Toyota shareholders back Akio Toyoda as chairman as Africa sales hold strong

Toyota Motor Corp. shareholders have re-elected Akio Toyoda as chairman, giving the founding-family heir continued support as the Japanese automaker pursues a $33 billion supplier buyout and navigates growing competition in the global car market. 

The vote at Toyota’s annual meeting comes during a leadership transition. Kenta Kon, who became chief executive in April, is taking charge as the world’s largest automaker faces pressure from Chinese electric-vehicle makers and stricter environmental rules in several markets. 

Shareholder backing also comes as Toyoda leads plans to take Toyota Industries private. The company, founded in 1926 by Sakichi Toyoda, was the original business from which Toyota Motor emerged in 1937. 

Speaking after the meeting, Kon said Toyota would continue investing in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics and its multi-pathway strategy, which combines different powertrain technologies to meet varying customer needs around the world.

Toyota extends global sales lead 

Toyota sold a record 11.3 million vehicles worldwide in 2025, keeping its position as the world’s top-selling automaker for a sixth consecutive year. 

The total includes Toyota and Lexus vehicles, as well as sales from Daihatsu and Hino Motors. While the United States and Japan remained the company’s biggest markets, Africa continued to provide steady support for Toyota’s international business.

Hilux remains a key driver in Africa 

The Toyota Hilux continues to be one of the company’s strongest products across Africa, where pickups are widely used in farming, construction, mining and commercial transport. 

Its reputation for durability and reliability has helped the model maintain strong sales across the continent. Toyota has also expanded local assembly operations in Kenya and Ghana to support demand and strengthen its presence beyond South Africa. 

The Hilux ranks among the leading vehicles in several African countries, including Ghana, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Senegal and Uganda. In Ghana, the pickup regained the top position in 2025 with an 8.2 percent market share.

South Africa anchors Toyota’s regional presence 

South Africa remains Toyota’s largest market on the continent. The automaker sold 148,124 vehicles in the country in 2025, capturing a 24.8 percent share of the market. 

The Hilux remained South Africa’s best-selling vehicle for a 13th straight year, while strong sales of the Corolla Cross, Fortuner and Hiace highlighted the depth of Toyota’s lineup. 

For Toyota, Africa’s resilient demand provides support as the company manages a changing industry and argues that the shift toward electrification will happen at different speeds across regions.