Toyota Motor Corporation is the largest Japanese automaker headquartered in Toyota. Engaged in the manufacture of cars, commercial and trucks, buses and auto components. Holds the title of the largest automotive company in the world in terms of sales.
The history of the Toyota auto company began in 1933 as a separate division of the large Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, which was engaged in the production of looms. Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of the company, was a talented engineer and inventor. He was the first in Japan to create his own automatic loom and continuously improved his creation. His company became successful in the Japanese market and famous all over the world.
In the early 1930s, Toyoda's machine tools attracted the attention of the then largest textile manufactory in the world, the British firm Platt Brother & Co. Sakichi agreed to sell the patent rights to the machine, and his son Kiichiro went to the UK to complete the deal.
It is worth noting that the car - one of the main engineering inventions of that time - fascinated and occupied the mind of Sakichi Toyoda. Interest in cars was adopted by his son. However, having been in England, he literally "fell ill" with the idea of creating his own automobile production.
After earning £100,000 from the sale of patent rights, Kiichiro Toyoda founds a new division within his father's company that focuses on car development. In 1937, it spun off into Toyota Motor Corporation.
The work of the new company was supported by the Japanese government, which needed army trucks for the war in Manchuria. Due to the depression, there was little money in the country. Domestic production lowered costs, provided jobs, and made the country more independent. By 1936, just after the first successful Toyota cars were built, Japanese authorities demanded that the majority of the shares of all automakers be owned by residents of the country, and also stopped almost all imports.
The car building operations were overseen by Kiichiro Toyoda. He began experimenting with two-cylinder engines, but ended up copying Chevrolet's six-cylinder 65 hp engine. In addition, the brand copied the Chrysler Airflow chassis and gearbox.
The first engine was produced in 1934 (Type A), the first car and truck in 1935 (Model A1 and G1 respectively), and the second model that went into production in 1936 (Model AA).
The assembly of cars was established in the town of Koromo at new production facilities. The first Toyota passenger car was equipped with a 3389 cc engine. cm and drum brakes for each wheel. The four-door sedan, with conventional front and suicidal rear doors, received a flat one-piece windshield with a wiper at the top and a spare tire that was mounted on a nearly vertical rear window. The all-metal hull was state of the art for the time, as wood bodywork was predominantly used. From 1936 to 1943, 1,404 AA sedans were produced.
Toyota Model AA (1936-1943)
During World War II, Toyota completely abandoned the production of civilian cars. The automaker's enterprises produced military trucks, amphibians, light reconnaissance all-terrain vehicles, and components for combat aircraft. At the same time, the assembly was carried out at an accelerated pace, often in a simplified version. For example, trucks were produced with one headlight.
After the surrender of Japan, Toyota Motor, like all companies supplying the army, found itself in an unenviable position. Despite the fact that the automaker's factories suffered little from the bombing, a ban was imposed on the production of vehicles.
In December 1945, Toyota received permission from the United States military to start manufacturing consumer goods. Until 1947, the factories produced tools and pots.
However, Kiichiro Toyoda was not going to give up his passion: immediately after the end of the war, the brand's designers began to develop a new model. Given the post-war decline, it was a small and economical model - a two-door sedan SA. It was equipped with a four-cylinder 1.0-liter engine with 27 hp. with a classic layout. Outwardly, Toyopet, as it was called, was similar to the Volkswagen Beetle. It accelerated to a maximum speed of 88 km / h, was cheap and undemanding.
Toyota SA (1947-1952)
In addition to SA, the Toyopet "family" included the more successful SD, the SF model, which made the brand truly popular, and the RH with a 48-horsepower engine. By 1955, Toyota was producing 8,400 cars a year, and by 1965, 600,000.
In addition to all these vehicles, Toyota began producing civilian trucks under the Land Cruiser name. They were developed following the example of jeeps. The first generation was based on a truck chassis with a load capacity of 1000 kg. It was the world's first all-wheel drive passenger car with a six rather than a four-cylinder engine. In 1953, 298 off-road vehicles were produced, which mostly ended up in the services of the Ministry of Forestry and Agriculture of Japan, as well as the police reserve. In 1955, the second generation of the SUV was released.
Toyota Land Cruiser BJ (1953)
In the early 1950s, Toyota introduced a set of manufacturing principles that helped it gain a reputation as an automaker of some of the best quality cars in the world. The Just-in-time principle allowed saving on costs and storage areas, making production as accurate as a clock.
