The Toyota brand (Toyota) is today considered the world's largest car manufacturer. More than 5.5 million cars leave the company's conveyors annually. In terms of time frames, every 6 seconds a new car of this brand appears in the world. How the Japanese creators managed to move from the manufacture of textile machines to leadership in the global auto industry, you will learn further.
Prerequisites for the development of the company
The forerunner in creating the greatest magnate in the auto industry was Toyoda Automatic Loom Works. She was engaged in the production of machine tools for the textile industry. The peculiarity of the equipment was the spontaneous stop of the machine when there was a problem in operation (the principle of jidoka).
1929 Sakichi Toyoda, the creator of automatic looms, sells a patent for the invention to the British, and he invests the profits from the sale in the development of the business of his son Kiichiro Toyoda.
Sakichi Toyoda was born into a carpenter's family on February 14, 1867. In 1890, he created a hand-operated wooden loom, and six years later, Japan's first electric loom. Toyoda does not stop there, in 1924 an automatic textile machine appears that does not require stopping equipment to replace shuttles. In the same year, Sakichi's son Kiichiro was born, who will create his own car company Toyota.
After a detailed study of the automotive industry in Europe, the United States in 1930, Kiichiro Toyoda will start producing his own car. 1933 for Toyoda Automatic Loom Works will be marked by the appearance of a subsidiary branch for the production of cars under the leadership of Kiichiro Toyoda. This fact will be significant for the development of the automotive industry in Japan and the world.
Stages of brand development
First successes
The history of the great automobile brand begins in 1933. After 2 years, two car models appear: the passenger Model A1 (later renamed Model AA) and the cargo Model G1. The models are equipped with a type A engine of their own design, but in many ways they resemble the well-known Chevrolet cars, Dodge Power Wagon.
G1 trucks were to the taste of the Chinese authorities, the corporation exported a whole batch of trucks to China. Now the brand has become recognized not only in Japan, but also abroad.
1937 - the company becomes independent, moves to a new stage of development already as Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. The updated brand name sounds softer, promises to bring good luck (the word Toyota written in katakana consists of 8 dashes, which, according to Japanese beliefs, symbolizes success).
The impact of the war on production
The war years suspended the development of the company and the release of new models. All attention was paid to the production of trucks for the Japanese army. An acute shortage of raw materials was noticeably felt, simplified models were produced, some trucks were even made with one headlight.
During the war, the company's capacities in Aichi Prefecture also suffered, which complicated the further development of the brand, but did not stop it. Despite the difficulties, in 1947 the company managed to release new passenger cars (Model SA).
The deep economic crisis led to a strike of the company's workers. It was Taichi Ohno's concept called "Kamban" or "lean manufacturing" that helped the management find a way out. The new concept saved Toyota from unreasonable expenditure of time, effort, materials and guaranteed a high leap in development.
Thanks to "lean manufacturing", the entire production process of the company began to adhere to two basic principles: "just in time" and full automation. Both principles complement each other. The first principle stipulated the arrival of spare parts to the assembly position when necessary and in the right quantity. This made it possible to reduce stocks in warehouses and gradually replenish them. In addition, Taichi Ohno identified 7 types of waste in the production process and outlined methods to reduce them.
What is the essence of the philosophy of lean manufacturing, you can learn from the video.
Production and sales were separated, in 1950 Toyota Motor Sales Co appeared, it was exclusively engaged in the sale of products.
On the road to fame
1952 - the first head of Toyota died, but the concern continued to be active. 1956 - Japanese cars hit the American market. A detailed study of the requirements of the population allowed the brand to successfully gain a foothold in the United States, Brazil, and then proceed to Europe and Australia.
In the history of the brand's development, there is a rapid growth and success. 1961 - The Toyota Publica, a compact, resource-efficient car, enters the market. 1962 - the jubilee (millionth) car was released, 1966 - the release of a new Corolla model took place, which made a splash in the global automotive industry.
1967 - the brand increases production, two cooperations were signed at once with automakers Hino, Daihatsu.
World fame
In the 80s, the concern expects a number of pleasant changes:
- Toyota Motor Sales Co., Ltd. merges. and Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. (1982);
- 1982 - production of the famous Toyota Camry model is launched, and the brand itself is recognized by the world community as a powerful and worthy competitor in the automotive market;
- a cooperation agreement was signed with the largest auto giant General Motors (1983);
- 1986 - 50 millionth Toyota car is produced;
- there is a division of the Lexus concern, created to produce premium cars. 1989 - luxury models Lexus LS400, Lexus ES250 replenish the release;
- the company creates its logo in the form of the letter "T", which is formed by two ovals (1989).
The production of cars of the brand is growing exponentially, by 1996 the number of cars produced reached 90 million, in 1999 it exceeded 100 million.
