TOYOTA has made two significant promotions within its North American division that affects future research and development for global vehicle production.

It has promoted Mike Sweers – currently senior vice president of the product development office and its global truck executive chief engineer – to the role of executive vice president at Toyota Motor North America research and development (TMNA R&D) along with the job of chief technology officer, reporting to Toyota Motor North America CEO Ted Ogawa.

The second major appointment is to promote Susan Elkington, current president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), to the role of senior vice president of electric vehicle supply and reporting to TMNA executive vice president of engineering and manufacturing Takefumi Shiga.

Mr Sweers will be responsible for North American vehicle research and development. He is also appointed to the TMNA North American executive committee. He assumes the core responsibilities previously held by Shinichi Yasui as the head of R&D and who recently became chief project leader of Toyota Motor Corporation’s hydrogen factory.

Of Ms Elkington, Toyota said: “In this newly created role, Susan will be responsible for accelerating the company’s electrified transformation, with a focus on battery and electric vehicle production and supply strategy.”

By Neil Dowling