Toyota pres. says product lineup under review

TOKYO (AP) - June 25, 2009 Akio Toyoda, grandson of the founder of Toyota Motor Corp., says Thursday he will put customers and the rank-and-file first to steer the automaker out of its worst crisis since it was founded.

At his first news conference since being confirmed as president Tuesday, he said each of his executive vice presidents will oversee a global region - North America, Europe, Japan and emerging markets, to be more nimble and answer consumer needs.

Toyota will focus on some auto sectors while pulling out of others, depending on the region, he says. He did not give details, though he said hybrid technology was an example of a Toyota strength.

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