How Toyota Began: A Look Through the Years

Founded in 1867, Toyota has a long history of making quality vehicles that appeal to people from all walks of life. The first business was Sakichi Toyota, which invented the wooden handloom, followed by Kiichiro Toyota. In 1930, Kiichiro Toyota began research on gas-powered engines. Soon after, the Automobile Department was established. Just three years later, an A1 prototype passenger car and G1 truck were completed. By 1935, Toyota announced its Model AA Sedan, as well as the AB phaeton and GA truck. The next year, the now-famous Toyota logo was designed.

Additional Toyota Milestones

Throughout its almost 75 years, Toyota has hit many major milestones. Some of these include:

• The production of SD compact passenger cars began in 1949.
• The BJ Jeep (known today as the Land Cruiser) and the BX truck were introduced in 1951. That same year, Toyota started producing SF compact passenger cars.
• SG small truck production started in 1952.
• The RK52 small truck (now known as Dyna) was announced in 1956.
• Crown, a Japanese passenger car, was exported to the U.S. in 1957. Toyota Motor Sales USA was established the same year.
• The entire company adopted Total Quality Control in 1961.
• By 1962, Toyota had produced its 1 millionth vehicle domestically.
• The popular Corolla was introduced in 1966.
• In 1969, Toyota reached annual domestic sales of 1 million units.
• The 10 millionth vehicle was produced in 1972.
• The company announced the Tercel, Corsa, and Celica XX (now Supra) in 1976.
• By 1980, the Cresta and Celica Camry (known simply as the Camry) were introduced.
• The 50 millionth vehicle was produced domestically in 1986.
• DUO dealerships for Audi and Volkswagen vehicles opened in 1992.
• The company announced the Harrier and Prius in 1997.
• In 1999, Toyota produced its 100 millionth vehicle domestically.

From 2000 to present time, multiple businesses were established. Some of these include Toyota Peugeot Citroen Automobile Czech, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland, Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California, Toyota Motor Industries Poland, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas Inc., and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama Inc.

It is evident that Toyota is dedicated to meeting the buyer’s ever-changing demands. If you are interested in learning about current Toyota vehicles or would like to test drive one, please visit us at Miller Toyota in Manassas, Virginia.