By Maki Shiraki

TOYOTA CITY, Japan, June 17 (Reuters) - Toyota Motor ( TM )

shareholders re-elected Akio Toyoda as chairman and

backed new CEO Kenta Kon as a board member on Tuesday, endorsing

the automaker's leadership at the first annual meeting held

during Kon's tenure.

Shareholders also approved the re-election of four other

directors.

The approvals highlight investor support for the course set

out by the world's top-selling automaker, which has seen hybrid

vehicle sales grow in markets like the U.S. and Japan.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Kon said the

company would continue to invest steadily in growth areas such

as AI, robotics and its multi-pathway strategy utilising various

powertrains without "hitting the brakes suddenly".

Kon, who used to work as Toyoda's secretary and became CEO

in April, formally took his seat on the board.

Former CEO Koji Sato, now vice chairman, stepped down from

the board.