In the struggle for the purity of the planet, hybrid cars Raum (1996), Avensis and the Land Cruiser 100 SUV (1998), as well as the well-known Prius model, are created, its production and sale exceeded 50 thousand in 2000 alone.
2002–2009 - the company actively participates in Formula-1 races.
You can see how the Toyota brand was created and developed throughout the time in the video.
Brand competitors
The constant pace of invention of new production technologies, the introduction of high-end models and features into budget vehicles, flexibility in environmental and resource-saving issues have increased the demand for the brand's products. Japanese cars turned out to be compact, comfortable and economical for the consumer, and most importantly, affordable.
2007–2009 - Toyota occupies a leading position. The global crisis of 2008 also affected the concern, it ends 2009 with losses. But this did not stop the brand from overtaking its own main rivals: global giant General Motors (GM) and Volkswagen.
2012 - the concern takes a leading position. Timely response to fashion trends, customer preferences, reasonable price in relation to high quality allow the company to maintain leadership, not to yield to competitors. In addition, the management of the concern also takes care of wealthy customers, offering them high-end Lexus cars.
2013 - Toyota is recognized as the most valuable brand in the world.
Toyota in Russia
For the first time, the official representation of a well-known brand in Russia appeared in 1998. The dynamic development of the automotive market prompted Toyota Motor Corporation to create a national company Toyota Motor LLC (2002). She was engaged in marketing, selling cars in the Russian Federation.
2007 - CJSC "Toyota Bank" began to operate in Russia. The bank was engaged in lending to Toyota and Lexus auto dealers. This move greatly facilitated the wholesale and retail purchase of cars of a famous brand. Soon, a car assembly plant was opened in the village of Shushary for the production of Toyota Camry class "E" cars. It was assumed that the plant would produce about 20 thousand cars a year with a prospect of up to 300 thousand cars. At the end of 2011, the company employed 600 people, the volume of work performed exceeded 14 thousand vehicles.
At the end of 2011, the Japanese concern was represented in Russia by Toyota Motor LLC, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Russia LLC. Their main offices are located in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
2015 - Toyota succeeded other Japanese brands. The most popular models on the Russian market are Land Cruiser Prado, Toyota Camry, Land Cruiser 200 and RAV4.
Toyota Land Cruiser 200 is currently the leader among full-size SUVs in the premium segment. The car's market share is 45%.
Brand share in the global market
Toyota Motors Corporation is engaged in the production and sale of cars for the transport of passengers and goods. Most of the concern's factories are concentrated in Japan, some facilities are located in other countries. For example, large factories in the USA, Thailand, Canada and Indonesia, where the number of employees varies from 5.5 thousand to 10 thousand people.
According to 2015 data, out of the number of cars purchased during the year (91 million), 9.6% fell on the Toyota brand.
The concern's products are actively purchased, the share of Toyota cars in some regions was:
- Japan (46.8%);
- North America (13.5%);
- Asia (13.4%);
- European countries (4.6%).
The brand management has excluded as much as possible operations and processes in the technological process that do not bring value to the consumer. The desire to improve, to satisfy the desires of customers ensures the success and leadership of the Toyota concern.
Toyota Motor RUS LLC, the official representative of Toyota in Russia, sells cars assembled at Japanese and European factories in the Russian Federation. To date, we have officially sold 10 models. And most of them are imported directly from Japan.
Toyota Corolla. All cars of this brand intended for sale in the Russian Federation are assembled at the Takaoka plant in Japan. Assembly takes place on the same assembly line as the assembly of the Japanese right-hand drive Toyota Corolla. The same plant assembles the Toyota ist and its export version of the Scion xD, the one sold in the US.
Toyota Camry. Until recently, all Toyota Camry cars sold in Russia were assembled at the Japanese plant Tsutsumi (Toyoda city). The Toyota Prius (right-hand drive and left-hand drive), Toyota Premio (right-hand drive) and Scion tC (left-hand drive, for the US market) are produced on the same assembly line with them. With the commissioning of the plant in Shushary (St. Petersburg), Toyota Camry for the Russian market is produced there. Before starting production, factory workers were trained at the factory in Tsutsumi.
Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Toyota RAV4 come to Russia from the Japanese plant Tahara. All TLCs and RAV4s destined for the Japanese domestic market are also assembled there. The assembly of left-hand drive and right-hand drive cars is on the same line. True, there is a separate line - for Lexus cars, but it also has left (export) and right (Japanese) cars in a row.
Toyota Avensis. This model, as well as Auris, is assembled at the English plant Burnaston. In Japan, "avensis" are not produced.
Toyota Yaris. The compact car, the twin of the Japanese Toyota Vitz, is assembled for the Russian market at a factory in France.
Toyota Corolla Verso for the Russian market is assembled in Turkey, at a plant in Adapazari. This company has been operating since 1990. Toyota Auris is also assembled here, but this car does not go to the Russian market.
