Shoichiro Toyoda dies at 97

Shoichiro Toyoda, ancien patron de Toyota, est décédé ce mardi à l’âge de 97 ans d’une insuffisance cardiaque, indique le court communiqué du groupe.

Dr. Toyoda, who was the son of company founder Kiichiro Toyoda, began his career with Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) in 1952 after graduating from Nagoya University with an engineering degree. He later earned a doctorate in engineering, writing his thesis on the topic of fuel injection.

Shoichiro Toyoda held many positions during his long career in which automotive technology and quality control were the main focuses. He became general manager in 1961 and after being promoted to senior general manager in 1967 and executive vice president in 1972, he was named president of Toyota's sales organization in 1981. Following the merger of the sales organizations and production in 1982, he became president of the newly integrated Toyoda Motor Corporation, later serving as chairman of the board of directors between 1992 and 1999. Dr. Toyoda served on the board of directors for 57 years and assumed the position of honorary president in 2009 until his death.

He is the father of current President and CEO Akio Toyoda, his eldest son. The funeral service will be reserved for close family members. Toyota Motor Corporation will hold a farewell meeting at a later date.

To his family, his loved ones and the entire Toyota group, AUTOhebdo offers its most sincere condolences.