Eiji Toyoda: Executive who helped create the 'Toyota Way' method of car-making
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Eiji Toyoda, who has died aged 100, was a member of Toyota's founding family who helped create the super-efficient "Toyota Way" production method. A cousin of the car manufacturer's founder Kiichiro Toyoda, he served as president from 1967-82, leading Toyota's growth into an automotive giant. He became chairman in 1982, and continued in advisory positions up to his death.
A graduate of Tokyo University with a degree in mechanical engineering, he joined Toyoda Automatic Loom Works in 1936. He spent his early years on the shop floor, and helped pioneer Toyota's reputed just-in-time production to cut waste and empower workers for continuous improvement, or "kaizen."
Toyota started out as a loom maker, founded by Kiichiro Toyoda's father Sakichi. Eiji Toyoda's father was Sakichi's brother. During his years at the helm of what is now the world's biggest car-maker, Eiji Toyoda led the development of the Toyota Corolla, which has become one of the best-selling cars of all time. He also pushed Toyota to develop luxury vehicles, which later became the Lexus brand.
One of Japan's most respected businessmen, Toyoda was also one of the main figures who forged Toyota's partnership with General Motors to set up a joint plant in Fremont, California called NUMMI, New United Motor Manufacturing, in 1984. The plant closed in 2010. He is survived by his three sons, who are all executives at Toyota affiliates.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments