Former Toyota Chairman Hiroshi Okuda Dies at 93

Former Toyota Motor Corp. president and chairman Hiroshi Okuda has died at the age of 93. A lifetime employee who joined the company in 1955, Okuda became the first leader of Toyota from outside the founding Toyoda family in nearly 30 years when he assumed the presidency in 1995.

Okuda is credited with championing the development of the RAV4 SUV and the Prius hybrid. He spearheaded the Vision 2005 strategy, which reduced the company's reliance on exports by expanding overseas production, including the opening of a factory in France and the growth of U.S. manufacturing operations.

Known as a risk-taker and a blunt critic, Okuda advocated for meritocracy over nepotism and frequently challenged the influence of the Toyoda family. His leadership extended beyond the automotive industry; he chaired the Keidanren business lobby from 2002 to 2006 and served as president of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation around 2012.