President's Address to New Employees for Fiscal Year 2026

Toyota Auto Body Corporation (Headquarters: Kariya City, Aichi Prefecture; President and Representative Director: Katsuhiro Matsuo) held the Toyota Auto Body Group entrance ceremony today. A total of 584 new employees (472 for our company, 112 for 10 group companies) who joined the Toyota Auto Body Group on this day participated, as the Toyota Auto Body Group will unite to create next-generation commercial vehicles.

The gist of the address is as follows:

Our company separated from Toyota Motor Industry in 1945, with commercial vehicles as its origin. With the mission of 'contributing to society with vehicles that transport people and goods,' we have continued our journey as a complete vehicle manufacturer of commercial vehicles, minivans, and SUVs. Our predecessors, in every era, responded to customer demands with wisdom and ingenuity, allowing us to celebrate our 80th anniversary last year.

This year marks an important start for advancing the 'products and manufacturing' of next-generation commercial vehicles. For 'products,' we will embody 'good products' that serve society through research and creation, always prioritizing our customers with a multi-pathway approach. For 'manufacturing,' we will transform our factories to be competitive and people-friendly. Let's work hard together.

1. Challenge without fear of failure

Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota, left us with the words, 'Open the shoji screen, the world outside is vast.' Look towards worlds you haven't seen yet, and by boldly taking a step forward, gain many learnings and insights. Repeat challenges to new things and connect them to your confidence and growth.

2. Continuously refine your skills

With the feelings you have on this day of joining the company, seriously engage with your work and continuously refine your skills. This steady accumulation will become your future strength. Training can sometimes be tough, and continuing alone can be difficult, but you have colleagues and seniors who will support you. While competing with your peers, surpass your past self step by step.

3. Contribute to society without forgetting gratitude

Never forget your gratitude to your family and those around you who have supported you so far. From now on, look not only to your own growth but also to your colleagues, customers, and society, and become a person who is trusted by those around you and can contribute to society.

Let's work together to create a wonderful future where customers say, 'Toyota Auto Body is great!'

Group photo of all attendees

Address by President and Representative Director Katsuhiro Matsuo

New employees gathered at the entrance ceremony

Photo taken in front of a panel depicting a Hiace concept car exhibited at Japan Mobility Show 2025. The panel was created by a second-year design department employee.