Doubt the origin of the car? Look at the VIN number!
Japanese manufacturers, like manufacturers around the world, use VIN numbers (Vehicle Identification Number) for unique marking of cars intended for sale on the world market, cars for the Japanese domestic market do not have a VIN number, it is replaced by a Frame number. VIN-number or VIN-code - 17-character alphanumeric vehicle identifier, which contains all the information about the car. Just he can help in determining the country of production.
The first number or letter in the VIN code indicates the country of manufacture. Cars made in Japan, in all cases without exception, are marked only with the letter "J". The second letter or number means the name of the manufacturer:
"T" or "B" - Toyota,
"N" - Nissan and Infiniti,
"M" or "A" - Mitsubishi,
"F" - Japanese Subaru (Fuji Heavy Industries), "S" - American branch of Subaru,
"H" - Honda and Acura,
"M" - Mazda,
"S" - Suzuki.
More detailed info:
Information about the country of manufacture of the vehicle can be found in the following documents, which the official supplier must have:
1) Certificate of origin a / m (Certificate of Origin)
It specifies:
- name, address and country of the vehicle manufacturer (see clause 1 of the Certificate of Origin - in our case: exporter Toyota Tsusho Corporation, then the exporter's address, city - Nagoya and country - Japan (Japan);
-p.4 of the Certificate - indicates the country of origin (see the Certificate, p.4 Country of Origin-Japan - Country of origin - Japan)
- signatures in paragraphs. 9 and 10 confirm that the specified goods are produced in the country specified in clause 4 of the Certificate.
2)Vehicle type approval
the following data:
- the assembly plant and its address (see Vehicle Type Approval, the address of the assembly plant, Aichi Prefecture (Aichi), country Japan (Japan) is indicated);
- the international code of the manufacturer is indicated and the full decoding of the VIN code of the car is given (“Description of the vehicle marking”, appendix to the Vehicle Type Approval, in clause 4, pos. 1-3 the international code of the manufacturer is indicated - JTE-Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan- Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan).
The VIN code of the car consists of three parts:
1) WMI (World Manufacturers Identification) - world manufacturer index (1st, 2nd, 3rd characters of the VIN number);
2) VDS (Vehicle Description Section) - descriptive part (4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th characters of the VIN number);
3) VIS (Vehicle Identification Section) - a distinctive part (10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th characters of the VIN number)
WMI is a code assigned to a manufacturer to identify it. The code consists of three characters: the first indicates the geographical area, the second - the country in this area, the third - directly from the manufacturer.
VDS is the second section of the VIN number, consisting of six characters that describe the properties of the vehicle. The signs themselves, the sequence of their location and their meaning are determined by the manufacturer. The manufacturer has the right to fill in unused positions with signs chosen at his own discretion.
The VIS is the eight-character third section of the VIN, and the last four characters of this section must be numbers. If the manufacturer wishes to include a model year or assembly plant designation in the VIS, it is recommended that the model year designation be placed in the first position and the assembly plant designation in the second position.
1st character - Country of origin
1, 4, 5 - USA
2 - Canada
3 - Mexico
9 - Brazil
J - Japan
K - Korea S - England
V - Spain
W - Germany
Y - Sweden
Z - Brazil
Z - Italy
2nd character - Manufacturer
1-Chevrolet
2 or 5 - Pontiac
3-Oldsmobile
4 - Buick
6 - Cadillac
7-GM Canada
8-Saturn
A - Audi
A-Jaguar
A - Land Rover
B - BMW
U - BMW (USA)
B-Dodge
D-Dodge
C - Chrysler
D-Mercedes-Benz
J-Mercedes Benz (USA)
J - Jeep
F-Ford
F-Ferrari
F-Fiat
F- Subaru
G - General Motors
H-Honda
H-Acura
L-Lincoln
M-Mercury
M-Mitsubishi
A - Mitsubishi (USA)
M-Skoda
M-Hyundai
N-Nissan
N - Infiniti
O - Opel
P-Plymouth
S-Isuzu
S-Suzuki
T-Toyota
T - Lexus
V-Volvo
V-Volkswagen
3rd character - Vehicle type or production department
4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th characters - reveal the characteristics of the vehicle, such as body type, engine type, model, series, etc.
The 9th character is the VIN check digit, which determines the correctness of the VIN number.
10th - symbol stands for
model year
A - 1980
B - 1981
C - 1982
D - 1983
E - 1984
F-1985
G - 1986
H - 1987
J - 1988
K - 1989
L - 1990
M-1991
N - 1992
P-1993
R-1994 S-1995
T-1996
V-1997
W-1998
X-1999
Y-2000
1 – 2001
2 – 2002
3 – 2003
4 – 2004
5 – 2005
6 – 2006
7 – 2007
8 – 2008
9 – 2009
11th character - indicates the vehicle assembly plant.
