Toyota is the largest manufacturer of automobiles in the world, and its rich history dates back several decades. Let's examine that history and how Toyota became the biggest name in the automotive industry.
Early History
The Toyota Motor Corporation began as a division of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works in Japan. It was established as an independent company in 1937 under the leadership of Kiichiro Toyoda. The company was dedicated to producing vehicles for the Japanese military during World War II but was in danger of going out of business once the war ended.
Toyota Motor Sales Co.
Toyota established Toyota Motor Sales Co. in Japan in 1950. In 1957, Toyota established Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. in Hollywood, California. Sales began in the United States in 1958 with 287 Toyopet Crown sedans and one Land Cruiser. Many buyers found the Toyopet vehicles underpowered and overpriced, and the line was discontinued in 1961. However, the Land Cruiser gained a reputation as a durable all-terrain vehicle and became the only Toyota vehicle in the U.S. at that time.
Rise in Popularity
The Toyota Corona was released in 1965. The Corona model was designed specifically for American drivers and helped increase the company's sales threefold by 1966. In 1968, Toyota released the Corolla, which has since become the world's best-selling passenger car.
In 1975, Toyota surpassed Volkswagen to become the top import brand in the United States. The company continued its dominance as a top automotive manufacturer throughout the 1980s and 90s. It established Lexus as a separate sales channel in 1987 and began selling luxury vehicles under that name in 1989.
In 1998, Toyota added the Tundra and the Prius to its lineup. The Tundra was Toyota's first full-sized pickup truck, while the Prius was the first mass-produced gasoline/electric hybrid vehicle.
In 2003, Toyota launched the Scion brand. This third line of vehicles is successful thanks partly to Toyota's youth-oriented marketing program. The company would continue to grow throughout the 2000s and 2010s, producing popular vehicles such as the Tacoma and the Highlander.
Today, Toyota is the largest vehicle manufacturer in the world, with millions of vehicles sold yearly. If you are interested in a Toyota vehicle, we have an excellent selection at our Toyota Dealership. Contact us today to learn more about the Toyota vehicles available at our dealership.
