He remembers how Lexus was called boring
Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s chairman, worries that the company might revert to stereotypical boringness.
Unlike typical automotive executives, Toyoda not only runs a company, but also has a genuine passion for cars. He is actively involved in racing and brings fun models to the market such as the GR86, GR Corolla and GR Yaris. Even the Prius, known for its efficiency, now has speed and style.
Toyoda, the grandson of the company’s founder, has played a key role in Toyota’s transformation over the past decade. He fears the company might go back to making boring cars. Remembering the moment he was told Lexus had become boring, he strengthens his determination to build better cars, even if his own engineers don’t see the need for change.
Toyota CEO fears the company will return to making boring cars
Toyoda also addressed the issue of the transition to electrification of the Lexus brand. Unlike Toyota, Lexus plans to go completely electric by 2035. He has expressed reservations about the push for electric vehicles, arguing that charging and infrastructure issues could limit access to Lexus electric vehicles in some regions.
Toyoda said it was necessary to prepare for difficult decisions given the world’s energy problems. While Toyota offers a global lineup of vehicles, Lexus may face restrictions in the regions where its vehicles are sold.
Let us remind you that today the new Toyota Camry was presented , which lost its 3.5-liter V6 engine .
