Despite being the kin of the world’s largest automaker, Akio Toyoda love of cars isn’t bound by just one brand. If anything, the man has a deep respect for other automakers. Just take a look at the Toyota Automobile Museum in Aichi if you want a grand example of that.
Toyoda-san, also known as Morizo, is a dyed in the wool car enthusiast. It’s not too surprising to see him try out cars from other automakers. Some might even recall him taking a Honda HR-V (Vezel in its home market) out for a quick spin.
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That said, most automotive executives don’t admit that they own something from a rival automaker. Even fewer will put one on display in one of Japan’s biggest automotive exhibitions, the Tokyo Auto Salon. But Morizo is a different kind of executive.
So, what was it that Morizo proudly put on display during the recent Tokyo Auto Salon at his booth? It was none other than his personal Suzuki Jimny. Turns out, he’s a fan of the car, just like a lot of people out there.
Mind you, Toyoda-san’s car isn’t a top-spec version, and he even had to ask help from Suzuki to acquire a certified second-hand unit. He may be Toyota’s namesake, but even he had to wait in line for a used unit.
Specs? It’s the kei car version so it has a 660cc (658cc to be exact) turbo three-pot under the hood. There’s no special mods in it, either. Just a bog standard model. That said, props to Toyoda-san for waiting in line instead of trying to muscle in the line because of his name.
With that, we’re genuinely curious what other non-Toyota products Morizo has in his personal stable. We wouldn’t be surprised if he has a mix of classics and humble kei cars from other brands in his garage.
