History of Toyota Motor Corporation
History of Toyota Motor Corporation, from its origins to today:
Origins (1920s–1930s)
Toyota began not as a car company, but as a textile machinery manufacturer.
Sakichi Toyoda, a Japanese inventor, founded Toyoda Automatic Loom Works in 1926.
Sakichi was known as the “King of Inventors” in Japan and believed strongly in innovation and efficiency.
His son, Kiichiro Toyoda, became interested in automobiles after traveling to Europe and the United States.
In 1933, an automobile division was created within Toyoda Automatic Loom Works.
In 1936, Toyota produced its first passenger car, the Model AA.
In 1937, Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. was officially established as a separate company.
(The name was changed from Toyoda to Toyota because it was easier to pronounce and write in Japanese.)
Post-War Growth (1940s–1950s)
World War II severely affected Toyota’s operations, and Japan’s economy struggled after the war.
Toyota nearly went bankrupt in 1949, but survived through restructuring and financial support.
In 1950, Toyota split into two companies: manufacturing and sales (later reunited).
A major milestone came in 1957, when Toyota exported its first car to the United States—the Toyota Crown. Though initially unsuccessful, Toyota learned from the experience and improved vehicle quality and performance.
Global Expansion & Production Innovation (1960s–1970s)
Toyota expanded rapidly during this period.
Introduced popular models like the Corolla (1966), which became one of the best-selling cars in history.
Developed the Toyota Production System (TPS), based on:
Just-In-Time manufacturing
Kaizen (continuous improvement)
During the 1970s oil crisis, Toyota’s fuel-efficient cars became highly attractive, especially in the U.S. and Europe, boosting global sales.
Luxury & Worldwide Leadership (1980s–1990s)
In 1989, Toyota launched Lexus, entering the global luxury car market and competing with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Expanded manufacturing plants across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Became known worldwide for reliability, quality, and efficiency.
In 1997, Toyota introduced the Prius, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle—marking a major shift toward environmentally friendly technology.
21st Century: Innovation & Sustainability (2000s–Present)
Toyota became the world’s largest automaker multiple times, competing closely with Volkswagen.
Continued leadership in hybrid technology, selling millions of hybrid vehicles worldwide.
Invested heavily in:
Electric vehicles (EVs)
Hydrogen fuel-cell cars (e.g., Toyota Mirai)
Autonomous driving and AI
Mobilihistory of Toyota Motor Corporation, from its origins to today:
History of Toyota Motor Corporation
Origins (1920s–1930s)
Toyota began not as a car company, but as a textile machinery manufacturer.
Sakichi Toyoda, a Japanese inventor, founded Toyoda Automatic Loom Works in 1926.
Sakichi was known as the “King of Inventors” in Japan and believed strongly in innovation and efficiency.
His son, Kiichiro Toyoda, became interested in automobiles after traveling to Europe and the United States.
In 1933, an automobile division was created within Toyoda Automatic Loom Works.
In 1936, Toyota produced its first passenger car, the Model AA.
In 1937, Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. was officially established as a separate company.
(The name was changed from Toyoda to Toyota because it was easier to pronounce and write in Japanese.)
Post-War Growth (1940s–1950s)
World War II severely affected Toyota’s operations, and Japan’s economy struggled after the war.
Toyota nearly went bankrupt in 1949, but survived through restructuring and financial support.
In 1950, Toyota split into two companies: manufacturing and sales (later reunited).
A major milestone came in 1957, when Toyota exported its first car to the United States—the Toyota Crown. Though initially unsuccessful, Toyota learned from the experience and improved vehicle quality and performance.
Global Expansion & Production Innovation (1960s–1970s)
Toyota expanded rapidly during this period.
Introduced popular models like the Corolla (1966), which became one of the best-selling cars in history.
Developed the Toyota Production System (TPS), based on:
Just-In-Time manufacturing
Kaizen (continuous improvement)
During the 1970s oil crisis, Toyota’s fuel-efficient cars became highly attractive, especially in the U.S. and Europe, boosting global sales.
Luxury & Worldwide Leadership (1980s–1990s)
In 1989, Toyota launched Lexus, entering the global luxury car market and competing with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Expanded manufacturing plants across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Became known worldwide for reliability, quality, and efficiency.
In 1997, Toyota introduced the Prius, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle—marking a major shift toward environmentally friendly technology.