Back in the company's textile past, automatic looms would stop as soon as a broken thread was detected. The same principle has been introduced into car assembly production. Each worker monitored the quality of the parts and components used in his area. In the event of a marriage or breakdown, he pulled a special cord that stopped the conveyor belt. So all the shortcomings were identified at an early stage, and defective cars did not reach the market.
The next innovation was the system of encouraging the initiative and rationalization proposals of employees, which made it possible to significantly increase production efficiency and staff motivation. Successful proposals were implemented, and innovators received monetary rewards.
In 1955, the first luxury car Toyota Crown was released, which was powered by a four-cylinder 1.5-liter engine. In 1957, the company enters the American market, where it exports two models - the Land Cruiser BJ and the Crown sedan. In 1959, the company opened its first factory outside of Japan, in Brazil. Since then, Toyota has retained the philosophy of localization of both production and design of its products.
The company's entry into the North American market was not as successful as expected. In the first year, only 288 cars were sold. They could not compete with American competitors either in appearance, or in dynamics, or in prestige. Sales President Shotaro Kamaya introduces new principles to the corporate philosophy: the customer comes first, not the car.
In the early 60s, gluttonous American cars with a huge engine were still at the peak of popularity. But the quiet, but not ceasing song of the small cars, which became the favorites of the next decade, was already heard. The Toyota Corona was one of the voices of the new automotive trend.
The car was presented in May 1957. It was equipped with a 33-horsepower engine, was reliable, inexpensive and economical, which made it quite popular against the backdrop of a birth boom.
In April 1958, the model received a facelift, which meant a change in the hood and door handles. At the rear, elements reminiscent of 1949 Ford sedans appeared. The engine was replaced with a 45-horsepower 997 cc, which accelerated the car to 105 km / h. Thanks to the monocoque body, the model weighed 1000 kg.
Toyota Corona (1957-2002)
In 1962, Toyota produced the millionth car, and 10 years later, the total production of cars reached 10 million units. In the late 1960s, the Toyota Corolla became the best-selling car in the world. Later, this achievement will be listed in the Guinness Book of Records. As of December 2000, a total of 25 million units of the model were sold. By 2006, the total output amounted to 32 million tons.
The car was equipped with a rear-wheel drive system and a longitudinally located engine. This layout did not change until 1984, when the first front-wheel drive Corolla appeared. The first generation of the car was sold only in the domestic market. The second generation was characterized by more rounded body lines. It was represented by two models - Sprinter and Corolla, which differed in body sheet metal material and interior trim. A total of 11 generations of the model were released.
Corolla (1966)
1967 saw the release of the legendary 2000 GT, a coupe sports car developed with Yamaha. It became a demonstration of the ability of the Japanese automaker to produce not only affordable small cars, but also status sports cars. In terms of dynamics, the 2000 GT was not inferior to the Porsche 911: acceleration to 100 km / h in 8.4 seconds, “maximum speed” - 220 km / h. It was equipped with an in-line six-cylinder engine with a volume of 2 liters and a power of 150 hp. There was no particular excitement around the model: only 351 units were produced in total. This was due largely to the high price of the machine. However, now it is a collector's item, and even in those days it put the Japanese automaker on a par with the most venerable sharks from the auto world.
Toyota 2000 GT (1967-1970)
In the 1970s, at the height of the fuel crisis, Toyota was reaping the benefits of its far-sighted strategy in the American market. Its economical, cheap and high-quality models have left the clumsy American manufacturers far behind. In 1972, the brand sells one million cars a year in the US alone, and three years later, pushing Volkswagen, it becomes America's most popular import brand.
As expected, in response to the growing popularity of the Japanese, the American government adopted protectionist measures. After increasing the tax on imported cars, Toyota, like other Japanese giants, began building its factories in the United States.
In the late 70s, the company faced financial difficulties, which forced it to introduce an austerity regime. In addition, after tightening environmental legislation, she developed a new efficient exhaust system and revised corporate policy principles.
In 1982, the Toyota Camry comes out, which is now in its seventh generation. Like most models of the brand, the first generation was produced for the domestic Japanese market, and then it entered the international arena. Having received positive feedback, the company was engaged in a phased improvement of the car and the introduction of its assembly in other countries. Camry is one of the best-selling Toyota models in Russia, which is assembled at the car factory in Shushary.
