Petrolhead in charge at Toyota

Toyota has confirmed Akio Toyoda is its new president. The announcement, made late last week, has been long expected and becomes effective after Toyota's annual shareholder meeting in June.

At a Tokyo media briefing, Toyoda san said: "I am simply determined to do my utmost in being handed this big role of steering Toyota as it faces what has been said to be its worst crisis in a century."

Akio Toyoda is the grandson of Toyota founder Kiichiro Toyoda, and son of Shoichiro Toyoda who was the company's president from 1981 to 1992.

It's the first time in 14 years a Toyoda family member has been in charge of the Japanese auto manufacturer, when Akio Toyoda's uncle Tatsuro Toyoda was president until 1995.

The "baby-faced" Akio Toyoda, aged 52, replaces Katsuaki Watanabe, 66. Watanabe was Toyota president since 2005. Watanabe takes over the role of vice president in June.

Toyota's incoming president was schooled in America and speaks fluent English. It is believed he will bring a modern, "international mindset" to the Japanese manufacturer's planning which has the potential to usher in a new era of change for the world's number 1 car maker.

Akio Toyoda also supported the manufacture of Lexus' LF A 'supercar' and IS-F sports sedan, and is known for his penchant for track time. He raced the LF-A this year at the Nurburgring 24 Hour event, under the name 'Morizo'.

While a rev head at heart, Akio Toyoda has in the past been in charge of Toyota's Chinese operations and also has held roles in Japan for the sales and Internet business divisions while also having worked in the US industry.

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