Japanese brand No. 1 - so briefly, in a nutshell, one can characterize the position of Toyota cars in the Russian market. These cars have been enjoying enviable popularity both among car enthusiasts and corporate clients for more than a decade, making up the fleets of companies operating in trade, financial, construction and other fields.
In terms of popularity, Toyota in Russia has noticeably overtaken such mastodons of the Japanese auto industry as Nissan, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Honda, Mazda, Suzuki. Even despite the far from the most favorable economic situation and market fluctuations, Toyota from year to year demonstrates a consistently high sales volume, consistently remaining in the TOP-10 most purchased cars in the Russian Federation.
Why did Russians like Toyota so much?
Everything is very simple: Toyota cars are reliable, time-tested vehicles with an impeccable reputation, confirmed by a number of competitive advantages. Cars manufactured under the Toyota brand can cope with the capricious Russian climate without any problems, they are not afraid of frost, they calmly “digest” far from the highest quality gasoline, they are not afraid of roads that leave much to be desired.
In Primorsky Krai, 90% of motorists drive Toyota cars
Both experts and motorists are unanimous in their opinion regarding the advantages and benefits of Toyota cars:
- Simple yet well thought out design
- Availability of spare parts and assemblies, their reasonable price
- High reliability and durability
- Ease of maintenance
The company's engineers use a unique tactic in the design of new models, which are based on time-tested and operational designs, schemes, technical solutions that have proven reliability, quality, and efficiency in practice.
Among the most popular Toyota cars in the Russian market are Corolla, Camry, Land Cruiser Prado, Rav 4, Avensis, Auris, Yaris and others.
Toyota "come" to Russia from different countries, they are also produced here. Which models of the Japanese brand, in which country are produced - an extremely interesting question that requires detailed consideration.
Made in Russia or where Toyota Rav 4 and Camry are assembled
Surprisingly, this moment is somehow not very extensively covered by television and the press. It is known that these machines are made in our country, but not everyone knows which specific models, where and who. Meanwhile, the Toyota Camry and Toyota RAV4 models are assembled at full speed at the plant in St. Petersburg. Production facilities are deployed in the village of Shushary, which is an intra-city municipality and at the same time an industrial zone of St. Petersburg.
Interesting facts about the Toyota plant in St. Petersburg:
June 14, 2005 - start of construction;
. December 21, 2007 - the release of the first Toyota off the assembly line;
. Technological operations carried out - stamping of body parts, production of plastic elements, welding, assembly, painting;
. Produced models - Toyota Camry, Toyota RAV4;
. The territory of the enterprise - 224 hectares;
. The volume of investments for the middle of 2017 is 24 billion rubles.
It is also noteworthy that the ceremony of launching the conveyor and the release of the first Russian Toyota Camry, in addition to official representatives from both sides, was attended by the President of the Russian Federation - Vladimir Putin, which eloquently testifies to the significance and importance of such projects for Russia.
To date, the Camry sedan and the RAV4 crossover are assembled only in our country and, in addition to the domestic market, are supplied to Kazakhstan and Belarus.
Where is the Toyota Corolla assembled?
Until mid-2013, the Corollas supplied to the Russian Federation were “purebred Japanese women” with the convincing stigma of Made in Japan, produced at the Takaoka enterprise. Everything changed dramatically with the advent of the 11th generation Toyota Corolla. The production of this model, oriented in particular to the Russian market, was established on the basis of facilities in Turkey, located in the city of Sakarya.
Regarding the build quality, we can say that it is quite comparable with the native - Japanese. Before the launch of the new Japanese Toyota Corolla sedan, the Turkish plant underwent a large-scale modernization, accompanied by an increase in the staff of skilled workers and an infusion of additional investments.
Toyota Corolla is one of the most popular cars not only in the countries of the former Soviet Union, but throughout the world. This fact is confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records, where the Corolla was given the status of the best-selling car.
With visually compact dimensions, Toyota Corolla has an unrealistically roomy interior. Indicative is the case that occurred in one of the Moscow car dealerships: for fun and in order to check the capacity of the Corolla, its employees managed to fit into the car with a full staff - all twenty people
Home Land Cruiser Prado
In the period from 2012 to 2014, the Land Cruiser Prado was assembled in Vladivostok at the production facilities of the Sollers-Bussan enterprise.
But, apparently, the Land Cruiser was not destined to get a second home. For economic, but rather political reasons, since there were no problems with the demand for this car, cooperation with Toyota under the Land Cruiser Prado program was suspended.
Currently, as before Vladivostok, all Land Cruiser Prado cars are produced exclusively in Japan at the Tahara plant. This most powerful enterprise is famous for the fact that almost 6 million cars are assembled here a year, about 280 thousand workers work on the assembly of which.
It is worth noting that Toyota cars, in particular, the Land Cruiser Prado, are recognized as the most reliable off-road vehicles in the world, because it is not just that they are constant companions of the UN and Red Cross missions, which carry out their actions in various, sometimes almost inaccessible, corners of the globe. .
Where is Toyota Avensis made?
At the moment, Toyota Avensis cars supplied to the Russian market are assembled in the UK in the city of Burnaston at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant. Engines for the machines are manufactured at an adjacent facility in North Wales.
Almost the entire production cycle is carried out at Toyota factories in the UK - machining of blanks, casting of heads and blocks, assembly of power units, stamping of metal body elements, production of plastic parts, welding, painting, other operations,
Noteworthy is the fact that although Toyota Avensis is positioned as a Japanese car, in fact it is not. This car was created exclusively for Europe, so in the Land of the Rising Sun they did not even hear about such a car.
