Hiroshi Okuda, former Toyota chief credited for leading the Japanese automaker’s global climb, dies

Hiroshi Okuda, the former chief executive of Toyota, has passed away at the age of 93, according to the company. Okuda led Toyota's stellar rise in global markets, serving as president and chairman from 1995 to 2006. He is particularly remembered for his role in developing the gas-electric hybrid Prius in 1997, which symbolized the industry's push for green driving.

Born in central Japan and a graduate of Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo, Okuda became a key figure in Toyota's global expansion, setting up manufacturing plants in the U.S. and Europe. Known for his outspoken nature and quick wit, Okuda was vocal about concerns over potential backlash from Toyota's growth, which threatened the dominance of American automakers.

He championed the idea of "harmony" in the global auto industry and promoted younger management, advocating for change when things were going well. Okuda held advisory roles on Toyota's board and was a respected figure in various business lobbies in Japan, including the Japan Business Federation and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association.