Facts About Toyota Motor Corporation
Toyota has spent decades making cars, but there's more to their story. The shift from agriculture to automobile to space tech had its ups and downs, so let's see how it has evolved over the years.
Uncommon Fascinating Facts In Toyota History
In 1937, Kiichiro Toyoda founded what would become one of the biggest names in the automobile industry. Almost a century later, Toyota Motor Corporation became a global automobile leader. This deep dive into their history highlights several interesting facts that most loyal customers don't know.
Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Wasn't Always A Car Company
Toyota was founded by Sakichi Toyoda in 1926 as a textile company called Toyoda Automatic Loom Works. The company made automatic looms for weaving fabric, which was important in Japan. The profits from making looms gave Sakichi the money and resources to explore a new venture: building cars.
Joyofmuseums, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Sakichi's Son Made The Shift To Automobiles
Sakichi sent his son Kiichiro Toyoda to the University of Tokyo. After graduating from Engineering, he traveled to England and the US to learn more about manufacturing. When he returned to Japan, Kiichiro improved the family's looms and created techniques to reduce production waste.
Tokyo538, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
He Hired The Best Hands
After visiting the West in 1921, Kiichiro fell in love with cars. In 1933, he convinced his brother-in-law, Risaburo, to fund an automotive project. Kiichiro bought a Chevrolet, took it apart with Japan's top engineers, and studied its construction to learn from modern car manufacturers.
Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons
He Built Toyota's First Prototype Car
In 1934, Kiichiro Toyoda and his team created a gasoline engine and convinced investors to fund an automotive division. The following year, they built a prototype car called "Model A1," inspired by Chevrolet, Ford, and Chrysler designs. Kiichiro even drove it to his father's grave as a tribute.
Mytho88, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Had A Name Change
Originally, Toyota was called "Toyoda," which means "fertile rice paddy." But the term for old-fashioned farming didn't go well with manufacturing sleek cars. The name was changed to "Toyota" because it was easier to pronounce, especially in other countries. "Ta" also has a clearer sound than "da."
Mytho88, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
"Toyota" Was Luckier Than "Toyoda"
Eight is considered a lucky number in most East Asian cultures. When Toyoda changed to Toyota, you could write the new name in eight brush strokes—a lucky number—compared to the former, which was ten strokes. In 1937, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) became a separate company from Toyoda Loom Works.
Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons
It's Logo Has A Strong Meaning
The 1989 Toyota logo has three ovals. The two inner ovals represent the hearts of the customer and the company and the trust between them. The big outer oval is the world embracing Toyota's global presence. Then, the overlapping ovals represent connection and community, Toyota's core values.
You Could Write "Toyota" Using The Logo
The Toyota logo is made of abstract shapes, but it's artistic enough to have "Toyota" in it—the inner ovals form "T" for Toyota. If you look closely, you can even spot all the letters of "Toyota" through the ovals, though they are not apparent.
Their First Passenger Car Was The AA
In April 1936, Toyota completed its first car after shifting from a textile company. The Toyota AA was a four-door sedan with rear-hinged doors so passengers could easily get in and out. It had a 3.4-liter engine producing 62 HP. Toyota's automotive debut rocked.
Iwao, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
It Had Parts From Other Car Brands
Upon its release, Toyota sold the AA for ¥3,350 to compete against Ford and General Motors vehicles in Japan. It also used parts from these brands for reverse engineering, local adaptation, and more straightforward repairs. That way, they could leverage existing technologies while developing their own.
NearEMPTiness, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Almost Went Bankrupt
After World War II, Japan struggled, and Toyota faced bankruptcy by 1949. In June 1950, the company produced about 300 trucks and was nearly out of business. When management announced layoffs and wage cuts, workers went on strike for two months to save their jobs and wages.
Toyota City, Wikimedia Commons
A Loan And A US Order Saved Toyota
Thankfully, Toyota got a bank loan but had conditions like cutting jobs and creating an independent sales team. The company agreed and shifted to producing military vehicles. Eventually, an order for 5,000 cars from the US military during the Korean War revived Toyota's business.
TTTNIS, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
There's A City Named After Toyota
In 1959, the city of Koromo in Japan changed its name to Toyota to honor the company. This gesture showed appreciation to a significant employer who had transformed Koromo into a bustling industrial hub. By 2015, about 40% of the city's population worked for Toyota.
Kondo Keiji, Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Is In 170+ Countries Out Of 190+
After Toyota became America and China's top car seller in 2023, it expanded into India and Brazil. By 2024, it was in over 170 of 195 UN-recognized countries. The carmaker also has 67 factories in countries like Japan, America, and China to make cars closer to customers.
