Toyota Chairman Discusses Latest Company Updates in Sixty Minutes Interview
In the latest episode of "Voice-Only Toyota Times," Chairman Akio Toyoda and Yuta Tomikawa addressed a variety of topics, including the recent Prius recall, the Super Taikyu Series, and the company's recovery efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake.
The recording was made between the Lexus LBX kick-off party and the Super Taikyu Series opening day, and the first topic discussed was the Prius recall that was announced on April 17. Chairman Toyoda expressed his apologies for causing concern over the matter and stated that safety is a top priority for Toyota.
The recall affects certain Prius models manufactured between 2022 and 2024, and it was revealed that the issue stems from a malfunction in the hybrid battery and brake system. Water accumulation due to rain or carwash can cause electrics to fail, preventing the door from opening. The door was previously opened by pulling with wires, but is now opened electronically.
In response to this issue, Toyota is implementing repairs and part replacements free of charge for affected owners. The countermeasure parts will replace the faulty switches once ready, and a temporary solution involves deactivating the opening switch and limiting door opening to manual operation. An investigation into the cause and countermeasures for the issue is ongoing.
Chairman Toyoda also spoke about Toyota's recovery efforts after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, highlighting the company's commitment to helping the region rebuild.
In addition to the Prius recall, the show discussed the Super Taikyu Mirai Organization announcement and the Nürburgring in Germany. Kyonosuke Morita joined the duo to discuss the new Toyota Times Sports website, which allows users to search for vehicles subject to recall.
Chairman Toyoda and Yuta Tomikawa reiterated the improvements to be implemented, including the exchange of switch parts and temporary deactivation of the opening switch. They expressed their commitment to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of their customers, and emphasized the importance of transparency and communication in dealing with in-house recalls.
Overall, the second episode of "Voice-Only Toyota Times" was an informative and engaging discussion on a range of topics, with a focus on safety and customer satisfaction. The show aims to provide regular updates and insights into the latest news and developments at Toyota.
In the spirit of Toyota's commitment to transparency and communication, the new Toyota Times Sports website now allows users to search for vehicles subject to recall, ensuring customers are well-informed about their vehicles' safety. Additionally, Chairman Toyoda, in a nod to the company's diverse interests, also spoke about the upcoming Super Taikyu Mirai Organization announcement and Toyota's future initiatives in the realm of technology, as they delve into cutting-edge advancements such as autonomous driving and green energy solutions, Hence, Toyota's focus extends from finance and automotive production to sports and technology.
