UMW Toyota Motor, a joint-venture company between UMW and Toyota Motor Corporation, today announced the appointment of Takashi Obata as its new Deputy Chairman. Mr. Obata takes over from Akio Takeyama, who has completed his term in the position and has spent a total of 12 years in Malaysia (including an earlier assignment).
Mr. Obata has 30 years of experience in Toyota Motor Corporation as a key member in the company’s Product Planning in Sales & Operation Planning divisions. Prior to his new position, he was in charge of the product planning of various Toyota-brand models for the global market.
Bringing his vast experience and vision for the future of mobility, Mr. Obata commits to driving UMW Toyota Motor to innovate and adapt to CASE (Connected cars, Autonomous driving, Shared, and Electric) and carbon neutrality.
“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. I am honoured to have been entrusted this role to navigate the Toyota business here in Malaysia towards this direction alongside UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K,” said Mr. Obata, thanking his predecessor for leaving behind ‘an incredible legacy during his time with the company’.
“This role will undoubtedly be a challenging one, but I am confident that we will be able to achieve many more milestones in the years to come, especially with the strong support from the government of Malaysia and all our stakeholders,” he added.
Reflecting on his time with UMW Toyota Motor, Mr. Takeyama said that in the 12 years, he had two key phrases which he always kept in mind: ‘Reborn’ and ‘Change & Challenge’. “My time here in Malaysia was spent in pursuit of ever-better cars and the best customer services while continuously contributing to the Malaysian automobile industry. The years I have spent in this beautiful country were truly wonderful and exciting, filled with so many significant events, milestones, challenges and accomplishments. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the strong support from my team and all our stakeholders,” he said.
Under the leadership of Mr. Takeyama, UMW Toyota Motor has achieved many significant milestones including the launch of its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Bukit Raja< Selangor which is now recognized 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 6 years as well as successfully introducing many new Toyota models.
Mr. Takeyama will also be remembered for his personal interest in motorsports, to the extent that he also took part in every season of the successful Vios Challenge one-make series. With his enthusiastic support and guidance, the GAZOO Racing brand gained prominence in Malaysia earlier than other countries in the region.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Takeyama-san for all our achievements during his tenure, the result of which is many happy and satisfied Toyota customers. It has truly been an honour to work alongside him. With his passion and automotive brilliance, he has indeed inspired many and leaves behind an incredible legacy. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” said Mr. Ravindran.
