Former president of Japan's Toyota dies at 88TOKYO, Japan: Toyota's former president Tatsuro Toyoda, who helped the Japanese auto giant establish a foothold in North America, has died at the age of 88. © Bjoern Wylezich via 123RF Toyoda, an uncle of current Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda, died of pneumonia on 30 December 2017, the firm said in a statement. His funeral has already been held and was attended by close relatives, but Toyota said it plans to hold a separate farewell ceremony. Toyoda joined the company - founded by his father Kiichiro Toyoda - in 1953 and in 1984 became the first president of a new firm formed by Toyota and General Motors. The California-based joint venture was part of Toyota's push to expand production and increase its share in the North American market. The plant produced nearly 8 million vehicles until its closure in 2010, according to the company. Toyoda served as Toyota president between 1992 and 1995. Source: AFP |