Hiroshi Okuda, Toyota chair who pushed for the Prius, dies at 93
Okuda was the first person to helm Toyota from outside the company's founding family in a generation.
Hiroshi Okuda, a key figure at Toyota Motor Corp., has passed away at the age of 93. Okuda joined the company in the late 1940s when it was just starting to become a manufacturing giant after World War II. He became president in 1995, the first non-family member to hold the position in decades. Known for his tall stature, outspoken nature, and willingness to take risks, Okuda was globally unique in advocating for innovative vehicles that became popular, including the Prius hybrid and RAV4 SUV.
Internally, he was renowned for his cost-cutting strategies and decisive leadership to combat perceived corporate stagnation within Toyota.
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