Toyota’s new management team to put priority on electrification

MANILA: Toyota Motor Corporation Incoming President Koji Sato introduced a management team that will spearhead a vigorous drive toward the adoption of electric vehicles.

The development of a completely new, next-generation electric vehicle by 2026 under Lexus was guaranteed by Sato, who emphasized that electrification is a priority for his team.

Sato enumerated the executives, each of whom was assigned a specific task, such as safety technology and carbon neutrality, as well as managing North American and Asian regions.

Hiroki Nakajima was appointed executive vice president in charge of technology and midsize vehicles. Yoichi Miyazaki, who has been in charge of Toyota Motor Corporation's operations, was appointed chief financial officer.

The appointment of Sato, who is currently the chief branding officer, as its new president was revealed last month. The new leadership will be effective starting April 1.

Toyota has justified the move as part of a strategy to keep up with social transformations like electrification.

Toyota Motor Corporation has been successful in releasing hybrid vehicles, which include a battery and a gas engine, and hydrogen fuel cells.

Sato noted that Toyota is committed to lowering emissions with models that are already in use.

Toyota has always claimed to have battery electric vehicle technology yet Tesla, Nissan, and BYD have so far dominated that market.

To produce high-quality electric vehicles, Sato said that Toyota's entire production system must be redesigned. Toyota is also struggling with the high cost of the batteries although cutting costs is not a primary objective. Toyota takes great pride in its “just in time” production methodology.

According to Sato, Toyota will also produce more smart vehicles that are safer and more engaging. These vehicles likely have web access and other entertainment features.

Toyota's current chief executive officer and president, Akio Toyoda, will be the company's chairman.

Photos from Toyota

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