Toyota CEO Change, Subaru & Honda Profit Drops, and Brake Brand Closures

Toyota Leadership Change

• 💡 Akio Toyoda is out as CEO of Toyota, replaced by Kenta Kon, previously the CFO.
• 📉 The change is due to down profits despite increased sales units, with Kon being described as a "numbers person."
• 🏎️ Concerns arise about the future of Toyota's Gazoo Racing (GR) initiative and performance vehicles like the GR Corolla and GR86.

Automotive Profit Declines

• ⚠️ Subaru's profit forecast is down 70% for the full year 2025, a significant adjustment from previous projections.
• 📊 Honda also projects a 60% reduction in profits for the 2025 financial year.
• 💰 These profit drops for both Subaru and Honda are largely driven by tariffs.

Subaru's Response to Challenges

• 🌱 Subaru is attempting to mitigate losses by moving Forester production to Indiana and increasing US manufacturing.
• 🏷️ Efforts include dropping prices on the WRX and Forester hybrids to stimulate sales.
• 🛠️ The company is likely absorbing significant tariff costs, which has led to some parts price increases.

Brake Brand Dissolutions

• 🛑 Well-known brake brands Stoptech, Centric, and Raybestos are ceasing production.
• 📉 These brands, owned by First Brands Group, are likely dissolving due to financial troubles.
• 🚗 This news is a "bummer" for the Subaru community, which frequently used these popular brake parts.