Investigation Results of Model Certification Application: Chairman Toyoda's Viewpoint on the Press Conference Discussion
In a press conference held on June 3, Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, addressed the ongoing investigation into model certification tests. The investigation was initiated based on instructions from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
Toyoda expressed a sense of responsibility and active involvement in addressing the issues. He personally visited the genba, the actual place of work, to closely observe the processes and identify the problems firsthand. This hands-on approach underscores his commitment to resolving the certification difficulties Toyota has faced.
During the conference, Toyoda emphasised Toyota's efforts in three main areas: strengthening foundations, monozukuri (manufacturing craftsmanship), and personnel development. These efforts include enhanced dialogue between management and frontline workers, as well as the realignment of human and material resources to prevent similar issues in the future.
While there is no direct quoted excerpt of Toyoda's personal feelings in the search results, the tone conveyed through his actions and leadership style during this period is one of taking responsibility, being proactive, and promoting cultural reform and collaboration across the company to rebuild trust and ensure quality assurance.
The TPS Jishuken (Joint Kaizen Activities), a programme initiated among the four companies of Daihatsu, Hino, Toyota Industries, and Toyota Motor Corporation after the Group Vision on January 30, was also discussed during the press conference.
In the days leading up to the press conference, Toyoda's main concern was "not fanning the flames of anxiety unnecessarily among customers." The conference was initially planned for May 30 or 31, but was delayed until June 3 to avoid causing unnecessary concern.
During the Q&A with reporters, Toyoda made statements such as "(Eliminating wrongdoing) is impossible," "Et tu, Brutus?" and "In a way, I am personally grateful that these issues have emerged from Toyota." He also mentioned the TPS Jishuken and his Juku (a school or study group) related to the programme.
The third episode of the Voice-Only Toyota Times News with Chairman Akio Toyoda and Yuta Tomikawa focuses on the results of this investigation into model certification testing. This three-episode series provides insights into Toyota's ongoing efforts to rectify and learn from the certification problems. The first and second episodes have already been released, with the third episode scheduled for release soon.
The investigation is ongoing, and details of the activities under the TPS Jishuken are soon to be released on Toyota Times News. As Chairman Toyoda continues to lead the company through these challenging times, his commitment to transparency, responsibility, and cultural reform within Toyota remains evident.
- Akio Toyoda, as the Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, demonstrated a commitment to resolving the certification difficulties by focusing on industries like leadership, business, and transportation, as he engaged in initiatives such as strengthening foundations, promoting monozukuri (manufacturing craftsmanship), and developing personnel.
- In the finance sector, Toyoda expressed his concern regarding the potential impact of the ongoing investigation on customers, as he aimed to prevent unnecessary anxiety among them, and therefore, delayed the press conference until June 3.