12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th characters - indicate the sequence of the vehicle for production, along the assembly line.
In our example:
-VIN number JTEBU29J605089849:
where JTE stands for Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan
B - five-door station wagon, all-wheel drive
U - engine type (gasoline)
2 - serial number of the model
9 - designation of a complete set 9-GX
J - family designation - LAND CRUISER (series 120)
3) Passport of the vehicle
It states:
-VIN number (the decoding of which gives complete information about the history of the car):
- organization-manufacturer of the car (country) (in our example, see clause 16 of the PTS - manufacturer-organization TS-TOYOTA (Japan)).
- the country of export of the vehicle (see clause 18 of the TCP - the country of export of the vehicle Japan)
In 1933, the company opened an automobile division, headed by the son of the owner of the "holding" - Kiichiro Toyoda.
1936 Toyota AA
Shortly before this, in 1929, Kiichiro Toyoda made trips to Europe and the United States to study the automobile industry. And in 1930, he began to develop cars with a gasoline engine. The Japanese government strongly encouraged such an initiative of a promising company. In 1936, the first-born Toyota appeared - the G1 truck, and a little later the AA sedan and AB phaeton. Not surprisingly, the first Toyota cars resembled cars from overseas brands such as Dodge and Chevrolet. In 1937, the automobile division was transformed into an independent structure - Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. In 1938, the Toyota AE was released. During World War II, the company produced trucks for the Japanese army. Due to severe shortages in Japan at that time, military trucks were made in the most simplified versions. In 1943, guest manager Taichi Ohno introduces a system for optimizing the production process under the motto "Just in Time". In 1947, the production of Toyota BM and Toyota SB trucks began, as well as Toyota SA cars, nicknamed "Toyopet" for their compactness.
1957 Toyopet Crown
In 1949, a Japanese company tries its hand at making buses. At the same time, Toyota SD enters the market. In 1950, an independent sales company, Toyota Motor Sales, was established and a year later it began to sell new products: a Toyota SF car, a Toyota BX truck and the first Toyota BJ jeep in the company's history. In 1952, the founder of the company, Kiichiro Toyoda, dies. And in the history of Toyota, on the contrary, the heyday begins. The image of the company, and of Japanese cars in general, increases significantly in 1955, when the BJ jeep becomes more harmonious Land Cruiser and quite respectable Toyota Crown appears - the first representative of the Land of the Rising Sun in America. Moreover, the export, which started in 1957, was not limited to the United States, it also affected Brazil. True, the first attempt to export Toyota cars to the American market ended not entirely successfully. But soon, after correcting the implementation strategy, Toyota corrected this and opened an official representative office in the United States. By the way, this was not the first foreign outpost of Toyota. It all started with a representative office in Thailand, opened in the same 1957. Two years later, the production of Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs was organized in Brazil, and another Toyota representative office was opened in Australia. In 1960, Toyota Motor Co. launches a massive offensive on European markets. In 1961, the Toyota Publica was released - a small economical car that quickly became popular.
1973 Toyota Publica Starlet
In 1962, Toyota celebrated the release of the one millionth car, cumulatively produced. The sixties were a period of improvement in the economic situation in Japan, and, as a result, rapid growth in car sales. The network of Toyota dealers abroad is actively developing - in South Africa, in Europe and Asia. Toyota achieved success in the US market - the Corona model, became widespread and became the most popular Japanese car in the overseas market. The following year, 1966, Toyota released its "hit" - the Toyota Corolla and the ambitious Toyota 2000GT sports coupe. At the same time, the company enters into a business agreement with the reputable Japanese automaker Hino. A year later, Toyota merges with Daihatsu. The result of the joint activity is the commercial Toyota Hiace. A year later, a Toyota Hilux pickup appears. The 70s were marked by a rapid growth in production capacity, which allows by 1972 to reach the figure of 10 million. cars produced since the founding of the company.
To popularize the Toyota brand in 1975, the Toyota team Europe racing team was formed. In 1978, the production of such well-known models as Celica XX, Sprinter, Carina, Tercel begins. It is noteworthy that Tercel became the first front-wheel drive Japanese car. Further overcoming the energy crisis and the resulting financial difficulties, Toyota entered the next decade. In 1982, Toyota Motor and Toyota Motor Sales merged to form Toyota Motor Corporation. The production of the legendary Toyota Camry begins. By this point, Toyota had finally established itself as the largest automobile manufacturer in Japan, ranking third in the world in terms of production. In 1983, Toyota signs a multi-year cooperation agreement with General Motors, and the following year, car production begins at their joint venture in the United States. In 1986, the 50 million milestone was reached in terms of the total production of Toyota cars. The emergence of the Lexus brand, a division of Toyota created to enter the premium car market, can be considered a striking event of the 80s. And in 1987, Toyota Motor Corporation begins cooperation with Volkswagen to produce pickup trucks in Germany. 1990 was marked by the opening of its own design center in Tokyo. In 1994, Toyota Motor Corporation introduced the world to its first-generation RAV4 crossover.
