Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda was taking part in Rally Hokkaido when he gave the thumbs up behind the wheel of a Honda HR-V
by Sam D. Smith
3 hours ago
Although Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation and grandson of founder Kiichiro Toyoda, may not have won any accolades from the “Future Is EV” camp, he’s widely recognized as being a car guy through and through. Whether it be his multiple exploits in the Nurburgring 24-Hours, turning up to events in a one-off Century GRMN, or pushing the brand to stop making “boring cars,” he’s won himself fans from all corners of the auto community.
In yet more evidence that Toyoda-san is gunning for the title of “most likable automotive executive,” he appears to be more than happy to give his homegrown competition the thumbs up via a recent video released by Toyota’s official Japanese PR channel. As of writing, the clip has garnered close to 16 million views and was even reshared by Honda themselves.
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The short clip, posted to X (formerly Twitter), shows Toyoda, also known as Morizo, behind the wheel of a Honda HR-V (or Vezel, as it’s known domestically). The brief exchange takes place in Japanese, but off camera, we hear someone ask the Toyota Chairman, “What car is this?,” to which Toyoda excitedly exclaims, “It’s a Honda!” This is followed by a thumbs up and a smile, showing that the former CEO likely approves of his rival’s product.
Toyoda was seen piloting the Honda HR-V during a recce for Rally Hokkaido. Morizo was billed to do a demonstration run in the GR Yaris Rally1 that competes in the WRC. It’s common for drivers and navigators to rent road-going cars to check out stages prior to an event, although we’re sure many executives would insist on staying “on brand” in such a scenario. That said, it’s evident that Toyoda has no hangups about sampling his rival’s products — let alone posting it to their company’s socials. The video released on X concludes with the camera zooming in on the Honda badge, followed by their “The Power Of Dreams” slogan — a friendly mark of respect from Toyota to their compatriots.
Riding shotgun in the Honda is Finnish former rally driver Juha Kankkunen. Kankkunen is a winner of four World Rally Championships, the last being in 1993 behind the wheel of a Toyota Celica Turbo. He also tasted success with Peugeot and Lancia in the ’80s. Kankkunen served as a navigator for Toyoda during the demonstration run — quite the two-man combo, we’re sure you’ll agree.