21st Century: Innovation & Sustainability (2000s–Present)
Toyota became the world’s largest automaker multiple times, competing closely with Volkswagen.
Continued leadership in hybrid technology, selling millions of hybrid vehicles worldwide.
Invested heavily in:
Electric vehicles (EVs)
Hydrogen fuel-cell cars (e.g., Toyota Mirai)
Autonomous driving and AI
Mobility services and robotics
Toyota emphasizes long-term sustainability through its “Mobility for All” vision and environmental goals.
Toyota Today
Headquartered in Toyota City, Japan
Operates in 170+ countries
One of the most valuable and trusted automotive brands in the world
Known for durability, innovation, and efficient manufacturingty services and robotics
Toyota emphasizes long-term sustainability through its “Mobility for All” vision and environmental goals.
Toyota Today
Headquartered in Toyota City, Japan
Operates in 170+ countries
One of the most valuable and trusted automotive brands in the world
Known for durability, innovation, and efficient manufacturing
Toyota Products (Global – All Major Categories)
1. Passenger Cars (Sedans, Hatchbacks, Compacts)
Small / Compact
Toyota Publica
Toyota Starlet
Toyota Tercel
Toyota Yaris / Vitz
Toyota Platz
Toyota Belta
Toyota Echo
Toyota Etios
Toyota Passo
Toyota Agya
Toyota Wigo
Midsize & Full-Size Sedans
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla Axio / Fielder
Toyota Corolla Altis
Toyota Corona
Toyota Premio
Toyota Allion
Toyota Camry
Toyota Carina
Toyota Mark II
Toyota Mark X
Toyota Chaser
Toyota Cressida
Toyota Avalon
Toyota Crown
Toyota Century
Toyota Sai
Toyota Mirai (Hydrogen)
Hatchbacks & Sport Compacts
Toyota Auris
Toyota Matrix
Toyota Blade
Toyota iQ
2. Sports Cars & Performance (Toyota + GR)
Toyota 2000GT
Toyota Supra (A40–A90)
Toyota Celica
Toyota MR2
Toyota GR86 / 86 / GT86
Toyota GR Supra
Toyota GR Yaris
Toyota GR Corolla
Toyota Sports 800
3. SUVs & Crossovers
Compact / Subcompact SUVs
Toyota Raize
Toyota Urban Cruiser
Toyota Corolla Cross
Toyota C-HR
Toyota Rush
Midsize SUVs
Toyota RAV4
Toyota Harrier
Toyota Venza
Toyota Fortuner
Toyota Kluger / Highlander
Full-Size SUVs & Off-Road
Toyota Land Cruiser (40, 60, 70, 80, 100, 200, 300 series)
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Toyota Sequoia
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota FJ Cruiser
4. MPVs / Vans / Family Vehicles
Minivans & MPVs
Toyota HiAce
Toyota GranAce
Toyota Alphard
Toyota Vellfire
Toyota Previa / Estima
Toyota Innova
Toyota Avanza
Toyota Noah
Toyota Voxy
Toyota Sienta
Toyota Wish
Toyota Picnic
Toyota LiteAce
Toyota TownAce
5. Pickup Trucks
Toyota Hilux
Toyota Tacoma
Toyota Tundra
Toyota Stout
Toyota Hilux Champ
6. Electric, Hybrid & Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Hybrid & Plug-in
Toyota Prius (Gen 1–5)
Prius Prime
Toyota Aqua
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid / Prime
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Electric (BEV)
Toyota bZ4X
Toyota bZ3
Toyota bZ Series (bZ family)
Hydrogen
Toyota Mirai
7. Commercial & Utility Vehicles
Toyota Dyna
Toyota Coaster
Toyota Mega Cruiser
Toyota ToyoAce
Toyota ProAce (Europe)
8. Luxury Brand (Lexus – Toyota Owned)
(Toyota products under Lexus brand)
Lexus LS
Lexus ES
Lexus GS
Lexus IS
Lexus RX
Lexus NX
Lexus UX
Lexus LX
Lexus GX
Lexus LC
Lexus RC
Lexus LFA
9. Special Purpose & Other Products
Robotics & Mobility
Toyota Human Support Robot (HSR)
Toyota Partner Robot
Toyota e-Palette
Engines & Industrial
Marine engines
Industrial engines
Forklifts (Toyota Industries)
Important Notes
Toyota sells different names for the same car in different countries
Some models are discontinued but still counted as Toyota products
China-only and Japan-only models are included where significant.