1994 Toyota RAV4
In addition, Toyota continues its global expansion. And in new developments, great attention is paid to ecology. That is why in 1997 the world's first production hybrid Toyota Prius was put on the conveyor. The year before, in 1996, Toyota produced its 90 millionth car, and three years later, its 100 millionth. In 2000, Prius sales reached 50,000 worldwide, and a new generation of the RAV4 was launched. By the way, the European design center of the company was opened at the same time. The year 2002 can be distinguished thanks to the cooperation of Toyota Motor Corporation with PSA to create a trinity of minicars: Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1 and Peugeot107, the opening of Toyota Motor LLC in Russia (marketing and sales) and, of course, in connection with the appearance of the Toyota team in racing Formula 1, which lasted seven years. In 2007, a Toyota plant was built near St. Petersburg, where the seventh generation Toyota Camry has been produced since 2011. Also in 2007, Toyota Motor Corporation produced and sold more cars than General Motors for the first time. By the way, GM held the palm of the world championship for 76 years. Today, Toyota Motor Corporation is one of the world's largest car manufacturers, producing about one car every five seconds. In 2012, Toyota celebrated its 75th anniversary with the release of the 200 millionth vehicle.
1936 Toyota AB
1943 Toyota AC
1947 Toyota SA
1951 Toyota BJ
1960 Toyota Land Cruiser 40
1965 Toyota Sports 800
1966 Toyota Corolla
1968 Toyota Hilux
1975 - the emergence of the sports division of Toyota Motorsport GmbH
1982 first generation Toyota Camry
1984 Toyota MR2
1988 - Opening of the Toyota Design Center in Europe
1997 Toyota Prius first generation
1999 Toyota Yaris
2002 - participation of Toyota in Formula 1 races
2009 third generation Toyota Prius
2011 seventh generation Toyota Camry
The history of Toyota Motor Corporation begins in the 19th century in Japan. Like many other well-known brands, the original business of the founders was not related to the automotive industry.
At the end of the century before last, the inventor and engineer Sakichi Toyoda founded Toyoda Enterprise. Contemporaries compared Sakichi to the famous American inventor Thomas Edison.
Sakichi Toyoda was born into a poor family, his mother was engaged in weaving, at that time it was a rather difficult craft. It was the desire to help his mother that led the young inventor to create a loom. The original design was patented and subsequently became the basis of a growing business.
Over time, English manufactories became interested in looms. To sign the contract, the inventor's son, Kiichiro Toyoda, went to England with a stopover in the USA. The young man, like many of his peers from the generation of the first half of the 20th century, was fond of cars. In America, he saw with his own eyes modern industrial production, as a result, after returning home, Kiichiro Toyoda began to fulfill his dream - the creation of a Japanese car.
Enlisting the support of his father, Kiichiro enthusiastically undertook the implementation of an ambitious task. The prototype, the A1 four-door sedan, began to be developed in 1936. Six months later the car was ready. This speed is explained by the fact that most of the technical solutions were peeped from American brands. Production of the AA model was launched at a new factory in Koromo.
The first cars were produced under the name Toyoda, but this name did not quite suit the young entrepreneur. Kiichiro was not at all ashamed of his surname, in translation it meant "fertile rice field." However, this agricultural name did not correspond to the industrial spirit of the 20th century.
That is why a competition for a new name was announced. Having considered over 20 thousand options, we settled on the name Toyota known today. This name traces continuity with the surname of the founder, the word is easy to remember and sounds good in different languages.
On August 28, 1937, Toyota Motor Corporation was registered, and car production began in November, at that moment the famous Japanese brand was born. Up until World War II, the company produced over 1,400 AA sedans. During the war years, Toyota produced military trucks, amphibians, all-terrain vehicles and aircraft parts.
The company was lucky that during the hostilities, its factories were practically not affected. Despite the difficult situation of the country, already in the fall of 1945, Toyota engineers began to create a new model.
Post-war devastation and poverty dictated their conditions - it was necessary to develop a simple and compact car. The Toyota SA model outwardly resembled a "beetle" or Volkswagen Type 1. Despite many borrowings, it is believed that this model is still largely an independent Japanese development. The first series of Toyota SA was released already in 1947.
Fight for quality
In today's world, a Japanese car is synonymous with quality, but this has not always been the case. In the post-war years, trust in goods made in Japan was, let's say, not very good. To reduce costs, Kiichiro Toyoda implemented the Just-in-Time (just in time) system in his factories. This system was used back in the 20s at the factories of Henry Ford, but it was the Japanese who brought it to perfection.
