New Deputy Chairman Appointed For UMW Toyota Motor

UMW Toyota Motor has announced the appointment of Takashi Obata as its new Deputy Chairman as of 1st February 2022. He succeeds Akio Takeyama.

Push for Sustainable Mobility

With his vast experience and vision for the future of mobility, Obata commits to driving the company to innovate and adapt to CASE (“Connected” cars, “Autonomous” driving, “Shared”, and “Electric”) and carbon neutrality.

Cementing his commitment towards achieving mobility for all, Takashi Obata said, “Technology is progressively evolving with the increasing necessity and responsibility to adapt to CASE, as well as carbon neutrality. This is a priority that is aggressively being pursued by Toyota globally and has already started in Malaysia with the recent launch of the Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid model. I am honoured to have been entrusted this role to navigate the Toyota business here in Malaysia towards this direction alongside UMW Toyota Motor President Mr. Ravindran K.”

Obata has 30 years of experience in Toyota Motor Corporation and was a key member in the company’s Product Planning in Sales & Operation Planning divisions. He had been in charge of the product planning of various Toyota-brand models for the global market, prior to taking his new role as Deputy Chairman at UMWT.

Farewell Tribute to Akio Takeyama

“I would like to thank my predecessor Akio Takeyama for leaving behind an incredible legacy during his time with UMW Toyota Motor. This role will undoubtedly be a challenging one but I am confident that we will be able to achieve many more milestones in the years to come, especially with the strong support from the Government of Malaysia and all our stakeholders,” said Obata.

With Obata stepping in, Akio Takeyama reflects on his tenure at Toyota. “I have been very blessed to have been given the privilege to serve in Malaysia over two tenures. Throughout my two assignments in Malaysia totaling 12 years, I had two key phrases I always kept in mind: “Reborn” and “Change & Challenge”. My time here in Malaysia was spent in pursuit of ever-better cars and the best customer services while continuously contributing to the Malaysian automobile industry.”

“The years I have spent in this beautiful country were truly wonderful and exciting, filled with so many significant events, milestones, challenges and accomplishments. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the strong support from my team and all our stakeholders,” added Takeyama.

Under the leadership of Akio Takeyama, UMW Toyota Motor has achieved many significant milestones such as the launch of its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Bukit Raja which is now recognised as the No. 1 quality and productivity Toyota plant in Asia; restructuring of the sales and service network throughout Malaysia; the introduction of GAZOO Racing and reclaiming its title as the No.1 non-national automotive brand after six years as well as successfully introducing many new Toyota models.

Having served for more than seven years in the Deputy Chairman role and over 30 years in total at Toyota Motor Corporation, Akio Takeyama has made his mark on the automotive brand and the Malaysian automotive industry to which he credits his team and all UMW Toyota Motor stakeholders.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Takeyama-san for all our achievements during his tenure, the result of which is many happy and satisfied Toyota customers. It has truly been an honour to work alongside him, with his passion and automotive brilliance, he has indeed inspired many and leaves behind an incredible legacy. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. I take this opportunity to congratulate Obata-san on the appointment to Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor. I look forward to working with him as we continue pushing the Toyota brand to newer heights and achieving even more milestones.” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

With Takashi Obata taking helm, UMW Toyota Motor is set to lead the future of mobility through enriching lives and society, while progressing towards mobility for all.