During his long tenure as chief executive, Akio Toyoda led Toyota Motor to the top of the car industry.
Toyota today sells more cars than any other automaker in the world.
It was Mr. Toyoda’s bet on the enduring popularity of hybrid gas-electric vehicles that last year helped Toyota achieve the biggest annual profit in Japanese history.
Mr. Toyoda, whose grandfather founded Toyota in 1937, is the force that propels the company — and that is a problem, according to multiple people inside and outside of Toyota.
In early 2023, Mr. Toyoda stepped down after nearly 14 years as chief executive to become chairman.
Persons:
Akio Toyoda, Toyoda’s, Toyoda
Organizations:
Toyota Motor, Toyota