Toyota Camry (1982)
In 1990, Toyota begins to dilute its lineup, which consists mainly of compact models, with larger and more luxurious cars. The T100 pickup appears, and later the Tundra, several SUVs, a sports version of the Camry, as well as several sports and affordable cars aimed at young people.
In terms of technology, innovations such as a variable valve timing (VVT-i) engine, as well as a four-stroke gasoline engine with direct fuel injection (D-4) appear. Developments in hybrid technology are ongoing, resulting in the 1997 Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. This model is also notable for being listed by Forbes magazine as one of the ten cars that changed the world. And Time magazine included him in the ranking of the most influential people in the world, not at all caring that he was not a person.
The model is equipped with a gasoline engine and an electric motor-generator, as well as a capacious battery. The regenerative braking system can convert kinetic energy into electricity and recharge the battery. Power units controlled by the on-board computer can work together and separately. The drag coefficient is 0.26, and since 2009 - 0.25.
A characteristic feature of the model is the lack of idling of the engine, which turns off during short stops.
Toyota Prius (1997)
In 1998, Toyota Motor Corporation opened a Moscow representative office. The sales of the Japanese brand were impressive, and the Russian market showed an upward trend, so the automaker decided to create a national marketing and sales company. Since April 2002, Toyota Motor LLC began to work.
Since 2007, CJSC Toyota Bank has been operating in Russia with a representative office in Moscow and St. Petersburg. He is engaged in issuing car loans for the population and official dealers of Toyota and Lexus.
On December 21, 2007, the Toyota plant was opened in the village of Shushary, not far from St. Petersburg. It is planned to increase the capacity of the car assembly plant to 200-300 thousand cars a year.
In 2011, Toyota was hit by a series of natural disasters that adversely affected its performance and sales. Earthquakes and tsunamis have disrupted supplies, stopped production and dropped exports. Severe flooding in Thailand has affected a local manufacturing base. Toyota lost about 150,000 vehicles in the tsunami and about 240,000 after the flood.
From November 2009 to 2010, the brand recalled more than 9 million cars and trucks worldwide, and temporarily stopped production and sales. Complaints related to unintentional acceleration of vehicles.
Now Toyota Motor Company produces a wide range of vehicles - from cars, crossovers and pickups to trucks and buses. In addition, it is developing vehicles with hybrid and electric transmission, as well as hydrogen fuel cells.
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.
The beginning of the history of Toyota can be considered 1933, when the Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, which was originally not related to cars and was engaged in the textile industry, opened an automobile department. It was opened by the eldest son of the owner of the company Sakichi Toyoda (Sakichi Toyoda) Kiichiro Toyoda (Kiichiro Toyoda), who later led the Toyota car brand to world fame. The initial capital for the development of the first cars was the money received from the sale of patent rights for spinning machines to the English company Platt Brothers.
In 1935, work was completed on the first passenger car, called the Model A1 (later AA), and the first Model G1 truck, and in 1936 the Model AA car entered production. At the same time, the first export delivery was made - four G1 trucks went to northern China. A year later, in 1937, the automobile department became a separate company, called Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. This is a brief history of the pre-war development of Toyota.
After the Second World War, in 1947, the production of another model began - Toyota Model SA, and in 1950, in the conditions of the most severe financial crisis, the company survived the first and only strike of its workers. As a result, the corporate policy was revised, the sales department was separated into a separate company - Toyota Motor Sales Co., Ltd. However, for the post-war years, when the Japanese automotive industry, along with other industries, was going through hard times, the company emerged from the crisis not with the biggest losses.
In the early 1950s, Taiichi Ohno conceived a unique production management system (kanban) that eliminates all types of waste - materials, time, production capacity. In 1962, the system was implemented at the enterprises of the Toyota group and proved its effectiveness, contributing to the success of the company.
In 1952, the founder of the company, Kiichiro Toyoda, died. By this time, Toyota had entered its heyday. In the 50s, the development of their own designs was carried out, extensive research was carried out, the model range was expanded - the Land Cruiser SUV appeared, such a model now known as the Crown, and Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. was founded in the USA, whose task was to export Toyota cars to the American market. True, the first attempt to export Toyota cars to the American market ended in failure - but later, having drawn conclusions and quickly coped with new tasks, Toyota corrected this.
