Takashi Obata Is New UMW Toyota Motor Deputy Chairman

Takashi Obata is the new Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor. According to the company, Obata-san assumed the role officially on 1 February 2022, replacing outgoing Akio Takeyama who had served over 2 terms here.

Obata brings with him 30 years of experience in Toyota Motor Corporation. He was a key member in the Toyota’s Product Planning in Sales & Operation Planning divisions, and had been in charge of product planning for various models for the global market. Bringing his vast experience and vision for the future of mobility to his new role, Obata commits to driving the company to innovate and adapt to CASE (“Connected” cars, “Autonomous” driving, “Shared”, and “Electric” mobility) as well as 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 Mr. Ravindran K.,” mentioned Obata.

“I would like to thank my predecessor Akio Takeyama for leaving behind an incredible legacy during his time with UMW Toyota Motor. 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.

Meanwhile, Akio Takeyama reflects on his tenure at Toyota: “I have been very blessed to have been given the privilege to serve in Malaysia over 2 tenures. Throughout my 2 assignments in Malaysia totaling 12 years, I had 2 key phrases I 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 added.

Under the leadership of Akio Takeyama, UMW Toyota Motor had achieved many significant milestones, including the launch of its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Bukit Raja which is now recognised 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. There were also a number of new Toyota models successfully introduced during his tenure.

Having served for more than 7 years as Deputy Chairman, and with over 30 years in total at Toyota Motor Corporation, Akio Takeyama has made his mark on the automotive brand and the Malaysian automotive industry to which he credits his team and all UMW Toyota Motor stakeholders.

“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. I take this opportunity to congratulate Obata-san on the appointment to Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor. I look forward to working with him as we continue pushing the Toyota brand to newer heights and achieving even more milestones.” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

With newly appointed Deputy Chairman Takashi Obata at its helm, UMW Toyota Motor is set to lead the future of mobility through enriching lives and society, while progressing towards mobility for all.