotive and mobility industry.
“Like my grandfather and father before me, I am deeply moved by this honor, and I humbly promise to continue to earn it every day in support of this industry and this automotive family that I am so grateful to be a part of,” said Toyoda during his acceptance speech. “Together there is nothing we can’t imagine, nothing we can’t create and nothing we can’t overcome.”
Toyoda became president of TMC in 2009, assuming leadership during one of the most challenging periods in the company’s history, according to a company press release. During that time, he led efforts to strengthen quality controls, rebuild trust in the Toyota brand and reinforce the company’s business foundation.
Toyoda also accelerated decision-making and advanced a region-led management structure by listening closely to customers, dealers, suppliers, employees and other stakeholders, the release noted. Under his leadership, “making ever-better cars” became central to Toyota’s management philosophy.
As a master driver, Toyoda has further positioned motorsports as a proving ground for developing both people and vehicles. These efforts have contributed to stronger products and built a culture in which team members are encouraged to take on challenges from a genchi genbutsu, or “go and see,” perspective, the company said.
Toyoda is the fourth member of the Toyoda family inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, joining his grandfather, Kiichiro; his father, Shoichiro; and Eiji Toyoda, his grandfather’s cousin. Fellow inductee Taiichi Ohno, widely regarded as the father of the Toyota Production System, is also among Toyota’s honorees.