Where is Toyota Auris made?
This is one of the most popular, and therefore best-selling cars of the Japanese brand. Toyota Auris is delivered to Russia from the same enterprise as Avensis, located in Burnaston, England. But this is if we talk about the latest version. Previous models came to us straight from Japan from the Takaoka factory. Therefore, if we are talking about a used Auris, then there is a good chance to acquire a “purebred Japanese”.
Toyota Auris has a full-hybrid gasoline-electric modification - a real masterpiece of Toyota designers, which allows you to operate the car in the "Electric Vehicle" mode with the gasoline engine idle
Where is Toyota Fortuner produced?
At the moment, Toyota Fortuner is produced in Thailand at Toyota's production facilities in this Asian state. Deliveries of Toyota Fortuner to Russia are also planned from there, the beginning of which is expected in October this year.
Until recently, the assembly of Toyota Fortuner cars was carried out in the Republic of Kazakhstan, but for a number of economic and technical reasons, production was stopped.
Interestingly, Fortuner was not originally intended for the markets of Japan, Europe, North America, Australia, China. For these regions, other models are provided that are similar in technical characteristics.
Where do Toyota Venzas come from?
Toyota Venza is not the most popular car among Russians, but it still has its admirers. These cars were produced at the Toyota plant in Georgetown in the USA and were focused more on the North American market. However, the critically low level of sales contributed to the curtailment of the project.
In 2015, sales of Venza in America ceased, and since the beginning of 2016, this model has "left" from the Russian market. To date, Toyota Venza is officially represented only in Canada and China.
Where are Toyota Yaris manufactured?
A small compact hatchback Toyota Yaris is assembled in France at the company's plant in Valenciennes. The Yaris production line was launched in 2001. During this time, the world saw more than 2.1 million Toyota Yaris cars.
All Toyota Yaris models have been completely designed by the company's R&D department in the south of France, allowing them to be best adapted to market demands.
Conclusion
The strategy of producing cars where they are in demand and sell well means that the manufacturer clearly feels the needs, requests, priorities of customers, as well as trends emerging in the global market. And this is almost a 100% guarantee of success. As you can see, Toyota has succeeded in this matter. But not only in this.
Unprecedented quality control and the maximum use of previous experience in the development of new models are the main criteria that explain the high reliability, and with it the popularity of Toyota cars around the world. That is why the opinion that cars assembled at production facilities in Russia, England, Turkey, France and other countries are inferior to “thoroughbred Japanese” is nothing more than a myth. It doesn't matter where Rav 4 or Land Cruiser is assembled. Toyota has always kept the brand and will take care of its image in the future - there is no doubt about it.
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 company's products quickly conquered the market. Already in 1957, the company delivered a car
1962 is known for the release of the millionth car under this brand. And already in 1963, the first Toyota car was produced outside the country (in Australia).
Further development of the company is proceeding at an accelerated pace. New brands of Toyota cars appear on the market almost every year.
In 1966, one of the most popular cars of this manufacturer, the Toyota Camry, was released.
Significant for the company was 1969. This year, the company's sales reached one million cars in 12 months sold on the domestic market. In addition, the millionth Toyota car was exported in the same year.
For a younger buyer in 1970, the company produced a Toyota Celica car.
Thanks to the product's popularity and high sales volumes, Toyota continued to make a profit even after the international oil crisis in 1974. Cars of this brand are of high quality and a minimum number of defects. In production, a high level of labor productivity is achieved. Calculations made in the late 1980s showed that there were several times more cars produced for each employee of the company than at competing enterprises. Such indicators interested competitors who sought to find out the "secret" of the plant.
Also in 1979, Eiji Toyoda became chairman of the board of directors. Under his leadership, negotiations began with General Motors on the joint work of the companies. As a result, New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated (NUMMI) was formed, which began to produce cars in Europe according to the Japanese system.
In the 90s, the share of Toyota cars in the markets of Europe, America, India and Asia increased significantly. At the same time, the model range has also increased.
All Toyota brands
Throughout its history, the company has produced more than 200 car models. Many models have several generations. All Toyota brands are listed below:
car model |
|||
| Allion | |||
| Alphard | |||
| Altezza | |||
| Altezza Wagon | Land Cruiser Cygnus | ||
| Aristo | Land Cruiser Prado | ||
| Aurion | |||
| Avalon | Lexus RX400h (HSD) | ||
| Avensis | |||
Mark II Wagon Blit | |||
Mark II Wagon Qualis | |||
Crown Royal Salon | |||
Camry Gracia Wagon | |||
Model Features
Toyota SA, unlike its predecessors, already had a four-cylinder engine. An independent suspension was installed. The overall design was already more like modern models. It can be compared with the Volkswagen Beetle, which is similar in its properties to the properties of the Toyota brand.
Released and exported to the United States in 1957, the Toyota Crown differed in performance from previously released models. They were equipped with a 1.5 liter engine.
The SF car model differed from the previous ones with a more powerful engine (27 hp more).
With the increase in gas prices in the 70s, the company switched to the production of small cars.
Modern Toyota models
New Toyota brands can be divided by type:
- Among the sedans stand out "Toyota Corolla" and "Toyota Camry".
- Hatchback Toyota Prius.
- SUVs Toyota Land Cruiser.
- Crossovers Toyota RAV4, Toyota Highlander.
- Minivan Toyota Alphard.
- Pickup
- Minibus Toyota Hiace.
All Toyota brands are distinguished by time-tested comfort and quality.
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)
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);
- Türkiye (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.
