14 Interesting Facts About Toyota

Toyota Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer founded in 1937 by Kiichiro Toyoda as a spinoff from his father’s company, Toyota Industries. It is headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi, Japan.

Toyota is the parent company of various brands, including Lexus, which is its luxury division, and Daihatsu. The company has a strong global presence, with manufacturing plants and operations in numerous countries, making it one of the largest automakers in the world.

Market Position:

As of 2023, Toyota reported revenues of approximately ¥33.6 trillion (about $237 billion), maintaining its position as one of the largest automotive manufacturers globally. Toyota consistently ranks among the top three automakers in the world by production volume, often competing with Volkswagen Group and General Motors.

Interesting Facts About Toyota:

1. Hybrid Pioneer: Toyota revolutionized the automotive industry with the launch of the Prius in 1997, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, which remains a popular choice for eco-conscious drivers.
2. Global Presence: Toyota operates manufacturing plants in over 27 countries, producing vehicles that cater to local markets and preferences, making it a truly global automaker.
3. World’s Best-Selling Car: The Toyota Corolla holds the title of the best-selling car of all time, with over 50 million units sold since its introduction in 1966.
4. Largest Automaker by Production Volume: Toyota has frequently claimed the title of the world’s largest automaker by production volume, often competing with Volkswagen. In 2021, Toyota sold approximately 10.5 million vehicles worldwide.
5. Hybrid Vehicle Sales: Toyota is the global leader in hybrid vehicle sales, with the Toyota Prius being one of the most recognized hybrid cars. As of 2021, Toyota had sold over 20 million hybrid vehicles since the Prius launched in 1997.
6. Longest-Lasting Vehicle: The Toyota Land Cruiser is known for its durability and longevity, with many models still on the road after decades of use, making it one of the longest-lasting vehicles in the industry.
7. Highest Resale Value: Toyota models consistently rank high in resale value, with several vehicles, like the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota 4Runner, earning awards for maintaining their value better than competitors.
8. Most Reliable Vehicle Brand: Toyota has been recognized as one of the most reliable vehicle brands in various consumer reports and surveys, consistently ranking at the top for dependability and low maintenance costs.
9. Longest Production Run: The Toyota Hilux has had a continuous production run since 1968, making it one of the longest-running pickup trucks in automotive history.
10. Pioneering Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology: The Toyota Mirai, introduced in 2014, is one of the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicles available for consumers and has set a precedent for the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
11. Safety Records: Many Toyota vehicles frequently receive top ratings in crash tests from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
12. Global Workforce: Toyota employs over 360,000 people worldwide, making it one of the largest employers in the automotive sector.
13. Crossover and SUV Popularity: The RAV4 and Highlander have become some of the best-selling vehicles in the SUV market, reflecting the growing consumer preference for crossover vehicles.
14. Electric Future: Toyota is expanding its electric vehicle lineup, with plans to introduce multiple fully electric models by the mid-2020s, including the Toyota bZ4X, a battery-electric SUV.

Famous Owners of Toyota:

1. Michael Jordan: The basketball legend has been known to drive various Toyota models, appreciating their reliability and performance.
2. Ellen DeGeneres: The talk show host and comedian has been associated with Toyota, often seen driving their vehicles, reflecting her appreciation for the brand.
3. Oprah Winfrey: The media mogul has featured Toyota on her shows, promoting the brand’s reliability and commitment to sustainability.
4. J.J. Watt: The NFL star and philanthropist has been spotted driving Toyotas, endorsing the brand’s performance and durability.
5. Taylor Swift: The pop superstar has been known to drive a Toyota, showcasing the brand’s appeal among celebrities and young consumers.