Akio Toyoda steps down as head of Japan’s Automobile Manufacturers Association

Toyota's Chairman Akio Toyoda, steps down from his role as the Chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), a position representing 14 automakers and 5.5 million employees. During its routine press conference, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) officially disclosed Toyoda's resignation from the position of Chairman. JAMA can be likened to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI).

Masanori Katayama, Chairman of Isuzu Motors, is set to succeed Akio Toyoda as the new Chairman of the JAMA starting January 1st, 2024. Both Toyoda and Katayama share the perspective that the automotive sector will continue to be a crucial industry for Japan. 

According to news outlets, this will also be the first time where the head of a truck company assumes leadership of Japan's automotive industry association. This development coincides with Japan grappling with a labor shortage, especially in anticipation of a forthcoming law imposing additional restrictions on the working hours of professional drivers.

Katayama will receive support from Vice Chairmen, including CEOs such as Makoto Uchida from Nissan, Toshihiro Mibe from Honda, and Koji Sato from Toyota, along with other prominent figures from the bus, truck, and motorcycle sectors.

Speaking more on Toyoda’s time as the Chairman of JAMA, when he took on the role of Chairman in 2018, Toyoda transformed the biennial Tokyo Motor Show into the Japan Mobility Show during his tenure. Departing from its traditional car-centric theme, the recently concluded Japan Mobility Show evolved into a comprehensive all-industry event, spreading the focus from private transportation to include more aspects of mobilities. Furthermore, Toyoda stands as the sole figure to have guided Japan's automotive industry across three consecutive two-year terms, having assumed leadership in 2012, 2018, and 2022.

In the press conference, Toyoda clarified that while stepping down from his role as Chairman, he is not retiring from the automotive industry altogether. “Morizo” will continue to be a part of the automotive industry, as well as continue to be Toyota’s master driver.