Real car guy poised to take the wheel at Toyota
Akio Toyoda is the grandson of Toyota founder Kiichiro Toyoda. He is also the current executive vice president in charge of domestic market Toyota sales. He also piloted a rally class Celica up the hill at Goodwood and a Team Gazoo Toyota Altezza (Lexus IS300) in the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Although he couldn't quite match Aston Martin's Dr. Bez for top executive racer at the 'Ring, he takes his racing just as seriously. And why should we care about some Toyota exec who likes to race on weekends? Because Akio is one of the guys behind the new "interesting cars" department inside Toyota. In fact, he's the head of that unit, which bodes well for enthusiasts who have lamented the lack of passion in the Japanese automaker's products. He is also rumored to be next in line to take over presidency of the whole company. Good news for all.[Source: Winding Road]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Drewboy 4:12PM (8/23/2007)
Do Japanese always photograph without emotion? The guys looks like he has the personality of cardboard from the picture. I'm all for family businesses though, its one of the reasons I still like Ford... Yes... I also work in a family business.
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Wally 4:14PM (8/23/2007)
....But has he ever sold a 2x4 stud?
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sw 4:15PM (8/23/2007)
Please Mr. Akio, bring the supra back.
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Don 4:19PM (8/23/2007)
He looks as if someone shit in his coffee.
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TriShield 4:28PM (8/23/2007)
Funny, I thought Toyota was a red, white, and blue American company selling lovely American cars to Americans. Why's the CEO Japanese? Why is their HQ in Japan? That's so strange.
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MKIV 5:15PM (8/23/2007)
Small minded comment from a small mind.
There is no excuse for people to be this ignorant this day and age.
Do a little research and read a book once in a while. Learn how much business GM and Ford does internationally [that means out side of the US since you're so challenged]. The hypocrisy is beyond belief.
Barney 5:32PM (8/23/2007)
Are you sure your not an idiot? As a native American, you certainly let down your ancestors.
Jim 4:29PM (8/23/2007)
When Mr. Toyoda becomes president, I suggest he reform corporate policy, and ditch the glasses, combover hair, and conservative suit.
My god, someone photoshop him into a azn ricer boy getup.
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Parvez Ahmed 4:33PM (8/23/2007)
TriShield, I strongly oppose your racist and elitist views that "American" must mean a white boy who immigrated to America in the 1800s.
I shall force you to smell my dark ass.
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naggs 5:14PM (8/23/2007)
i do believe you completly missed the point
iamhoff 6:11PM (8/23/2007)
ewwwww. do not want.
Jason 11:32PM (8/23/2007)
A little smile (or smirk, depending on your views of Toyota) would go a long way in connecting with the rest of the world. Shots like this remind me how companies like Toyota are still run old-school Japanese style.
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TriShield 4:42PM (8/23/2007)
NoooOOOOOOOooooooOOOOOOOoooo...!
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Paul Y 5:25PM (8/23/2007)
Apparently, I'm the only one who's sarcasm detector is functional. I had a good chuckle from your comment, at least.
mayday83 8:45PM (8/23/2007)
So did I.
SPG 4:43PM (8/23/2007)
Thank you Thank you Thank you.
Baby boomers are great, they made a lot of money and stimulated the economy. They bought the cool cars that we restore today. Many of them are our parents.
However I'm so tired of every car company only thinking of the near future and not the not so near future when gen Y and gen Zers are buying their next cars.
P.S. remember when Ikea was cool? My parents loved it in the 80's got too old for it in the 90's and now it's perfect for them. Baby Boomer$!
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stefan 4:49PM (8/23/2007)
I hope he like's the supra, AE86, MR2.
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HSM 4:50PM (8/23/2007)
Awesome!! If there's anything the world needs it's more nepotism. Besides, it worked out great for Ford so I'm sure it'll work out great here too. Kudo's for picking the right family to be born into Toyoda-san.
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jim 4:59PM (8/23/2007)
HSM, it's beeen working for Toyota for a long time.
Many Toyota divisions are run by family members, including Aisin.
And Aisin's making a killing, even making its way into the 2008 Cadillac CTS.
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paul 5:11PM (8/23/2007)
bring back the Trueno!!!
AE86 FOR LIFE!!
ok im done
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