The next step in the struggle for quality was the principle of jidoka, which means the increased responsibility of each employee for the quality of products. Taichi Ohno, a shop manager at the Koromo factory, suggested in the 1950s the approach that had previously been used in weaving. When the thread broke, the spinning machines switched off on their own, which made it possible to reduce the amount of defective fabric.
The same principle was first applied in the automotive industry. If a worker notices a defective part, he must pull a special cord that stops the entire conveyor. Thus, the marriage was detected at an early stage, and its elimination ended up being cheaper than subsequent work with a dissatisfied client.
In addition, a system of continuous improvement was introduced at Toyota factories. Any worker can submit a rationalization proposal, which will be considered, plus, there are “quality circles” at the enterprises, a special atmosphere reigns that involves absolutely all employees in the process of improvement.
The principles of lean manufacturing applied at Toyota factories have become classics and are being studied by modern managers for adaptation in other areas of activity. All this allowed the Japanese automobile company to become a market leader, and the expression "Japanese quality" has become a household word.
Overseas expansion
Already in the 1950s, it became clear that in order to catch up and overtake, it was necessary to actively develop foreign markets. For a start-up Japanese company, this was a serious challenge.
In 1957, Toyota became the first Japanese automobile company to open a subsidiary in the United States. In September, several managers arrived in Los Angeles to study local conditions, and on October 31, Toyota Motor Sales began work. In the United States, Toyota Crown and Land Cruiser models were supplied.
Initial sales in the largest automotive market were underwhelming, with only 288 cars sold in the United States in the first year. In those years, traditional auto giants ruled the roost in America: General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.
However, everything changed during the oil crisis of the 1970s. The sharp rise in oil prices has changed Americans' views on cars. Inexpensive, economical and reliable Japanese cars quickly gained popularity.
And if in 1966 the new model of the Corona sedan was sold with a circulation of 10 thousand cars, then already in 1972 the total sales of this model reached 1 million. And that was just the beginning. In subsequent years, the Japanese company successfully conquered the markets of Europe, South America and Russia, deservedly receiving the title of the largest automaker in the world.
Modern Toyota production includes dozens of assembly plants scattered around the world. Each plant meets the most stringent quality requirements, so no matter what country or city you live in, you can always count on the quality and reliability of Toyota vehicles.
Where to buy Toyota parts
In Russia, Japanese cars are deservedly in demand and trust. The harsh climatic conditions of our country require a careful approach when choosing a car brand, spare parts and consumables. The most popular models are Corolla, Camry, RAV4, MarkII, Land Cruiser Prado and many others.
The main country producing Toyota cars is Japan, but with the growing popularity of the concern's products, it became necessary to cover the current demand and open new factories.
So, step by step, Toyota production was established in many countries of the world - France, Great Britain, Indonesia and others. Russia was no exception, where the products of this brand are especially valued.
About Toyota
Toyota began its activity with the manufacture of looms, and only in 1933 a car assembly workshop was opened.
To date, Toyota is the largest corporation producing more than a dozen car models and supplying products to almost all corners of the planet. The main office of the enterprise is based in the city of the same name Toyota.
The Second World War had a negative impact on the work of the company, and production was fully restored only by 1956. A year later, deliveries began to the USA and Brazil, and after another 5 years - to Europe.
By 2007, Toyota has earned the title of the largest automobile manufacturer and to this day successfully holds it.
Certain difficulties arose during the periods of 2008-2009, when, due to the financial crisis, the concern ended the year with losses, but after a while the company managed to bypass such giants as General Motors and Volkswagen in terms of sales.
By 2015, Toyota brand cars were recognized as the most expensive and in demand in the premium segment.
The main activity of the company is the manufacture of cars and buses.
The main facilities for the production of cars are located in Japan, but the concern's factories are scattered around the world.
Production is carried out in the following countries:
- Thailand (Samut Prakan);
- USA (Kentucky);
- Indonesia (Jakarta);
- Canada (Ontario) and others.
The concern's products are sent to Japan (about 45%), North America (about 13%), Asia, Europe and other regions of the world. Dealerships for the sale and maintenance of Toyota are open in several dozen countries, and their number is only growing.
Sales in Russia
The history of Toyota cars in Russia began almost 20 years ago. So, in 1998, a representative office of the concern was opened in Moscow.
The first sales success showed the correctness of the chosen vector, and after a while (in 2002) a marketing and sales company began to work. This year is considered a full-fledged start of the activities of the Japanese manufacturer in the country.
In the future, relations between Japan and Russia in the automotive and other sectors have been actively developed. So, in 2007, Toyota Bank began operating in the Russian Federation, based in two cities - St. Petersburg and Moscow.
Financial institutions provided loans to customers and acted as lenders to authorized Lexus and Toyota dealers.
By the way, Toyota became the first manufacturer that managed to open its banks on the territory of the Russian Federation.
