Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Akio Toyoda was elected Tuesday to head the Automobile Business Association of Japan amid hopes that his leadership will reinforce policy proposals as the industry faces uncertainty over U.S. tariffs.
The 69-year-old will succeed Takeshi Uchiyamada, 78, executive fellow at Toyota Motor. Toyoda previously headed the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, another industry group, before stepping down at the end of 2023.
Toyoda’s new appointment was decided at the organization’s annual shareholders meeting.
The group consists of automobile and parts manufacturers, dealers, mechanics, casualty insurance companies and gas stations. It had 166 members as of April 1, 2025.
