▶주메뉴 바로가기

▶본문 바로가기

The Korea Herald
검색폼

THE INVESTOR
March 29, 2024

Automobiles

‘We at Toyota hate to lose,’ says Akio Toyoda

  • PUBLISHED :February 02, 2017 - 19:06
  • UPDATED :February 02, 2017 - 19:06
  • 폰트작게
  • 폰트크게
  • facebook
  • sms
  • print

[THE INVESTOR] TOKYO -- “We at Toyota hate to lose, and we never do.” These were the words of Akio Toyoda, CEO of Toyota Motors who made a surprise appearance at a press conference on Feb. 2 for announcing the Japanese carmaker’s motorsports plans for this year.

Toyoda also shook hands with the drivers of the Toyota GAZOO Racing World Rally Championship racing team, which serves as Toyota’s official factory team. It is operated by four-time World Drivers’ Champion Tommi Mäkinen and his all-Finnish racing team, which will make its debut at this year’s championship season by competing in the Toyota Yaris World Rally Championship.

“We are excited and really prepared to win,” said Makinen at the conference, thanking Toyoda for making the trip. The CEO was not expected to take part in the event. 




Toyota will actually be returning to the FIA World Rally Championship for the first time in 18 years with the Yaris race.

The Japanese carmaker has said it considers motorsports as a valid medium to spread the excitement of driving. Cars such as the TS050 Hybrid are expected to compete in other global races that Toyota plans to enter this year, including the FIA World Endurance Championship and the Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race, where Toyota will be participating for the 11th year.

In the US, Toyota will continue to compete in NASCAR events. In Japan, Toyota will newly enter the Lexus LC 500 in the Super GT, aiming to win both this race, and the Super Formula two seasons in a row.

By Kim Ji-hyun (jemmie@heraldcorp.com)

EDITOR'S PICKS