Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda Waves Nissan Flags, Promotes Murano In Viral Video

Toyoda’s gesture highlights a rare moment of cross-brand camaraderie as he promotes Nissan’s Murano during a Fuji Speedway sideline moment. In a video posted by Toyota Japan, he waves Nissan flags with a Murano positioned behind him, and remarks in translated comments that it’s an American-made car worth Japan’s consideration. The scene comes as Toyota and Nissan remain competitors but increasingly collaborate in other domains; Murano exports are slated to begin in early 2027, following a U.S.–Japan trade pact that eliminates local crash-testing requirements for left-hand-drive vehicles sold in Japan, a market where cars drive on the left. Toyoda’s openness to non-Toyota products aligns with earlier moves, including bringing a Suzuki Jimny to the Tokyo Auto Show and backing joint projects with Mazda and Subaru, as well as a collaboration with Hyundai and others. The viral moment has sparked discussion about a more collaborative industry mindset and a broader acceptance of cross-brand promotions.