Hiroshi Okuda, former Toyota chief credited for leading the Japanese automaker’s global climb, dies
Summary
Hiroshi Okuda, former president and chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, died at the age of 93. He led Toyota’s global growth from 1995 to 2006 and was a key figure behind the development of the fuel-efficient Prius hybrid car.Key Facts
- Hiroshi Okuda worked at Toyota for 45 years and led the company from 1995 to 2006.
- He helped develop the Prius in 1997, the first gas-electric hybrid car that became a symbol of green driving.
- Okuda was not from the founding Toyoda family, which was uncommon for Toyota’s leadership.
- Under his leadership, Toyota expanded global sales and set up manufacturing plants in the U.S. and Europe.
- He was concerned about the impact of Toyota’s growth on American automakers like General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler.
- Okuda emphasized the idea of “harmony” in the global auto industry.
- He was a black belt in judo and graduated from Hitotsubashi University with a business degree.
- After stepping down, he served as an adviser when Toyota added its first American board member in 2007.
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