Shoichiro Toyoda was a Japanese business executive who served as chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation from 1992 to 1999, as well as chairman of the influential Japan Business Federation from 1994 to 1998. Under Toyoda’s supervision, Toyota approved the development of the Lexus brand and the Prius hybrid.
Shoichiro Toyoda Obituary
Shoichiro Toyoda, honorary chairman of Toyota Motor Corp., died of heart failure on Tuesday. He was 97. Toyoda also served as chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) in the 1990s.
Originally from Aichi Prefecture, Shoichiro was the father of current President Akio Toyoda and the eldest son of Toyota founder Kiichiro Toyoda. Shoichiro joined Toyota Motor Corp. as an executive in 1952.
He became president in 1982 and expanded the company’s overseas operations, including local production in North America. The foundation for Toyota’s growth into one of Japan’s leading automakers was laid during that time.
After becoming chairman in 1992, Shoichiro was active in business community activities.