Toyota former chief Hiroshi Okuda dies at 93

Hiroshi Okuda, the former president and chairman of Toyota Motor Corp., has died at the age of 93. He is widely credited with transforming the Japanese automaker into a global powerhouse and overseeing its expansion into major markets in the United States and Europe.

Okuda assumed leadership in 1995, marking a significant shift as the first person from outside the founding Toyoda family to lead the company in decades. During his tenure, he championed the development of the Prius, the world’s first mass-produced petrol-electric hybrid, which became a cornerstone of Toyota’s reputation for fuel efficiency and environmental technology.

Beyond Toyota, Okuda was a prominent figure in the Japanese business community, serving as the chairman of Keidanren, Japan’s largest business lobby. He was known for his outspoken personality and aggressive management style, which aimed to modernize the company and combat internal complacency. His career also included notable international experience, such as managing Toyota’s operations in the Philippines during the early 1970s.