In 2015, the popularity of Toyota cars reached its peak, which was confirmed by a record number of sales. About a hundred thousand cars were sold through official dealers.
The following models are in the greatest demand - Camry, RAV 4, Land Cruiser, Prado and others.
An interesting fact is that the Land Cruiser 200 in the premium segment occupies a leading position in sales, and its share is almost 45%.
Models that are assembled in Russia - factories
In 2005, an agreement was drawn up between the Russian government and the Toyota concern on the construction of a plant for the production of cars in the industrial zone of St. Petersburg.
The project was launched after 2 years, and the first "domestic" model was Toyota Camry.
Initially, the sales volume was 20,000 cars annually, but the concern's representatives planned to increase the figure to 300,000 units.
All cars that were produced in Russia were intended for the domestic market.
Despite the popularity of the Japanese brand's products, by 2014 sales decreased, and in the first 6 months about 13,000 cars were made, which was 1.5% less than in the same period in 2013.
To expand production, it was decided to supply Toyota Camry, made near St. Petersburg, to other countries - Belarus and Kazakhstan.
Despite some problems, the plant continues to develop. Thus, the construction of new stamping shops has recently been completed, and in 2016 it was possible to launch the production of RAV4.
The main issue concerns the build quality, which many do not like.
In 2013, the production of another representative of the Toyota concern, the Land Cruiser Prado, started. The Far East became the center of production. At the same time, the start of assembly in Russia did not lead to cheaper products, and prices remained at the same level. The planned production volume is 25 thousand cars annually.
The manufacture of machines in the Far East is focused on the domestic consumer - the Russian market.
In addition to the factories mentioned, Toyota for Russia is assembled in the following countries:
- Japan (Tahara) is one of the largest suppliers. Ten models of cars have been produced here since 1918, and the total turnover exceeds 8 million cars annually. About three hundred thousand employees are involved in servicing the facilities.
- France (Valenciennes);
- Japan (Tahara);
- England (Bernanston);
- Turkey (Sakarya).
Where is the Toyota Camry assembled?
The Camry model belongs to the D-class cars. Its production has been established in many countries of the world - China, the Russian Federation, Australia, England, the USA and, of course, in Japan itself.
During its existence, seven generations of the car have been produced and so far the manufacturer does not plan to slow down. Depending on the generation, the car may belong to the premium or middle classes.
Until 2008, Toyota Camry for the Russian market was produced in Japan. After the opening of the plant in Shushary, domestic consumers are offered cars assembled at their own facilities. This is what happens to this day.
Toyota Corolla
One of the most popular in the Russian Federation is the model. This is a compact vehicle, the production of which has been established since 1966. After another 8 years (in 1974), the car entered the Guinness Book of Records - it became the best-selling car in the world.
In 2016, this model turned 50 years old, and during this period more than 40 million cars were sold.
Previously, Corolla was assembled only in Japan, at the Takaoka plant. The situation changed in 2013, when the manufacturer introduced the 11th generation of the machine.
Since that moment, the assembly of Corolla for Russia has been carried out in Turkey, in the city of Sakarya. Deliveries of automotive equipment are carried out through Novorossiysk.
Today, only “Turkish” Corolla cars are available to motorists in the Russian Federation, but real “Japanese” can also be found in the secondary market.
There is a lot of discussion about build quality. According to the reviews of car owners and specialists, it almost did not change.
At the plant in Turkey, modern equipment has been installed, a staff of qualified employees has been recruited, and quality control is carried out by Toyota representatives themselves.
It is worth noting that earlier Japanese brand Corolla cars were already produced in Turkey (from 1994 to 2006). Cars were sold not only on the territory of the Russian Federation, but also in other countries.
Toyota RAV 4
The RAV 4 model has earned popularity due to its compactness, solid appearance and rich “stuffing”.
Crossover production began in 1994, and initially the car was aimed at young people. The number "4" in the name means the presence of permanent all-wheel drive.
Today, this crossover is in great demand among motorists in the Russian Federation. Until recently, assembly was carried out only in Japan at two factories - Takaoka and Taharan. This was until August 22, 2016. It was on this day that the first car of the model rolled off the assembly line of the plant in St. Petersburg.
The cars are planned to be sold not only in Russia, but also in a number of other countries - Kazakhstan and Belarus.
Toyota Prado
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado model is the pride of the Japanese concern. This SUV is rightfully considered one of the best representatives of the brand.
The advantages include an increased level of comfort, rich equipment, as well as a chic interior. The car is produced in 3 and 5-door versions.
Starting from the second generation, production was carried out with an emphasis on the Toyota 4Runner platform, but already from the 3rd generation, production was launched under the name Lexus GX.
The greatest interest for domestic buyers are cars produced in Japan. It is they who are considered "purebred Japanese". All three Land Cruiser models (100, 200 and Prado) are assembled in Japan at the Tahara plant.
