Daihatsu's New Leadership: Shaping Change through Discussion and Understanding
Daihatsu Undergoes Major Revitalization Under New Leadership
Daihatsu, the Japanese automobile manufacturer, is set for a significant transformation under the leadership of Masahiro Inoue. The new team's strategy focuses on revitalizing Daihatsu by concentrating on compact vehicles, enhancing communication, and outsourcing operations to Toyota.
The company aims to strengthen its expertise as Toyota's small-car engineering center, emphasizing innovative compact cars including hybrids and electric kei trucks. This strategic move leverages Toyota's advanced technology and production efficiency to improve product development and operations outsourcing.
In line with the rising demand for small, fuel-efficient, and eco-friendly vehicles, Daihatsu will capitalize on opportunities in urban logistics and e-commerce. The company recently launched hybrid models, such as the Rocky compact SUV in Indonesia, demonstrating a move towards greener mobility. One of the key focuses will be on the Daihatsu Hijet EV, a hybrid and electric kei truck.
Improved communication appears integral to this revitalization, likely involving closer collaboration within Toyota’s group and with external partners. Outsourcing certain production and engineering processes to Toyota aims to improve efficiency and innovation capacity, allowing Daihatsu to focus on its core strengths in compact vehicle development.
The new leadership's commitment to preventing the recurrence of issues was emphasized at the joint press conference held on February 13, with President Sato and incoming President Inoue in attendance. Notable appointments include Keiko Yanagi, Deputy Chief Officer of Toyota's Customer First Promotion Group, who has been appointed as a director in Daihatsu. Masanori Kuwata, with a background in human resources at Toyota, will also join Daihatsu's leadership team.
The measures reported to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism on February 9 were also emphasized at the press conference. Daihatsu is restructuring to focus on minivehicles and is withdrawing from Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies (CJPT) to prioritize internal issues. The company is also reorganizing its regional management system, with a renewed focus on Brazil and Argentina, reflecting Inoue's work at Toyota.
The new leadership team is tasked with resolving communication issues between Toyota and Daihatsu, as well as within Daihatsu's management and genba. Daihatsu will outsource its overseas business to Toyota for planning, development, and production.
The press conference also highlighted Daihatsu's commitment to preventing the recurrence of certification irregularities. The plans for revitalizing Daihatsu will be examined during a press conference Q&A session. The new team was assembled with the goal of rebuilding Daihatsu from the ground up, under the guidance of Inoue, who has been praised for his experience in structural reform, particularly in Toyota's Latin American business.
finance: The new strategy of Daihatsu, under the leadership of Masahiro Inoue, aims to capitalize on opportunities in urban logistics and e-commerce, which could potentially increase its financial returns.
business: Daihatsu will outsource certain production and engineering processes to Toyota, which is a business decision aimed at improving efficiency and innovation capacity, allowing Daihatsu to focus on its core strengths in compact vehicle development.
