Toyota Motor Corporation originated as a division of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works in Japan. It was established as an independent company in 1937, under the guidance of Kiichiro Toyoda. Initially focused on producing vehicles for the Japanese military during World War II, the company faced the threat of closure after the war.
Early History
In 1950, Toyota founded Toyota Motor Sales Co. in Japan. By 1957, it had expanded to the United States, setting up Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. in Hollywood, California. U.S. sales commenced in 1958 with 287 Toyopet Crown sedans and one Land Cruiser. Although the Toyopet vehicles were perceived as underpowered and expensive, leading to their discontinuation in 1961, the Land Cruiser gained a reputation for its durability and became the sole Toyota model available in the U.S. at the time.
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 introduction of the Toyota Corona in 1965 marked a significant turning point. Specifically designed for American drivers, the Corona tripled the company's sales by 1966. Following this success, Toyota launched the Corolla in 1968, which has since become the world's best-selling passenger car.
By 1975, Toyota had surpassed Volkswagen to become the top import brand in the United States. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Toyota solidified its status as a leading automotive manufacturer. In 1987, Toyota launched the Lexus brand, selling luxury vehicles under this name starting in 1989.
The late 1990s saw further expansion with the addition of the Tundra, Toyota's first full-sized pickup truck, and the Prius, the first mass-produced gasoline/electric hybrid vehicle, to its lineup in 1998.
In 2003, Toyota introduced the Scion brand, which succeeded partly due to its youth-focused marketing strategy. The company continued to grow in the 2000s and 2010s, producing popular models like the Tacoma and the Highlander.
Today, Toyota remains the largest vehicle manufacturer globally, with millions of vehicles sold each year. If you are considering a Toyota vehicle, we offer an excellent selection at our Toyota Dealership. Contact us today to learn more about the Toyota vehicles available at our dealership.
