From its beginnings in the textile industry to its current leadership in hybrid, Toyota has experienced a remarkable rise. A look back at the pivotal stages that shaped this iconic manufacturer into one of the biggest names in global automotive.
From looms to the first automobiles
The history of Toyota begins at the end of the 19th century, far from engines and bodies. It is in the textile field that Sakichi Toyoda, the founder, took his first steps as an entrepreneur. In 1918, he created the company with his son Kiichiro specializing in the manufacture of automatic looms. It was only after a study trip to the United States that Kiichiro Toyoda became interested in automobiles. Fascinated by this booming industry, he decided in 1935 to start designing a vehicle. He then assembled different parts from American models to create the AA prototypeconsidered the first Toyota car.
The official birth of Toyota Motor Corporation
In 1937, Kiichiro Toyoda took a decisive step by founding the Toyota Motor Company. The name “Toyota” was then chosen for reasons of superstition: written in Japanese, it has eight strokes, a lucky number in Japanese culture. In addition, its meaning, “fertile rice field”, bodes well for the future of the company. This decision would indeed prove to be judicious in view of the future success of the brand. Toyota then began mass production of vehicles, laying the foundations for its future expansion.
The alliance with Yamaha and the birth of a myth
In the 1960s, Toyota entered into an unexpected partnership with Yamahaa specialist in two-wheelers and musical instruments. From this collaboration was born in 1967 the Toyota 2000 GTconsidered the first Japanese supercar. Equipped with a 150 hp engine designed by Yamaha, this avant-garde design coupe was produced in only 351 units. It gained worldwide fame thanks to its appearance in the James Bond film “You Only Live Twice”. This achievement demonstrates Toyota’s ability to venture into the field of prestige cars.
Unsung pioneer of hybrid
If the Toyota Prius Launched in 1997, it is often considered the first mass-market hybrid vehicle, but Toyota’s research in this area actually dates back to the 1970s. From that time on, the manufacturer experimented with engines combining gas turbine and electric motor on its Century and Sports 800 models. This technological advance, which received little media coverage at the time, would lay the foundations for Toyota’s future dominance in the hybrid market. It demonstrates the manufacturer’s long-term vision for automotive innovation.
The Opportunity of the Oil Crisis
Paradoxically, it was during the difficult 1970s that Toyota experienced a real international boom. 1973 oil crisis shakes up the automobile market, penalizing manufacturers specializing in large, energy-intensive engines. Toyota, accustomed to producing compact and economical vehicles, finds itself in an ideal position to meet the new demand. This period marks the beginning of the brand breakthrough in Europe and North Americalaying the foundations for its future world domination.
Late adoption of the iconic logo
Surprisingly, the famous Toyota logo composed of three ellipses forming a “T” did not appear until 1989. Before that, the brand had simply written its name on its vehicles. This change in visual identity coincided with the launch of LexusToyota’s luxury division, in the United States. The adoption of this new logo symbolizes the group’s global ambition and its desire to stand out in the various segments of the automobile market. It also marks Toyota’s entry into a new era of international expansion.
The consecration: world leader in sales
In 2022, Toyota reached the top of the automotive industry by becoming the world’s best-selling manufacturer. With 10.1 million vehicles sold and a global market share of 13%, the Japanese group is ahead of giants such as Volkswagen and Hyundai–Kia. This dominant position is the culmination of decades of efforts and innovations. In particular, it rewards Toyota’s early electrification strategy, whose hybrid range is enjoying growing success in the face of current environmental challenges. The history of Toyota illustrates the exceptional journey of a family business that has become a global automotive giant. From the textile industry to hybrid vehicles, including the oil crisis, each step has contributed to forging the unique identity of this brand. Today, the undisputed leader, Toyota continues to innovate to meet the future challenges of mobility.
