Toyota stands as the largest automobile manufacturer globally, with a rich history spanning several decades. Let's delve into Toyota's journey to becoming a dominant name in the automotive industry.
Early History
Toyota Motor Corporation originated as a division of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works in Japan. It was established as an independent entity in 1937 under Kiichiro Toyoda's leadership. During World War II, the company focused on producing vehicles for the Japanese military but faced potential collapse after the war ended.
Toyota Motor Sales Co.
In 1950, Toyota founded Toyota Motor Sales Co. in Japan, and in 1957, it established Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. in Hollywood, California. Sales in the United States began in 1958 with 287 Toyopet Crown sedans and one Land Cruiser. While the Toyopet vehicles were considered underpowered and overpriced, leading to their discontinuation in 1961, the Land Cruiser earned a reputation as a robust all-terrain vehicle and remained the sole Toyota offering in the U.S. at that time.
Rise in Popularity
The introduction of the Toyota Corona in 1965, designed specifically for American drivers, tripled the company's sales by 1966. In 1968, Toyota launched the Corolla, which has become the world's best-selling passenger car.
By 1975, Toyota had surpassed Volkswagen as the top import brand in the United States. The company maintained its position as a leading automotive manufacturer throughout the 1980s and 1990s, establishing the Lexus brand in 1987 and introducing luxury vehicles under this name in 1989.
In 1998, Toyota expanded its lineup with the Tundra, its first full-sized pickup truck, and the Prius, the first mass-produced gasoline/electric hybrid vehicle.
In 2003, Toyota introduced the Scion brand, which achieved success partly due to a youth-oriented marketing strategy. The company continued its growth throughout the 2000s and 2010s, producing popular models such as the Tacoma and the Highlander.
Today, Toyota is the largest vehicle manufacturer in the world, with millions of vehicles sold annually. If you are interested in purchasing a Toyota, we have an excellent selection at our Toyota dealership. Contact us today to learn more about the Toyota vehicles available at our dealership.
