DETROIT, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In recognition of his global automotive leadership that has brought passion, performance and purpose into modern mobility, Akio Toyoda, chairman of the board, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame last night in Detroit.

The honor recognizes leaders, innovators and visionaries whose work has shaped the global automotive and mobility industry.

“Like my grandfather and father before me, I am deeply moved by this honor, and I humbly promise to continue to earn it every day in support of this industry and this automotive family that I am so grateful to be a part of,” said Toyoda during his acceptance speech. “Together there is nothing we can’t imagine, nothing we can’t create, and nothing we can’t overcome.”

Toyoda became president of TMC in 2009, assuming leadership during one of the most challenging periods in the company’s history. During that time, he led efforts to strengthen quality controls, rebuild trust in the Toyota brand and reinforce the company’s business foundation.

Toyoda also accelerated decision-making and advanced a region-led management structure by listening closely to customers, dealers, suppliers, employees and other stakeholders. Under his leadership, “making ever-better cars” became central to Toyota’s management philosophy.

As a master driver, Toyoda has further positioned motorsports as a proving ground for developing both people and vehicles. These efforts have contributed to stronger products and built a culture in which team members are encouraged to take on challenges from a genchi genbutsu, or “go and see,” perspective.

Akio Toyoda is the fourth member of the Toyoda family inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, joining his grandfather, Kiichiro; his father, Shoichiro; and Eiji Toyoda, his grandfather’s cousin. Fellow inductee Taiichi Ohno, widely regarded as the father of the Toyota Production System, is also among Toyota’s honorees.

About the Automotive Hall of Fame

The Automotive Hall of Fame is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that honors individuals whose achievements have significantly influenced the automotive and mobility industry. Its honorees include automaker executives, inventors, engineers, designers, suppliers, dealers, motorsports figures, journalists, educators and others who have helped shape the industry.

The organization traces its roots to Automobile Old Timers, founded in New York in October 1939 to preserve the memory and accomplishments of the pioneers of the early automotive industry. It was renamed Automotive Old Timers in 1957, conducted its first formal inductions in 1967, adopted its current name in 1982 and opened its current facility in Dearborn, Michigan, in 1997.

Since 1939, the organization has honored nearly 800 men and women through its awards programs, and more than 300 individuals and organizations have received its highest honor, induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame. The inaugural 1967 class included Henry Ford, Walter P. Chrysler, Charles Kettering and Alfred P. Sloan.

About Toyota Motor North America

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships. 

Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of over 50 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Media Contacts

Ed Hellwig
edward.hellwig@toyota.com

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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America