An ECU executes a program including the steps of when an upshift is requested, determining whether engine torque ET changing rate .DELTA.ET>threshold value .DELTA.ET (1) is established or not: incrementing a recovery timer TE when engine torque ET changing rate .DELTA.ET<.DELTA.ET (2) is established during establishment of engine torque ET changing rate .DELTA.ET>threshold value .DELTA.ET (1); and initiating an upshift when recovery timer TE>threshold value TE (1).