Toyota, with a well-established rich history that originated out of Japan, recently achieved a historic milestone by reaching the production of 300 million cars. This historic achievement comes 88 years after the company’s humble beginnings in the automotive industry and eventually reaching American shores in 1957.
In August 1935, Toyota marked its entry into the world of vehicle manufacturing by producing its first-ever vehicle, a G1 pickup truck. Interestingly, this inaugural vehicle was technically assembled by the automotive production division of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, a company founded in 1926 that initially specialized in automatic looms. It wasn’t until 1937 that the automotive department emerged as a separate entity, ultimately becoming the Toyota Motor Corporation, a name recognized worldwide today. Notably, Toyota Industries, a sister company, continues to produce automatic looms, showcasing the diversified interests of the original corporation even in 2023.
Fast forward to the present, and Toyota is celebrating a significant moment in its long and storied history. Although the announcement was made recently, the milestone of producing 300 million cars was actually achieved at the end of September. Over nearly nine decades, Toyota has managed to assemble approximately 180 million cars at its domestic factories in Japan, while an additional 120 million have been produced outside of the country.
One of the most impressive statistics in Toyota’s production history is the incredible success of the Corolla model. With over 53.39 million units assembled, the Corolla stands out as the most popular model in Toyota’s lineup. Introduced in 1966, the Corolla has evolved through various iterations, encompassing sedans, hatchbacks, wagons, coupes, and even the occasional minivan.
In 2022, Toyota maintained its position as the world’s best-selling automaker for the third consecutive year, shipping 10.5 million vehicles. The RAV4 emerged as the top-selling model, as reported by JATO Dynamics. Toyota’s diverse vehicle lineup continues to expand, with the Crown now featuring a four-model lineup, and the introduction of the Century SUV, indicating the company’s commitment to innovation and evolving consumer preferences.
Looking ahead, Toyota is poised to introduce additional models, with electric pickup trucks, SUVs, and sports cars unveiled at the recent Japan Mobility Show. These new offerings represent Toyota’s dedication to embracing electric vehicle technology and shaping the automotive landscape for the years to come. The company’s enduring success and commitment to innovation make it a noteworthy player in the ever-evolving global automotive industry.
