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Former Toyota President Hiroshi Okuda Dies at 93

8/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Hiroshi Okuda, former Toyota president and chairman, died at age 93 on August 8, 2026.
He was the first Toyota leader outside the Toyoda family, serving as president from August 1995 to 1999 and chairman from 1999 to 2006.
He expanded production to the United States, Europe, India and China, raising sales 67 %.
He committed to a hybrid vehicle in March 1997, leading to the Prius unveiling in October 1997 and its December 1997 launch in Japan.

History

Historical Context

Toyota Motor Corporation launched the Corolla in 1966, a compact car that quickly entered markets worldwide. By 1997 it overtook the Volkswagen Beetle as the best-selling nameplate, and cumulative sales hit 50 million in 2021, rising above 54 million by early 2026. Production now spans Japan, the United States, Brazil and several other countries, cementing its global footprint.

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Story summary

Hiroshi Okuda, former Toyota president and chairman, died at age 93 on August 8, 2026.
He was the first Toyota leader outside the Toyoda family, serving as president from August 1995 to 1999 and chairman from 1999 to 2006.
He expanded production to the United States, Europe, India and China, raising sales 67 %.
He committed to a hybrid vehicle in March 1997, leading to the Prius unveiling in October 1997 and its December 1997 launch in Japan.

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