????With those crises behind him, Toyota's CEO is finding time to take a hands-on role in developing edgier new models. Keep in mind that Akio Toyoda is no meddler from management, ordering the movement of a piece of chrome or the enlargement of the trunk to accommodate a bag of golf clubs. He's a test driver certified for Germany's famed Nurburgring, he regularly drives competitive vehicles, and he isn't shy about making highly technical suggestions about ride and handling.
????Toyoda has also taken more of a personal interest in the U.S. market. He has long had American ties, having earned an MBA at Boston's Babson College and speaking excellent English, although he still prefers to use an interpreter for meetings with the press.
????Here are just a few of his recent star turns:
????? An emotional and highly personal speech at Toyota's dealer meeting in Las Vegas last spring to sustained applause, followed up this month with an enthusiastic sendoff for the 2012 Camry at the 25th anniversary celebration of Toyota's Georgetown, Ky. plant.
????? A front-page story in industry bible Automotive News, which is praising his knack of developing personal ties with autodom's movers and shakers.
????? In an incident quickly enshrined in industry lore, a chance airport encounter with Ford's Mulally leading to the announcement of a potentially important collaboration on hybrid technology for rear-drive vehicles.
????? His personal diplomacy leading to an investment in electric car maker Tesla (TSLA) and an unusual deal with Aston Martin to rebadge Toyota's iQ minicar as the sport car maker's Cygnet.
????Expect to see more of Akio Toyoda in coming months as Toyota launches a fleet of new models and bids to regain its title as the world's largest automaker. If he so chooses, he's ideally positioned to provide the industry with some needed leadership for the next ten years.
