Following the recent announcement of a merger between Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino, at Toyota's General Shareholders' Meeting Chairman Akio Toyoda shared his impressions of former Daimler Truck CEO Martin Daum. What did Chairman Toyoda see in their fateful encounter?
Putting customers first, addressing local needs
Vice President Nakajima
My personal impression was that CEO Daum the super truck guy and Chairman Toyoda the super car guy were ultimately putting their customers first, and looking to base their work on local needs. I was there the moment when Mr. Daum and Chairman Toyoda met and immediately found that they were on the same wavelength.
This is what spurred Chairman Toyoda to ask Daimler Truck to provide support for Hino’s future, particularly in the area of trucks and heavy-duty trucks.
As announced at the press event two days ago, Daimler Truck and Toyota will unstintingly provide our various technologies to the new company resulting from the merger of Hino and Mitsubishi Fuso.
Since commercial vehicles are used in extremely tough conditions, they also offer many lessons as a training ground for honing our passenger car technologies.
This merger will also greatly benefit Daimler Truck, for example in expanding its heavy-duty truck technologies in Japan, Asia, and other regions. We have entered into this with a shared mindset.
On the day of the merger press conference, Hino announced that its Hamura Plant (Hamura, Tokyo), which is contracted to manufacture models such as the Land Cruiser 250, would be transferred to Toyota.
Since forming a business alliance nearly 60 years ago, Toyota and Hino have shared personnel and technologies. Now, with the addition of Daimler Truck and Mitsubishi Fuso, the pair’s relationship is entering a new stage, as they work together to build the future of commercial vehicles.
“While the collaboration is taking on a different form, the company will always share Toyota’s love for trucks and the auto industry, and a commitment to supplying the vehicles that serve customers’ needs. We hope to receive your continued support.”
At these words from Chairman Toyoda, the venue erupted in thunderous applause.