The automobile industry certainly is a complex and fascinating world - it’s one where innovation and progress are constantly challenging the status quo. Among the industry’s titans, one name that consistently stands out and is known around the world is Toyota. Founded back in 1937 by Kiichiro Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation has grown to become one of the most respected and influential automotive companies globally. Thanks to their ongoing commitment to quality, sustainability, and technological innovation, Toyota continues to stay at the forefront. Shining a spotlight on this beloved company, today, let’s look at 20 facts that dive deeper into Toyota’s illustrious history and impressive legacy.
1. The Birth of Toyota
Contrary to common belief, the origin of Toyota doesn’t lie with cars, but with the production of looms. Sakichi Toyoda, the father of Kiichiro Toyoda (Toyota’s founder), originally invented the automatic loom. Crazy, right? The sale of patent rights for this loom was what provided the initial funds needed to start Toyota Motor Corporation altogether.
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2. The Name Change
Here’s a fun fact - Toyota was initially named “Toyoda”, derived from the founder’s family name. However, the name was changed to “Toyota” because it sounded better and looked more visually appealing in Katakana, a script of the Japanese language. In fact, it took eight strokes to write Toyota in Katakana, a number considered very lucky in Japanese culture.
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3. The World’s Largest Automaker
Would you be surprised to hear that Toyota is the largest global car manufacturer? Producing more than 10 million vehicles per year, it earned the title in 2012, surpassing General Motors and holding onto it most years ever since.
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4. Leaders in Hybrid Technology
Toyota was the first car company to successfully commercialize hybrid technology thanks to the introduction of the Toyota Prius in 1997. Now an icon of hybrid cars, the Prius has significantly contributed to reducing CO2 emissions and conserving fuel worldwide. 
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5. Toyota Production System
The Toyota Production System (TPS), also known as “lean manufacturing”, is a globally recognized efficiency philosophy. It focuses on eliminating waste while improving efficiency and maintaining quality. TPS is a valued philosophy that has not only transformed the auto industry, but has also influenced various other industries and fields.
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6. Reliability is a Hallmark
Toyota has consistently ranked high in reliability surveys across the years. Several Toyota models are known for their long-lasting performance, with many vehicles reaching or surpassing 200,000 miles. Contributing to Toyota’s high resale values, this is certainly one trait of the brand that is well-beloved and appreciated by consumers.
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7. Master of Off-Road Capabilities
The Toyota Land Cruiser is an off-road champion, recognized for its robustness and unparalleled capabilities. It’s able to traverse some of the world’s most challenging terrains, solidifying Toyota’s reputation for producing durable, reliable, and versatile off-road vehicles. This commitment to off-road excellence contributes significantly to the brand’s global popularity and success.
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8. Investing in American Economy
Toyota has a significant manufacturing presence in the United States, employing over 36,000 people across 10 giant manufacturing plants. Investing more than $28 billion into these facilities, they’re also boosting local economies by providing numerous jobs for American citizens.
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9. The Fastest SUV Title
Back in 2017, the Toyota Land Speed Cruiser, a heavily modified Land Cruiser, shocked the world by breaking the record as the world’s fastest SUV. Reaching a top speed of 230 mph, Toyota showed the world just how capable the company is.
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10. World’s Best-Selling Car
The Toyota Corolla, an incredibly familiar model, was first introduced back in 1966. Now becoming the world’s best-selling car, over 40 million units have been sold worldwide. It’s clear that Toyota was able to create a car that speaks to millions of people around the world thanks to its reliability and affordability.
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11. Toyota and Motorsport
Did you know Toyota has a rich history in motorsport? In fact, it’s the only Japanese car maker to have repeatedly won the prestigious Le Mans 24-Hour race, achieving this feat in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
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12. Lexus - The Luxury Division
Established in 1989, Lexus is Toyota’s luxury vehicle division. Renowned for their comfort, build quality, and advanced technology, the Lexus models are often compared to established European luxury brands.
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13. Leading in Safety Innovations
Toyota has often led the industry when it comes to implementing the highest-quality safety features. In 2003, Toyota introduced a Pre-Collision System (PCS), which uses radar to detect possible collisions and initiates safety measures before impact.
14. A Pioneer in Robotics
There’s no doubt that Toyota is a pioneer in robotics, not just automobiles. Toyota has robots that assist in manufacturing and perform tasks in environments that are unsafe and inaccessible to humans. For an added random fact, they even developed a violin-playing robot!
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15. Sustainability Commitment
Toyota is a company that’s fully committed to sustainability. It aims to have zero CO2 emissions from its vehicles and manufacturing process by 2050, emphasizing a move toward hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Although it’s still a while away, it’s an impressive goal that will greatly benefit the planet.
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16. Mirai - The Future of Cars
The Toyota Mirai, introduced in 2014, is one of the first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Mirai in Japanese means “future”, indicating Toyota’s commitment to innovative, clean technologies in the coming years. 
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17. The Smallest Toyota
The Toyota iQ, introduced in 2006, is the smallest car by far in all of Toyota’s lineup. But don’t be deceived by its looks because, despite its size, it can comfortably seat four adults. Achieving excellent fuel efficiency too, this is one car you shouldn’t overlook.
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18. Supporting Paralympics
Toyota is a worldwide partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. They are active supporters of the games and constantly strive to promote inclusivity and diversity in sports and society. Who wouldn’t want to get behind a company like that?
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19. Toyota’s Logo
Introduced in 1989, Toyota’s logo is made of three overlapping ellipses, with the two in the middle representing the heart of both the customers and the heart of the company. Intertwining together, it’s meant to symbolize the relationship and trust between the two factors.
20. Toyota in Space
Toyota isn’t just limiting itself to transportation on Earth - in 2022, Toyota announced a partnership with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to develop a pressurized self-driving rover for lunar exploration. They sure are reaching for the stars!
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From manufacturing looms to setting benchmarks in the automobile industry and even exploring space, Toyota is a company that’s nothing short of inspirational. As the industry continues to grow and change, we can only look forward with anticipation to what this innovative brand has in store for us next.
