Former Toyota Chairman Okuda, architect of global expansion, dies at 93

Toyota Motor Corp’s former chairman Hiroshi Okuda, credited with transforming the automaker into a global powerhouse, died on Thursday at the age of 93, the company said in a statement.

Okuda, who led Toyota from 1995 to 1999 as president and later served as chairman until 2006, was instrumental in expanding the company’s international footprint. His strategies prioritized overseas production, market penetration in North America and Europe, and the establishment of manufacturing plants in key growth regions.

Under Okuda’s leadership, Toyota pursued aggressive globalization, including the launch of the Lexus luxury brand in 1989, which became a cornerstone of its premium segment growth. His tenure also saw the automaker deepen its presence in emerging markets, particularly in Asia, where it built a robust manufacturing and sales network.

The company highlighted Okuda’s role in navigating Toyota through periods of rapid expansion and economic volatility. His approach combined long-term vision with pragmatic execution, often challenging conventional industry practices to position Toyota as a leader in quality and innovation.

Okuda’s death was confirmed by Toyota, which did not disclose additional details regarding the cause or circumstances. He is survived by his family, the company said.

Toyota’s global workforce and stakeholders reflect on Okuda’s legacy as a transformative figure whose strategies laid the foundation for the automaker’s current market dominance.