In 1961, a model was released - a small economical car that quickly became popular. In 1962, Toyota celebrated the production of the millionth car in its history. 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, which began to be exported there in 1965, quickly became widespread and became the most popular Japanese car in the foreign market. The following year, 1966, Toyota launches its perhaps most massive car, the Corolla, which continues to be successfully produced to this day, and also enters into a business agreement with Hino, another Japanese automaker. Toyota signed the same agreement with another company - Daihatsu - in 1967.
The 1970s were marked by the construction of new plants and constant technical improvements to the units, as well as the "migration" of innovations from expensive models, where they were originally installed, to cheaper ones. Production of such models as Celica (1970), Sprinter, Carina, Tercel (1978), Mark II begins. Tercel became the first front-wheel drive Japanese car. In 1972, the 10 millionth Toyota car rolled off the assembly line. After overcoming the energy crisis and financial difficulties, introducing raw material austerity, developing an efficient exhaust system under the pressure of air pollution legislation, strengthening internal corporate policies, Toyota entered the next decade.
In the early 80s, or rather, in 1982, Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. and Toyota Motor Sales Co., Ltd. merge to form Toyota Motor Corporation. At the same time, the release of the Camry model 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 agreement with General Motors, and the following year, car production begins at their joint venture in the United States. At the same time, the first stage of construction of Toyota's own test site, Shibetsu, was completed, which was fully completed in 1988. In 1986, another milestone was crossed - the 50 millionth Toyota car was already produced. New models are born - Corsa, Corolla II, 4Runner.
One of the main events of the 80s can be considered the emergence of such a brand as Lexus, a division of Toyota created to enter the high-class car market. Prior to this, Japan was associated with small, economical, inexpensive and affordable cars; with the advent of Lexus in the sector of luxurious expensive cars, the situation has changed. A year after the founding of Lexus, in 1989, models such as and were introduced and went on sale.
1990 was marked by the opening of its own design center - Tokyo Design Center. Interestingly, in October of the same year, the first authorized service station was opened in the then Soviet Union. Toyota continues its global expansion - branches are opening in more and more new countries of the world and developing those that have already been opened. In addition, scientific and technical research is very active; companies such as Toyota System Research Inc. (with Fujitsu Ltd., 1990), Toyota Soft Engineering Inc. (with Nihon Unisys, Ltd., 1991), Toyota System International Inc. (with IBM Japan Ltd. and Toshiba Corp., 1991), etc. In 1992, Toyota Guiding Principles were published - the basic principles of the corporation, an expression of corporate philosophy. Then came the Earth Charter (The Earth Charter) - as a reaction to the growing environmental trends in society. Ecology has had a major impact on Toyota's development; plans and programs were developed to protect the environment, and in 1997 the Prius model equipped with a hybrid engine (Toyota Hybrid System) was created. In addition to the Prius, the Coaster and RAV4 models were equipped with hybrid engines.
In addition, in the 90s, Toyota managed to produce its 70 millionth car (1991), and the 90 millionth (1996), open the Toyota Training Center in Vladivostok in 1992 and conclude dealer agreements with Audi and Volkswagen in 1995 sign a share sharing agreement with Hino and Daihatsu and announce a new global business plan in the same year, and launch variable valve timing (VVT-i) engines. In 1996, the Toyota Training Center was opened in Moscow and production of a four-stroke gasoline engine with direct fuel injection (D-4) began. In 1997, in addition to the Prius, it was announced the launch of the Raum model, and in 1998 - Avensis and a new generation of the iconic Land Cruiser 100 SUV. At the same time, Toyota acquired a controlling stake in Daihatsu. The following year, 1999, the 100 millionth Toyota car was produced in Japan. In 2000, Prius sales reached 50,000 worldwide, a new generation of the RAV4 was launched, and in 2001, the 5 millionth Camry was sold in the US. In July last year, Toyota Motor was founded in Russia, and in December Prius sales increased to 80,000.
Today Toyota is one of the world's largest car manufacturers. By far, it is also Japan's largest automaker, producing more than 5.5 million cars a year, which is roughly equal to one car every six seconds. The Toyota group includes many companies, both in the automotive industry and in many different fields. In 2002, Toyota entered a new field with Formula 1 racing.
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)
