Dialogue and Empathy as the Keys to Daihatsu's New Presidency's Reforms
Daihatsu is embarking on a new chapter with the appointment of Masahiro Inoue as its new president, effective from March 1, 2023. This change comes as part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at revitalizing the Japanese automaker.
The new leadership team, which includes Inoue, was announced at a joint press conference held by Toyota Motor and Daihatsu on February 13. The conference aimed to discuss the plans for revitalizing Daihatsu, with Inoue taking the helm and assuming responsibility for on-site management.
Inoue's extensive experience in managing Toyota's Latin American business will be instrumental in steering Daihatsu's revitalization. He is known for his ability to move reforms forward through dialogue with frontline members, a skill that is expected to prove valuable in rebuilding Daihatsu from the ground up.
The organizational changes at Daihatsu also reflect attempts to reorganize and improve corporate governance and development structures. The company has addressed procedural irregularities in approval applications, signalling a commitment to transparency and accountability.
Daihatsu will be focusing its operations on minivehicles, and the company will outsource its overseas business for planning, development, and production from Toyota. This decision is part of an effort to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
The new leadership team will also aim to resolve communication issues between Toyota and Daihatsu, as well as between Daihatsu's management and genba (the workplace). At the joint press conference, the commitment to preventing the recurrence of issues was emphasized.
Notably, Daihatsu is withdrawing from Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies (CJPT) to prioritize preventing certification irregularities' recurrence. This move underscores the company's renewed focus on integrity and compliance.
The press conference also provided an opportunity for questions and answers, which will be examined closely to gain further insights into Daihatsu's revitalization strategies.
In addition to Inoue, Hiromasa Hoshika will continue as a vice president, with Masanori Kuwata joining from Toyota Motor Kyushu in the same role. Keiko Yanagi was also appointed as a director in Daihatsu.
Sunao Matsubayashi and Soichiro Okudaira, who were previously chairman and president of Daihatsu, respectively, have resigned as part of the leadership transition. The new team will face a challenging task ahead, but with Inoue's expertise and the support of the broader Toyota group, they are well-positioned to steer Daihatsu towards a brighter future.
[1] Toyota Times: https://toyotatimes.com/ [2] Official Daihatsu Press Releases: https://global.daihatsu.com/news/ [4] Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism: https://www.mlit.go.jp/ [5] Retrieved information from various sources: [Link 1], [Link 2], [Link 4], [Link 5]
The new leadership team, comprising Masahiro Inoue, Hiromasa Hoshika, and Masanori Kuwata, is expected to manipulate Daihatsu's revitalization, with Inoue's expertise from managing Toyota's Latin American business being instrumental. This change is part of a broader endeavor encompassing finance, industry, and business, with a focus on streamlining operations, enhancing corporate governance, and improving accountability.
