Akio Toyoda has been inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame as part of its 2026 class, alongside three other honourees at a ceremony in Detroit, Michigan. The event drew more than 700 representatives from automakers, dealers, suppliers and motorsport.
Toyoda used the occasion to reflect on his career, Toyota’s relationship with the US and the people who supported him through some of the company’s most challenging periods.
From Recall Crisis to Master Driver
Toyoda became Toyota president in 2009, shortly before the company faced the global financial crisis and a major vehicle recall crisis. He later became closely involved in vehicle development and motorsport as Toyota’s master driver under the Morizo name.
At the ceremony, Penske Automotive Group Vice Chairman Greg Penske highlighted Toyoda’s push for more exciting cars, including his famous declaration of “no more boring cars.”
Third-Generation Toyoda in the Hall of Fame
Toyoda is the third-generation member of the Toyoda family to enter the Automotive Hall of Fame.
Previous family members inducted include:
- Eiji Toyoda – 1994
- Shoichiro Toyoda – 2007
- Kiichiro Toyoda – 2018
Toyota Production System pioneer Taiichi Ohno was also inducted in 2022.
Toyoda has a long connection with the US, having studied at Babson College in Massachusetts, worked in New York’s financial sector, and later served as a vice president at NUMMI.
“This Honor Really Belongs to All of Them”
During his acceptance speech, Toyoda credited Toyota’s employees, dealers, suppliers, and customers for supporting him throughout his career.
“This honor really belongs to all of them.”
He also spoke about what cars mean to their owners, saying that sales numbers matter less than the significance vehicles have for the people who buy them.
A Call for Collaboration
Toyoda also encouraged greater cooperation across the automotive industry, urging companies to focus not only on competition but on what they can achieve together.
He described the automotive industry as an opportunity to improve people’s lives and concluded by encouraging those across the industry to “enjoy the ride together.”
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Final Take
Toyoda’s induction recognises a career spanning Toyota’s global expansion, its recall crisis and its focus on more engaging vehicles. His acceptance speech placed particular emphasis on the employees, dealers and partners he credited for shaping that journey.
