What is Morizo referred to as?
In the world of automotive manufacturing, few names carry as much weight as Akio Toyoda, the president of Toyota Motor Corporation, who is also known as "Morizo" when he's behind the wheel. This moniker, a nod to his love for cars, is a testament to his journey, a journey that was significantly influenced by Hiromu Naruse, Toyota's former chief test driver and Akio's mentor.
Naruse, who joined Toyota in 1963, was a seasoned mechanic and evaluation test driver. He was instrumental in motor sports activities and played a pivotal role in the launch of GAZOO Racing in 2007. Alongside Akio and other test drivers, Naruse participated in the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race.
Akio, then a seasoned driver with a top-ranked license, met his driving teacher, the 14-years-senior Naruse, during this time. Despite his age, Akio accepted Naruse's offer to teach him how to drive, recognising the value in the wisdom of an experienced driver.
Naruse's intention for participating in the race was not to win, but to use it as a training ground for people and cars. This approach, and the know-how cultivated at the track, is what Akio has carried forward in his role at Toyota, embodied in his frequent phrase, "let's make ever-better cars."
Tragically, Naruse passed away in 2010 due to an accident on a public road near the Nürburgring. However, his influence on Akio's driving career remains significant. Akio, who wanted to be more than just a "car lover," wanted to be able to evaluate cars correctly and become the "final arbiter" of Toyota's cars.
Akio took on the name "Morizo" to make himself less conspicuous and susceptible to criticism in his racing activities. The Nürburgring race, he recalled, presented more challenges than driving a test course for three years. The road conditions at Nürburgring test the limits of a car, revealing issues that don't normally appear on standard test courses.
It was under Naruse's tutelage that Akio learned and honed his driving skills. Naruse, responsible for "seasoning" Toyota's sports cars as the company's most skilled chief test driver, continued to guide Akio even after his passing.
Despite the tragedy, GAZOO Racing continued and expanded its role in making ever-better cars at Toyota, a testament to the enduring spirit of improvement and innovation that Naruse instilled in Akio. Today, Akio Toyoda, the "master driver" and chief test driver of Toyota, carries on Naruse's legacy, striving to make cars that not only perform well on the track but also on the roads of the world.
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