In a thought-provoking session at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, Akio Toyoda, the Chairman of Toyota, shared profound insights that reflect the company’s journey and his concerns about its future direction.

In an unprecedented transformation, Toyoda’s passion for driving and his influence steered Toyota away from its mundane image, spearheading the creation of exhilarating models like the GR86, GR Corolla, and GR Yaris. Even the once-unexciting Prius underwent a metamorphosis into a high-speed, aesthetically appealing hybrid under his guidance.

Despite his achievements, Toyoda candidly expressed apprehensions during the Q&A. Having relinquished his roles as CEO & President after a significant tenure, he confessed his fear of Toyota’s potential regression to its previous ‘boring’ archetype. Reflecting on his 14-year endeavor to revolutionize the company, he acknowledged the fragility of its newfound dynamism, fearing a sudden reversion.

Toyoda disclosed how criticism at the 2011 Pebble Beach event, where Lexus was labeled ‘boring,’ ignited his pursuit of excellence. Even amidst skepticism within his engineering team, he persisted in his vision for change.

During the session, Toyoda voiced his ongoing concern: “I persistently fear a regression to Toyota’s former ordinary status.” Emphasizing the urgency, he warned, “By the time this fear becomes widespread, it may be too late.” He reminisced about challenging encounters with the engineering team, recalling instances where their reluctance to acknowledge improvements tested his resolve.

Toyoda’s revelations underscore a pivotal narrative in Toyota’s evolution, highlighting the complexities of transformative leadership and the challenges in sustaining innovation against institutional inertia.