For this final article of our series on the 2025 General Shareholders’ Meeting, we would like to finish by sharing comments from Chairman Akio Toyoda.
Responding to a shareholder question about Toyota’s work on all-solid-state batteries, Executive Vice President Hiroki Nakajima touched on the company’s multi-pathway strategy. Chairman Toyoda also took up the microphone, reflecting the vast challenge that decarbonization poses for Toyota.
Smiles for all
Chairman Toyoda
Global warming is a problem we must tackle as global citizens, and one which the automotive industry is confronting head-on.
From the outset, we have focused on the fact that our enemy is carbon, and “doing what we can right now.”
To date, we have sold a total of 27 million electric vehicles, mainly hybrids. These 27 million vehicles have reduced CO2 emissions by the equivalent of 9 million battery EVs (BEVs).
While the public discussion is always about BEVs or hybrids, at Toyota we have been steadily tackling global warming by doing whatever we can to lower CO2 emissions right now, knowing that our only enemy is carbon.
At Tokyo Auto Salon 2024, Chairman Toyoda emphasized that “the only enemy is carbon.” Photo: Noriaki Mitsuhashi/N-RAK PHOTO AGENCY
Why are we doing this? Looking around the world, each country has its own unique energy situation. Delivering “Mobility for All” is about serving every country, every road. All of us, from our leadership down, are working hard to ensure that no one is left behind.
Our ability to offer a full lineup of vehicles comes down to the teamwork of our partners: our dealers around the world, the suppliers who underpin our carmaking, equipment providers who keep our facilities running smoothly, materials vendors, and the people who transport our parts and finished products.
In these uncertain times, Toyota is not going to speculate. Instead, we are teaming up with others to prepare for the future.
Speculation doesn’t always turn out correct. Yet regardless of the situation, I believe that as long as we work together and prepare well, we are sure to make many people smile.
Today is the first time that more than 6,000 people have attended our shareholders’ meeting. Thank you very much for being here.
As our shareholders, the long-term support you provide, and your backing for our genba efforts, is what enables us to be prepared and ready. We look forward to your continued support.
Chairman Toyoda stressed the need for preparation over speculation. At a briefing on BEV strategy in 2021, he stated that “quickly adapting to changes is more important than trying to predict the future.” On that occasion, when a reporter asked whether Toyota would shift to BEVs or remain committed to its multi-pathway strategy, Chairman Toyoda replied:
“Once we identify market and customer trends, we swiftly follow them. We believe this boosts the company’s competitiveness, and above all, is the surest way for us to survive.”
Rather than narrowing down the choices, the company seeks to meet customer needs with a full global lineup. In an age with no right answers, being ready to swiftly adapt to change is also Toyota’s survival strategy.
The 2025 General Shareholders’ Meeting drew a record 6,752 attendees. In front of the assembled shareholders, Chairman Toyoda reiterated his determination to pursue carbon neutrality without leaving anyone behind.
The next day, it was revealed that Chairman Toyoda was re-elected to Toyota’s board with 96.72% approval, nearly 25 points higher than last year’s 71.93%.
