Hiroshi Okuda, Toyota chief who drove global growth, dies at 93

Hiroshi Okuda, the former chief executive of Toyota, has passed away at the age of 93. Okuda led the Japanese automaker's global rise in market dominance during his tenure as president and chairman from 1995 to 2006. The company confirmed his death but did not disclose the date or cause of his passing. Okuda played a crucial role in the development of the gas-electric hybrid Prius, which debuted in 1997 and became a symbol of the industry's shift towards green driving.

Throughout his 45-year career at Toyota, Okuda contributed significantly to the company's reputation for fuel efficiency, alongside models such as the Camry. Born in central Japan, Okuda studied business at Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo and was known for his outspoken nature and quick wit. As a non-family member of Toyota, he led the company's global expansion by establishing manufacturing plants in the U.S. and Europe.

Despite concerns about potential backlash, Okuda emphasized the global nature of the auto industry and the term "harmony" to convey this message. The cheap yen, which benefited Japanese manufacturers, became a subject of criticism known as "Japan-bashing." Okuda served on Toyota's board with American Jim Press in 2007 and advocated for promoting younger managers, a relatively uncommon practice in Japanese corporate circles at the time.

Okuda played a key role in various business lobbies, including the Japan Business Federation, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, and Prime Minister's Economic Strategy Council of Japan. Toyota has not provided information regarding surviving family members, and funeral arrangements are being finalized by the family.