PETALING JAYA: UMW Toyota Motor has announced the appointment of Takashi Obata as its new deputy chairman which took effect from Feb 1.

Obata takes over from Akio Takeyama who held the deputy chairman's post for seven years.

Obata, who has 30 years' experience at Toyota Motor Corp, brings his vast experience and vision for the future of mobility and commits to driving the company to innovate and adapt to CASE ("Connected" cars, "Autonomous" driving, "Shared", and "Electric") and carbon neutrality.

As a key member in Toyota’s Product Planning in Sales & Operation Planning divisions, he has been in charge of the product planning of various Toyota-brand models for the global market, prior to his new role as deputy chairman.

"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,” he said.

Takeyama, who served in Malaysia for a total of 12 years under two tenures, had always sought to provide ever-better cars and the best customer services while continuously contributing to the Malaysian automobile industry.

"I had two key phrases I always kept in mind: Reborn, and Change & Challenge," said Takeyama who also has more than 30 years in Toyota Motor Corp.

Under Takeyama's leadership, UMW Toyota Motor achieved many significant milestones including 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.

UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K said it had been a honour to work alongside Takeyama.

"With his passion and automotive brilliance, he has indeed inspired many and leaves behind an incredible legacy," Ravindran said, while welcoming Obata to the company.

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