In response to shareholder concerns, genba leaders showed resolve and the spirit of "ever-better" carmaking passed down from Chairman Akio Toyoda.
Like flowers and bees
Shareholders also voiced concerns that, despite alternative fuels being developed, the lack of progress in providing refueling stations could leave gasoline vehicle users unable to drive their cars in the future.
Hydrogen Factory President Mitsumasa Yamagata said he foresees “a shift from fossil fuels to an era of electricity and hydrogen” before adding “However…”
President Yamagata
However, this process will involve effectively using various fuels, including synthetic fuels and biofuels, in combination with electric capabilities. We believe that depending on the circumstances of different people around the world, hybrids and plug-in hybrids can also help achieve carbon neutrality more quickly.
I believe your question was, “What are you going to do about stations for all these different fuels that are being developed?” Take for example Brazil, which uses ethanol, a biofuel made from grains. In fact, gasoline in Japan already contains a certain percentage of (ETBE synthesized from) this ethanol.
Here, we believe work can be done with the fuel industry to gradually increase ethanol use.
Similarly, refueling stations pose a major challenge for hydrogen and must be developed in tandem. We make the Mirai, the world’s first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle, which runs by converting hydrogen into electricity.
By expanding the use of this technology more broadly to heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles, we hope to spur the spread of refueling stations as well.
Stations and mobility always go hand in hand, like flowers and bees. I ask for your understanding so that we can work together to create that relationship and advance a carbon-neutral future.
As Toyota strives to provide “Mobility for All,” President Yamagata highlighted the importance of developing not only fuels but also the accompanying infrastructure.
In this final article of our four-part feature on the 2024 General Shareholders’ Meeting, we shared responses by Operating Officer Shingo and President Yamagata, as they sought to allay shareholder concerns about the future of cars.
“We will continue working as one to create cars that bring even greater happiness.” (Operating Officer Shingo)
“We can work together to advance a carbon-neutral future.” (President Yamagata)
Even as the auto industry undergoes a once-in-a-century transformation, their words seem to reflect Toyota’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind.