For over 80 years, Toyota has been creating reliable automotive technology that generations swear by. However, the brand’s journey is packed with fascinating twists and surprising facts that even the most avid car enthusiasts might not know. Whether it’s groundbreaking technological advances, unexpected cultural impacts, or record-breaking feats, the story of Toyota is full of remarkable milestones that have shaped the automotive world.

Toyota Started As A Textiles Business

Before Toyota became a household name in the automotive world, it began as a textile company. Founded by Sakichi Toyoda in the early 1900s, the original business was named Toyoda Automatic Loom Works. Sakichi was an inventor and entrepreneur, and his passion for innovation led to the development of the world’s first automatic loom, which stopped automatically when a problem happened.

It Was First Called Toyoda

When Kiichiro Toyoda pivoted from textiles to automobiles, the company initially carried the family name Toyoda. However, in 1926, the company underwent a slight rebranding. The change from Toyoda to Toyota was primarily driven by simplicity and numerology. In Japanese, Toyota is easier to write with fewer strokes and is considered more auspicious because it has eight strokes—a number associated with prosperity and good fortune.

There Is a City Named After Toyota

Few companies have impacted their surroundings so much that they lend their name to an entire city (with the government’s approval). In Japan, the city of Koromo was renamed Toyota City in 1959 in honor of the automotive giant. Located in the Aichi Prefecture, Toyota City is home to Toyota’s headquarters and many of its key production facilities.

Supported by the Government

Toyota’s early growth was significantly bolstered by support from the Japanese government. During the late 1930s and early 1940s, as Japan prepared for World War II, the government encouraged domestic companies to produce vehicles by restricting them to reduce reliance on foreign imports. This support came in contracts, financial backing, and resources, allowing Toyota to expand its production capabilities rapidly.

First Production Facility Outside Japan

Toyota’s global expansion took a significant leap in 1958 when it established its first production facility outside Japan in Brazil. It began Toyota’s international manufacturing operations and demonstrated its dedication to becoming a global automotive leader. The Brazilian plant initially produced the Bandeirante, which contained 60% Brazilian parts and was designed as a heavy-duty truck that navigated rough terrains easily.

The A1 Was the First Prototype Sedan

The A1 sedan is special in Toyota’s history as the company’s first prototype car. Developed in 1935 under the direction of Kiichiro Toyoda, the A1 was a milestone achievement. Although it was never mass-produced, the A1 set the stage for Toyota’s future in the automotive industry. The car was inspired by Kiichiro’s trips to Europe and the United States, where he was fascinated by automobile manufacturing.

Focused on Truck Production

While Toyota is now known for its wide range of passenger vehicles, its early focus was on trucks. The G1, introduced in 1935, was Toyota’s first truck and the second vehicle ever produced by the company. Designed to meet Japan’s growing need for reliable and durable transportation of goods, the G1 played a crucial role in Toyota’s early success, and 379 units were produced.

First Passenger Car Was Model AA

In 1936, Toyota launched its first passenger car, the Model AA. What set the Model AA apart was its affordability—it was cheaper than comparable models from Ford and General Motors, two of the most dominant automakers of the time. Toyota achieved this by focusing on cost-effective production methods without sacrificing quality. The Model AA was a significant achievement for Toyota, proving the company could compete with established Western automakers.

The Toyopet Crown Was The First Toyota Car In The US And Europe

The Toyopet Crown is the first Toyota car sold in the United States and Europe. Launched in 1955, it attempted to break into the highly competitive American and European markets. While the vehicle faced challenges in the US due to its underpowered engine and heavy build, it marked the beginning of Toyota’s Toyota’s reign in the West.

Toyota Makes Some of the Most Durable Vehicles

Toyota has earned a stellar reputation for building some of the planet’s most durable and reliable vehicles. Whether a rugged Land Cruiser or a dependable Corolla, Toyota’s vehicles are known for longevity, often clocking hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal issues. This durability has made Toyota a favorite among drivers in all corners of the world.

The Corolla Is One of the Fastest-Selling Cars

The Toyota Corolla is nothing short of a global phenomenon. Since its introduction in 1966, the Corolla has become one of the best-selling cars in history, with over 50 million units sold worldwide as of 2021. Toyota announced that one Corolla was sold approximately every 15 seconds in 2016. In the same year, out of five cars, one had to be a Corolla.

Toyota Produced Over 10 Million Cars in One Year

In 2013, Toyota achieved a monumental milestone by becoming the first automaker in history to produce more than 10 million vehicles in a single year. This achievement underscored Toyota’s position as the world’s largest automaker and highlighted the incredible scale of its global operations. With production facilities spread across continents, Toyota proves its efficiency, innovation, and dedication to meeting customers’ demands worldwide. 

Toyota’s VIN To Know Your Car’s Origin

Curious as to where your Toyota came from? Check the Vehicle Identification Number behind the windshield, the driver’s side door jamb, and car documentation. This number includes all the information about your car’s body, engine and airbags, model line and year, plant code, and the car’s unique serial number. If the VIN starts with a J, your vehicle is Japanese-made.

Commitment to the Environment

In 2015, the company announced its Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 to eliminate nearly all carbon emissions from its vehicles and production processes by 2050. This ambitious goal includes developing next-generation hybrid, electric, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and creating sustainable manufacturing practices. Toyota’s dedication to environmental stewardship reflects its belief that automakers have a critical role in combating climate change and creating a more sustainable future.

Still a Family Business

Despite its massive global presence, Toyota remains a family business at heart. The company’s roots trace back to the Toyoda family, and today, members of the Toyoda family play key roles in the company’s leadership. Akio Toyoda, the grandson of the company’s founder, Kiichiro Toyoda, is the current head of the Board of Directors of Toyota Motor Corporation.