Akio Toyoda’s Legacy in Motorsport and Business
Akio Toyoda, the former CEO and current Chairman of Toyota, is a figure renowned for balancing his corporate responsibilities with a profound passion for racing. Known by his racing alias “Morizo Kinoshita,” Toyoda has participated in significant motorsport events like the Nürburgring 24-hour race in 2009, 2014, and 2019, driving Toyota and Lexus race cars. His involvement in racing has left a lasting impression on Toyota’s brand, inspiring models such as the Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Edition.
Skepticism Toward Electric Sports Cars
In a recent interview with Automotive News, Toyoda expressed a skeptical view of electric vehicles (EVs). While acknowledging the enthusiasm among some Toyota engineers for developing electric sports cars, he stated that this enthusiasm does not align with his personal values. “For me, the definition of a sports car is the smell of gasoline and the roar of the engine,” Toyoda commented.
Challenges and Opportunities in the EV Market
Toyoda also outlined the challenges Toyota faces in providing affordable electric vehicles to its primary customers. Currently, Toyota offers only one electric vehicle in the U.S., the bZ4x. “As a mass-production brand, Toyota must consider price accessibility for BEVs,” Toyoda noted. He suggested that Toyota might only introduce a BEV sports car once it can offer affordable electric vehicles on a large scale.
Morizo’s Perspective on Electric Racing
As Toyota’s “master driver,” Toyoda was asked if he would be interested in racing electric cars. His response was clear: “No! It’s not exciting,” he said. “Endurance racing with BEVs is a race against technical limits like charging times and battery swaps, not performance.”
Future Outlook and Toyoda’s Vision
Toyoda’s cautious stance on electric vehicles is consistent with his previous criticisms. At a Toyota corporate event in January 2024, he argued that EVs must be accompanied by infrastructure, highlighting the low electric accessibility in many regions where Toyota drivers reside. “Even with BEV advancements, market share will cap at 30%,” Toyoda predicted, with the remaining 70% occupied by HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles), FCEVs (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles), and hydrogen engines.
He emphasized that Toyota has produced approximately 27 million hybrid vehicles, equating to the effect of having 9 million BEVs on the road.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
Toyoda’s persona on the track and his cautious approach to EVs paint a clear picture: he believes that driving should be an emotional and accessible experience, not just a political or regulatory checkbox. Whether pushing Toyota’s racing cars to their limits or advocating for a flexible approach to carbon reduction, Toyoda continues to champion a future where automotive enthusiasts have a say in what lies ahead.
Conclusion
As Toyota navigates the evolving landscape of the automotive industry, Toyoda’s leadership and vision will play a critical role in balancing innovation with tradition. His commitment to providing quality and accessible vehicles, whether electric or hybrid, underscores Toyota’s strategic approach in a competitive global market.