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
Toyota's history begins at the end of the 19th century, far from engines and bodies. It was in the textile industry that Sakichi Toyoda, the founder, took his first steps as an entrepreneur. In 1918, he created the Toyoda Spinning & Weaving 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 prototype, considered 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 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 a wise one given 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 formed an unexpected partnership with Yamaha, a specialist in two-wheelers and musical instruments. This collaboration gave rise to the Toyota 2000 GT in 1967, considered 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 demonstrated Toyota's ability to venture into the field of prestige cars.
Unsung pioneer of hybrid
While the Toyota Prius launched in 1997 is often considered the first mass-market hybrid vehicle, Toyota's research in this area actually dates back to the 1970s. At that time, the manufacturer experimented with engines combining a gas turbine and an 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 domination of 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. The 1973 oil crisis disrupted the automobile market, penalizing manufacturers specializing in large, energy-guzzling engines.
Toyota, accustomed to producing compact and economical vehicles, was then ideally positioned to meet the new demand. This period marked the beginning of the brand's breakthrough in Europe and North America, laying the foundations for its future world domination.
Late adoption of the iconic logo
Surprisingly, the famous Toyota logo consisting 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 Lexus, Toyota's luxury division, in the United States.
The adoption of this new logo symbolises the group's global ambition and its desire to stand out in the various segments of the automotive 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 best-selling manufacturer in the world. 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 crowns decades of efforts and innovations. It rewards in particular Toyota's early electrification strategy, whose hybrid range is enjoying growing success in the face of current environmental challenges.
The Toyota story illustrates the exceptional journey of a family business that has become a global automotive giant. From the textile industry to hybrid vehicles to 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.