Discussion at Century Event: Insights Gained by Young Leaders from Toyoda's Guidance
In December 2023, Chairman Akio Toyoda of Toyota Motor Corporation had a captivating discussion with five young leaders in Shanghai, China, at a celebration held at the Tahara Plant in Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The event, which had a relaxed atmosphere, marked the beginning of sales of the Toyota Century in China.
During the talk, Chairman Toyoda was asked about his roles as executive, master driver, and Morizo, Toyota's brand ambassador. He expressed his desire to deliver a Century suitable for future leaders who strive for growth. This sentiment resonated with the young leaders, who are influential and active in various industries, as they gained profound insights into the Toyota Century's embodiment of quality, longevity, and deep respect for customer trust.
The Century, often regarded as a symbol of craftsmanship and tradition within Toyota, represents more than just a luxury vehicle. One young leader described it as a "car for a lifetime," emphasizing its exceptional build and enduring appeal that contrasts with the fast-paced, disposable nature of many modern products.
The young leaders listened carefully to Chairman Toyoda's answers during the discussion, and their image of the Century changed after hearing his thoughts on cars and management. The Century, in their eyes, became a metaphor for sustainable success and enduring value in business and manufacturing. Toyoda's talk underscored the importance of creating products that build long-term relationships and trust with customers rather than simply chasing short-term gains or trends. The Century exemplifies Toyota’s dedication to "making ever-better cars" that customers can rely on throughout their lives.
These young leaders, with an average age of 38, appreciated the Century as a powerful lesson about commitment to quality and the significance of legacy in leadership and innovation. They aspire to build enduring institutions, products, or services that stand the test of time by fostering deep loyalty and pride among users, much like the Toyota Century.
Moreover, a request was made to introduce the GRMN, a rare occurrence in the world, to China during the event. The young leaders were intrigued by the prospect of experiencing the high-performance vehicles from Toyota's Gazoo Racing division.
In conclusion, the discussion between Chairman Akio Toyoda and the young leaders in Shanghai provided a unique opportunity for both parties to share insights and perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of the Toyota Century's significance and Toyota's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Celebrity status could be accorded to Chairman Akio Toyoda, considering his influence on the young leaders, who are themselves prominent figures in various industries. The event's focus on the Toyota Century, a symbol of longevity, could also be linked to entertainment as its enduring appeal resonates with the stylish, fashionable lifestyle that entertainment often embraces.
The Cars and Entertainment industries might find common ground in the GRMN, the performance vehicles from Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, given the young leaders' expressed interest in experiencing these high-performance vehicles, much like celebrities are often associated with luxury, high-performance cars.
