New Year Communique from President Toyoda - To Those Who Advances Forward

In a passionate speech on January 9, 2020, Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota, addressed nearly 1,600 employees at the Toyota Head Office in Toyota City. The address, delivered with an unusual level of passion, marked a significant moment for the automobile giant.

President Toyoda expressed a desire for Toyota to be recognised for its contributions to future generations. He emphasised the importance of Toyota’s future vision, centred on the "Connected City", a concept illustrating a smart, integrated urban mobility ecosystem. This shift towards a connected city is intended to transform transportation and society.

The sudden return from a press conference at CES 2020 in Las Vegas underscored the critical strategic significance of this initiative for Toyota's long-term innovation and leadership in mobility. Woven City, a prototype city where all types of products and services will be connected, was introduced at CES 2020.

The address included a video of President Toyoda speaking with employees of Toyota Motor East Japan's Higashi-Fuji Plant after making the decision to close it down. This marked the beginning of Woven City. Akio Toyoda wants the year to be the starting point for the "model change" moment, where Toyota transitions from an automobile manufacturer to a mobility company.

The New Year's Address had a different participant lineup than usual, open to anyone within the company regardless of qualifications or job title. This open invitation led to an increase in the number of female attendees and young people, including new hires.

Akio Toyoda is motivated to change Toyota in honour of the company's founders. He wants future generations to recognise the contributions of these pioneers. He also expressed a desire to reduce the number of employees who view Woven City as unrelated to their work. Akio Toyoda believes that those who have taken a step forward voluntarily may be able to perceive something others don't.

The President entrusts the employees with his expectations for the "model change" moment. He wants them to understand the significance of this transformation and to be part of creating a new model for Toyota. Akio Toyoda emphasised that those who attended the New Year's Address had done so voluntarily.

In conclusion, Akio Toyoda's New Year's Address signalled a significant shift in Toyota's approach to mobility and urban development. The emphasis on the Connected City and the introduction of Woven City indicate Toyota's commitment to leading the way in smart, integrated urban mobility ecosystems. This ambitious vision, driven by a strong personal investment from President Toyoda, promises exciting times ahead for Toyota and the future of mobility.