Toyota needs to shed 'carmaker' mantle for next chapter of growth

Automaker must stay ahead of change in the age of internet and EVs

20230127N Toyoda Crown

Toyota Motor President Akio Toyoda has maintained the family's storied tradition of launching a new business alongside the mainstay automotive operation. (Photo by Mayumi Tsumita)

ATSUSHI NAKAYAMA, Nikkei commentator

TOKYO -- During his 14-year tenure at the helm of Toyota Motor, President Akio Toyoda doggedly pursued the dual mission of transforming the automaker into a business thriving in the era of connected cars while fortifying its endurance.

After Toyoda steps down in April, that mission will be handed down to successor Koji Sato. But the challenge is daunting. Unless Toyota can stay ahead of the curve to grow, even the automaker's continuity could be in jeopardy.

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