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Has Almost 400,000 Employees
When you wonder how they can do it, the reason isn't far-fetched. They wouldn't be a top car manufacturer without enough skilled personnel. Statista reports show that the Toyota Motor Corporation had 380,793 employees on payroll when the 2024 fiscal year ended.
Coolcaesar, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Best Selling Auto Brand In Australia For Over Two Decades
For 25 years, Toyota has been the top-selling car brand in Australia. Its sedans, SUVs, hybrids, and commercial vehicles meet many needs. Despite stopping production in Australia in 2017, the brand remains trusted. Popular models like the HiLux, RAV4, and Corolla are always bestsellers.
EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Owns Other Car Brands, Including Lexus
Besides the flagship brand, TMC owns several car brands. Lexus started in 1989 as Toyota's luxury brand to compete with Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Toyota also has owned Hino since 1966, which focuses on trucks and buses. Likewise, they've owned Daihatsu and its small cars since 2016.
Toyota Has Stakes In Other Automotive Companies
Toyota owns shares in other companies. It teams up with Subaru to create cars like the GR86, with Mazda for new technology, and Suzuki for small electric cars. Toyota also partners with Isuzu for commercial vehicles and Yamaha, which helped build the famous 2000GT sports car.
Gnsin, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
They Built The World's First Mass-Produced Hybrid Car
In 1997, Toyota introduced the Prius. It had a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor to save fuel and lower emissions. The Prius could recharge its battery by converting braking energy into electricity. It was mass-produced, with over 120,000 sales in its first few years.
Mytho88, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Produces The World Most Bought Vehicle
Since Toyota introduced the Corolla in 1966, it has sold over 50 million units. It became the best-selling car in 1974 and even after 50 years, it has remained a bestseller worldwide. In 1977, the Corolla surpassed the Volkswagen Beetle to become the best-selling nameplate worldwide.
A Corolla Is Sold Every 27 Seconds Worldwide
After selling a record-breaking 10 million vehicles in 2012, Toyota reached 50 million Corolla units sold across twelve generations in 2021. In 2023, the carmaker racked in 1.13 million Corolla sales, about 3,096 cars daily, with one sold every 27 seconds.
Alex Neman, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
This Bestseller Is Named After A Crown
The name "Corolla" comes from the Latin word for "small crown." Toyota wanted customers to see the Corolla as a smaller, more affordable version of their prestigious Crown sedan. Like a crown represents domination, the Corolla became a reliable and well-performing car in Toyota's lineup.
Chanokchon, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Released Japan's First Supercar
You'd remember this one as the beauty Sean Connery drove in the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice. Count Albrecht Goertz designed it based on European sports cars. Despite spending three short years with less than 400 cars, it left a lasting mark.
Official Trailer - JAMES BOND 007: YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE (1967, Sean Connery) by Trailer World
They Had A Partnership With Yamaha
Thanks to Yamaha's expertise in performance vehicles, the Toyota 2000GT was a stunning beast. Its 2.0-liter inline-six engine produced around 150 HP. The re-engineered Toyota Crown engine set an impressive average speed record of 128.76 mph over 72 hours at the Yatabe High-Speed Testing Course.
Arend, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Their First Mass-Produced Sports Car Was The Celica
Toyota launched the Celica in December 1970 as a two-plus-two coupé derivative of the Toyota Carina. The carmaker derived its name from the Latin word for "heavenly" or "celestial." The Celica was destined to be a star from the minute it turned a wheel.
Mytho88, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Celestial Celica
Toyota created the Celica to compete with Ford's Mustang. Inspired by their first sports car, the Sports 800, the Celica was produced in convertibles and coupes over seven generations. You might've seen this baby in The Man With The Golden Gun and the opening scenes of Cobra.
Charles01, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
It Had A Lengthy 35-Years Journey
Before the Celestial Celica came, Toyota had produced the Sports 800, its first sports car. Unlike the Sports 800 and 2000GT, which had short lifespans, the Celica lasted 35 years, from 1970 until 2006, and sold over 4 million units.
Ezhiki, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Aygo Is The Smallest Toyota
As of 2024, the 2014–2022 Aygo is Toyota's smallest car. It's only 134 inches long and 63 inches wide, but don't let its size fool you. Despite its look, it's perfect for city life. The compact design makes parking and driving through tight spaces easy.
JoachimKohler-HB, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Small But Mighty
The Toyota Aygo may be small, but it can comfortably seat four adults without compromising fuel efficiency. Its 1.0-liter engine still gets around 51 miles per gallon and delivers about 68 HP. Likewise, the design helps maximize space for passengers and cargo while saving fuel.
Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Loves Motorsport
Since joining NASCAR, Toyota drivers have won many races and championships. They raced in Formula One from 2002 to 2009, finishing in the top three 13 times but never winning. Toyota even created Toyota Gazoo Racing to develop exciting racing models like the GR Supra and GR Yaris.
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Most Successful Japanese Carmaker In Motorsport
Toyota made history in 1975 by winning its first World Rally Championship at the 1000 Lakes Rally in Finland. By 1993, it had become the first Japanese manufacturer to win the WRC manufacturer's championship—it now has six. Toyota also has several NASCAR and Le Mans trophies.
Ank Kumar, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A Toyota Was Once The Fastest SUV Worldwide
In 2017, Chuck Wade from Toyota's Motorsport Technical Centre wanted to see how fast a Land Cruiser could go. Soon after, Toyota revealed the Land Speed Cruiser. The modified Land Cruiser stunned the world by reaching 230.02 mph as the fastest SUV.
EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Has The Most Patents By Any Automaker
The government issues patents to declare someone an inventor and stop others from making, using, or selling the invention. In 2022, Toyota topped the list of automakers with the most patents for the ninth consecutive year. Toyota is carefully guarding its future technology.
Bertel Schmitt, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Over 3,000 Patents
As of 2022, Toyota had about 3,056 patents. Many of its patents concern future mobility, such as electric vehicles and automation. Other innovations include better EV charging, fuel cell water systems, and vibration isolator seat posts for bicycles to reduce discomfort from dumpy rides.
Mariordo, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
An Employer Made A Practical Joke With A Toyota
When Toyota came to America, they realized the word "Toyota" starts with "toy." A hilarious mix-up happened in 2021 when a Florida woman expecting to win a Toyota prize from her employer was given a toy Yoda from Star Wars.
A Tundra Pulled A 300,000-Pound Space Shuttle
On October 12, 2012, a Toyota Tundra made headlines after towing the space shuttle Endeavour through Los Angeles streets. The Tundra didn't have special modifications, but it successfully pulled the 300,000-pound shuttle and its custom dolly across the Manchester Boulevard Bridge over the busy 405 Freeway.
U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Wikimedia Commons
It Pulled Massive Awareness To A Space Program
The tow was part of a 20-year partnership between Toyota and the California Science Center to raise awareness of the space program. Stunt driver Matt McBride drove the Tundra alongside astronaut Garrett Reisman, who had flown aboard Endeavour. The Tundra is now museum property, by the way.
User3204, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Goes To Space
Toyota is certainly reaching for the stars. The company is currently working with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to create the Lunar Cruiser, a space vehicle launching in 2029 for moon exploration. It will carry up to four astronauts with unique features like rollover prevention and fuel cells.
SuFlyer, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Also Makes Robots
The Toyota Robotics Institute (TRI) creates soft-bodied robots like Punyo for homes and industries. TRI claims they make tasks like folding laundry and doing dishes easier. Toyota also developed CUE, an AI basketball-shooting robot. It is in its fifth version today, and the CUE5 can dribble and shoot perfectly.
Luis Villa del Campo, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
They Support The Paralympics
It's easy to support Toyota, especially since it has been a global partner of the Paralympic Movement since 2015. Toyota helps with mobility solutions like special vehicles and robots. Their partnership covers all National Paralympic Committees and includes creating innovative ways to help athletes move and compete.
International Paralympic Committee, Wikimedia Commons
They Operate With A Set Of Guiding Principles
The Toyota Way is a simpler version of the Toyota Production System (TPS) called "lean manufacturing." Kiichiro Toyoda and Taiichi Ohno developed it to improve car manufacturing. They have Just-in-Time (JIT), Jidoka (Automation with a Human Touch), Elimination of Waste (Muda), and Continuous Improvement (Kaizen).
The Toyota Production System & Lean Fundamentals Course Intro by KAIZEN Made Easy
Toyota Is Built On Pillars Of Principle
Toyota's production system has four key ideas. Just-in-Time means making what's needed when it's required to avoid waste. Jidoka stops machines when there's a problem so people can focus on important work. Muda is about waste reduction, and Kaizen is Toyota's philosophy of continuous improvement.
The Toyota Production System & Lean Fundamentals Course Intro by KAIZEN Made Easy
The Toyoda Family Is Still At The Helm Of Affairs
Toyota had kept its leadership in the family until last year. Akio Toyoda, the former CEO, is the grandson of Toyota's founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. Akio is now the Chairman of the Board and continues the legacy that has made Toyota a world-leading car company.
_Ascent_Sport_hatchback_(2018-11-02)_01.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
_02.jpg){kind=link}
.svg){kind=link}
