A Short History of Toyota Motor’s March to the Top

It has taken 70 years for Toyota Motor Corp. to make it to the top.

By the end of this year Toyota will have outsold General Motors Corp. 9.42 million to 9.28 million units. Toyota probably already passed GM last year…but this year it will be a no doubter.

1955 – Toyota started producing the Crown. 

1957 – Toyota began exporting passenger cars to the United States. 

Toyota drove a Crown from London to Tokyo – 30,000 miles to demonstrate the Crown's durability and take a giant step toward changing the image of Japanese-made cars.

1969 – Toyota's exports reached 1 million units.

1969 – Toyota became Japan's largest automaker, taking over from Nissan.

1985 – NUMMI – New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. …a joint venture between GM and Toyota to build cars in the United States kicked off.

Mass production of the Corolla by NUMMI helped ease trade friction.

NUMMI's success led to Toyota expanding to 52 plants in 26 countries and regions.

1998 – Toyota sales reached 5 million. 50 years to reach 5 million and 12 more years to double that….if Toyota realizes its 2009 goal.

Toyota sets sites on China, India and Russia..and a third factory in the United States.

Following the success of the Crown and the Corolla, Toyota introduces the Prius.

Toyota plans production of the Prius overseas.

Toyota's president – "We'll make efforts to achieve this lofty goal, while cautioning ourselves not to become conceited or arrogant."

Soon, very soon, Toyota will be the hunted, not the hunter.

It may take tie-ups between Europe's best and most efficient and the United States to counter the Toyota threat….but…one thing is certain…Toyota will be on top when it happens.

I have a Toyota.

What do you drive?