Toyota's Sato was the man for the moment - then the moment changed

Group 1: Leadership Change - Koji Sato is being replaced by Kenta Kon as CEO of Toyota after three years, reflecting a strategic shift amid rising cost pressures [1] - Sato will transition to the role of vice chairman and chief industry officer, having delivered record sales and profit during his tenure [1] - The management change is seen as a response to the need for a leader better suited to address mounting costs and competitive pressures in the automotive industry [1] Group 2: Financial Focus - Toyota is increasingly focused on lowering its break-even point due to higher costs, including those from U.S. tariffs, and the need for significant investment in technology [1] - The company plans to spend 360 billion yen (approximately $2.3 billion) in the current financial year to support suppliers, viewing this as an investment in competitiveness rather than just a cost [1] - Toyota raised its full-year profit outlook by 12%, aided by cost-cutting measures, and has performed better than competitors due to its strategic focus on gasoline-electric hybrids [1]