Toyoda cemented a reputation as a prudent businessman, an inspired visionary, and, most of all, a car enthusiast. As a keen racer himself, the former boss was known by the company as ‘Master Driver,’ and Sato says that he earned that title while running one of the largest automakers on the planet. Now as chairman, he could have a little more free time to push exciting cars through corporate approval.
“Our Master Driver was also president of the company at the same time as he had a steering wheel in his hand for Gazoo,” commented Sato. “Now he is only chairman; maybe he will have a lot more time to develop cars for them?”