By the way, in 2013, the assembly of these cars was launched in Russia at an enterprise in Vladivostok, but already in 2015 the idea had to be abandoned. The reason was the low level of sales.
Toyota Avensis
The next representative of the D-class from the Japanese brand is Toyota Avensis. The main competitors are Opel Vectra and others.
In the European market, the car replaced the Toyota Carina E, and in 2007 the Avensis station wagon appeared, which replaced Kaldina.
Despite the Japanese affiliation, cars have never been assembled on the territory of Japan. And in general, Avensis is not intended for the Japanese market. The main consumers are European countries and Russia.
On the territory of the Russian Federation, cars manufactured in England are mainly sold at a plant in Derbyshire.
The first cars left the assembly line in 2008, and a year later their number exceeded 115,000. There are no complaints about the quality - everything is done with English precision and scrupulousness.
Toyota Hilux
The Toyota Hilux is a special medium-sized pickup truck that has been sold in Russia since 2010.
Thanks to the longitudinal arrangement of the motor, the frame structure, as well as all-wheel drive, the car has earned popularity all over the world. To date, eight generations of this car have been produced.
For Russia, Toyota Hilux is assembled in two countries - Thailand and South Africa. Generally speaking, assembly for other countries has also been established in Argentina and Indonesia.
Toyota Highlander
Another representative of the Japanese brand, Toyota Highlander, deserves special attention. This vehicle belongs to the SUV class and is based on Toyota K.
The first performance took place in 2000. The main consumers are young people aged 20-30 years.
Initially, the model was intended for sales only in Japan. In the Highlander class, it is higher than RAV 4, but inferior to Prado.
The main consumers of this car are the Americans, but there is also a certain demand in Russia.
Vehicles assembled in the USA (Indiana, Preston) and slightly adapted to local conditions arrive on the territory of the Russian Federation.
Sienna minivans are also assembled here. The car is also produced in Japan, but these models are sent to the EU countries.
Toyota Venza
The Toyota Venza belongs to the class of 5-seater crossovers. Initially, the car was produced for the United States, but since 2013 it has also been introduced to the Russian market.
Toyota Venza is positioned as a car for young families who travel a lot and love an active lifestyle. The first sales in the world started at the end of 2008.
The model differs in reliability, rich functional content and comfort. In 2012, shortly before the start of sales in Russia, a restyled version was introduced.
Since 2015, the car has not been sold in the United States, and in 2016, sales on the Russian market also stopped. Today, the Toyota Venza can still be found in the Chinese and Canadian markets.
Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is a compact "Japanese", made in a hatchback body. Vehicle production started in 1999.
The name Yaris was borrowed from the name of the ancient Greek goddess of joy and fun (the original name is Charis).
The second name of the car is Vitz, but it only applies to cars made for the Japanese market.
In Europe and Japan, the car appeared in one year - in 1999. In 2005, a 2nd generation car was introduced, and in 2006 sales started in Russia.
Machines of the 3rd generation were produced only in Japan, at a factory in Yokohama, and were intended for the domestic market. Soon production started in France, from where the model gets to the EU and Russia.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
FJ Cruiser car from Toyota is a compact SUV, which is made in the original retro style.
The concept was first presented in 2003, and production itself was launched two years later.
In the US and Canada, the first sales started in 2007. Externally, the car resembles the FJ40 model, which was produced 50 years ago.
The car is made only in Japan. At the same time, in 2014, sales of this model in the United States were discontinued.
Over the past two years, cars could be purchased in the markets of Japan, China, Australia and a number of other countries. In 2016, the company announced its intention to stop production of the FJ Cruiser.
Toyota Prius
Country of manufacture by VIN code, how to find out?
You can get information about the country of manufacture of the car using the VIN code, which is given in the documents or printed on a special plate on the car.
In Toyota cars, the following can be located:
- In the left corner of the dashboard;
- Under the front passenger seat (on the right side);
- On the frame of the open driver's door.
You can recognize the country of origin by the first three characters. If the first character is J, the car is made in Japan.
Here it is worth highlighting the following options:
- SB1 - UK;
- AHT and ACU - South Africa;
- VNK - France;
- TW0 and TW1 - Portugal;
- 3RZ - Mexico;
- 6T1 - Australia;
- LH1 - China;
- PN4 - Malaysia;
- 5TD, 5TE, 5X0 - USA.
Also, when decrypting, you should focus on 11 characters.
The options are:
- From 0 to 9 - country of origin Japan;
- C - country of origin Canada;
- M, S, U, X, Z - USA manufacturing country.
The following digits are the serial number.
For a complete breakdown of the VIN code for a Toyota car, see below.
Despite the existing difficulties, Toyota continues to develop. And if old models disappear from the market, they are replaced by even more interesting and modern cars.
The manufacturer also holds its position in the Russian market, which is confirmed by the release of new models at local facilities.
