Koji Sato

Toyota plans to make an all solid-state battery as part of its ambitious plans for battery electric vehicles, the company said yesterday, amid mounting criticism Japan's top automaker needs to do more to fight climate change.

Toyota named Koji Sato president and CEO on Jan. 26, in a surprise reshuffle that sees third-generation chief executive Akio Toyoda step aside to become board chairman of the world's top-selling automaker.

The Japanese automaker said Sato, 53, would also become operating officer when the changes to its executive structure take effect on April 1.