Detroit – October 11, 2026 -- Akio Toyoda, chairman of the board of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), became the fourth member of the Toyoda family inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, in a ceremony held in Detroit.
The Hall of Fame recognizes leaders, innovators and visionaries whose work has shaped the global automotive and mobility industry. Toyoda joins his grandfather Kiichiro, his father Shoichiro, and Eiji Toyoda, his grandfather's cousin. Taiichi Ohno, widely regarded as the father of the Toyota Production System, is also among Toyota's honorees.
Toyoda took TMC's presidency in 2009 during a difficult period
Toyoda became president of TMC in 2009, assuming leadership during one of the most challenging periods in the company's history. He led efforts to strengthen quality controls, rebuild trust in the Toyota brand and reinforce the company's business foundation.
He also accelerated decision-making and advanced a region-led management structure, drawing on input from customers, dealers, suppliers, employees and other stakeholders. Under his leadership, "making ever-better cars" became central to Toyota's management philosophy.
Motorsports serve as a proving ground for people and vehicles
Toyoda, a master driver, has positioned motorsports as a proving ground for developing both people and vehicles. According to the source, these efforts have contributed to stronger products and built a culture in which team members take on challenges from a genchi genbutsu, or "go and see," perspective.
Hall of Fame has honored nearly 800 people since 1939
The U.S.-based nonprofit has honored nearly 800 men and women through its awards programs since 1939. More than 300 individuals and organizations have received its highest honor, induction into the Hall of Fame. The inaugural 1967 class included Henry Ford, Walter P. Chrysler, Charles Kettering and Alfred P. Sloan.
In his acceptance speech, Toyoda pledged to keep earning the honor every day in support of the industry and what he called the automotive family.