10 Fun Facts About Toyota You Probably Didn’t Know

You love your Toyota, but how much do you really know about the company behind your car? We’ve dug up 10 of the most interesting, surprising, and downright cool facts about Toyota. Let us know how many caught you off guard!

1. Toyota Started as a Textiles Business

Believe it or not, Toyota’s origins lie not in cars but in fabric! Back in 1924, founder Sakichi Toyoda launched Toyota Automatic Loom Works Ltd to sell his invented automatic looms. It wasn’t until later that the company expanded into vehicles and engines, eventually becoming the Toyota manufacturer we know today.

2. The First Toyota Vehicle Rolled Out in 1936

Toyota’s very first car, the Model AA, was produced in 1936. This milestone paved the way for the official birth of Toyota Motor Company the following year in 1937.

3. Toyota Was Originally Called ‘Toyoda’

The company was initially named after its founder, Sakichi Toyoda. The name changed to Toyota because it takes eight strokes to write in Japanese versus ten for Toyoda, and eight is considered a lucky number in Japanese culture. Who knew?!

4. There’s a City in Japan Named After Toyota

In 1959, the Japanese city of Koromo renamed itself Toyota City in honor of its biggest employer, the oyota Motor Corporation. Imagine living in a city named after your workplace!

5. Toyota Vehicles Are Built to Last

Toyota’s reputation for durability is well-earned: even 20 years after their release, 80% of Toyota vehicles are still on the road worldwide. That’s serious staying power!

6. Toyota Was the First Auto Manufacturer to Build Over 10 Million Cars in a Year

In 2013, Toyota hit a massive milestone by producing more than 10 million vehicles in a single year, a testament to its global popularity and efficiency.

7. Toyota Has Been Australia’s #1 Selling Car Brand for 25 Years

For a over 25 years now Toyota has been the Aussie favorite, holding the top spot as the best-selling automotive brand and has done so consecutively since 2003.

8. A Toyota Corolla Is Sold Every 27 Seconds, Globally

That’s right, a Corolla rolls off the production line somewhere in the world every 27 seconds! Since 1996, Corolla sales have been so strong they once hit one every 37 seconds, dropping to 27 in 2013. With over 40 million units sold, it’s officially the world’s best-selling car of all time.

9. The LandCruiser Is Toyota’s Longest-Running Series

The LandCruiser has been powering through tough terrain and adventures for over 70 years, with production starting in 1951. If you’re a fan of legendary durability, this is the vehicle for you. Check out our blog series A Trip Down LandCruiser Memory Lane for a deeper dive into its history.

10. The Celica Was Toyota’s First Mass-Produced Sports Car

Produced from 1970 until 2006, the Toyota Celica was the sporty icon of its day. Though no longer in production, it remains a favorite among car enthusiasts and collectors alike.

So, how many of these did you know? Toyota’s history is full of surprises, innovation and a relentless commitment to quality that’s made it a household name worldwide.