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1950s

1957_Toyota HQ

1957

  • Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. is established in Hollywood, California.
1958_Art Frost Glendale Dealership

1958

  • Sales begin, totaling 288 vehicles – 287 Toyopet Crown sedans and one Land Cruiser. Enthusiasm turned to gloom when the American market found the Toyopet, underpowered and overpriced.
  • Toyota Motor Distributors is founded as the distribution and marketing arm of Toyota Motor Sales.
  • Distribution agreement signed with Service Motor Company (now Servco Pacific Inc.) in Hawaii.
1959_Toyopet

1959

  • Directly operated company, Toyota Motor Distributors of New Jersey is established on the East Coast.

1960s

1961_Land Cruiser

1961

  • Toyopet sales stall and are discontinued.
  • The legendary Land Cruiser, which quickly gained a reputation as a durable, all-terrain vehicle, remained as the only Toyota vehicle available for purchase.
1963_Rose Toyota

1963

  • Toyota reaches 125 dealerships in the United States.

 

 

1965_Corona

1965

  • The Toyota Corona, designed specifically for American drivers, goes on sale and becomes the first popular Toyota in America.
1966_Corona

1966

  • The Corona helps increase U.S. sales of Toyota vehicles threefold to 20,000+ units.

 

1967_HQ

1967

  • Toyota becomes the third-best-selling import brand in the U.S.
  • Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. headquarters building is completed in Torrance, California.
  • New York Representative office established.
1968_Corolla

1968

  • The Corolla is introduced to American drivers with huge success. Corolla has since become the world’s all-time best-selling passenger car, with 30+ million sold in more than 140 countries.

1970s

1971_Truck

1971

  • Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. signs agreement with Atlas for truck bed production for the Hilux.
1972_Truck

1972

  • Toyota sells its one-millionth vehicle, globally.
  • Truck bed production begins for vehicles destined for the U.S. through agreement with Atlas (now TABC).
1973_CALTY Design

1973

  • Calty Design Research is established in Newport Beach, California, representing the first design operations set up by a major car manufacturer in Southern California.
1974_TABC

1974

  • Toyota purchases Atlas Fabricators and renames it TABC, Inc., becoming the company’s first manufacturing investment in the U.S.
1975_US Technical Center

1975

  • Toyota surpasses Volkswagen to become the #1 import brand in the U.S.
  • Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America is established in the U.S.
  • Toyota Motor Co. opens U.S. Technical Center in Los Angeles, California.
1976_Ad Campaign

1976

  • Toyota launches one of its most memorable advertising campaigns, “You Asked For It/You Got It!”
1977_TTC

1977

  • Toyota establishes the Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. TTC is responsible for North American engineering and research and development activities.
1978_Sales

1978

  • Toyota achieves the “Import Triple Crown,” leading all import brands in sales of cars, trucks and total vehicles in the U.S.
  • Toyota opens the Washington Representative office.
1979_Ad Campaign

1979

  • Toyota Racing Development, U.S.A., Inc. (TRD) is established to improve production vehicles for more performance.
  • Toyota launches its “Oh What A Feeling!” campaign including the popular “Toyota Jump.”

1980s

1980_TMM

1980

  • Toyota renames Long Beach Fabricators to Toyota Motor Manufacturing, U.S.A. Inc. (TMM).
1982_Torrance

1982

  • Toyota celebrates its 25th anniversary in America and opens a new national sales headquarters complex in Torrance, California.
  • Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. establishes Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC) in Torrance, California.
1984_Dr. Toyoda with NUMMI trainees

1984

  • Toyota and GM form a joint venture to build vehicles in the U.S., called New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI) in Freemont, California.
  • Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. merges with Toyota Industrial Truck, U.S.A.
  • Toyota establishes San Francisco representative office.
  • TMCC opens first branch staffed by associates in Irvine, California.
1986_Corolla

1986

  • Toyota becomes the first import automaker to sell more than one million vehicles in the U.S., in a single year.
  • Toyota debuts its first car assembled on American soil—a white Corolla FX16 assembled at the NUMMI New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. plant.
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing U.S.A. (TMM; now TMMK) is established.
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc. (TMMC) is established.
  • Toyota Motor Insurance Services (TMIS) is incorporated as a subsidiary of TMCC.
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Long Beach, CA is renamed Toyota Auto Body, Inc. (TABC).
1987_Lexus

1987

  • Toyota announces ‘Lexus’ as a second sales channel in the U.S.
  • Toyota establishes the Toyota USA Foundation with a $10 million endowment, commemorating the company’s 30th anniversary in America and its mission to make Toyota a leading corporate citizen.
1988_TMMK Camry

1988

  • Corolla production begins at the company’s wholly-owned Cambridge, Ontario facility (TMMC).
  • Camry production begins at the company’s wholly-owned Georgetown, Kentucky facility (TMMK).
1989_1st Lexus in US

1989

  • Toyota debuts its luxury line of vehicles with the unveiling of the Lexus LS 400 and the ES 250. Highly acclaimed cars and exceptional customer service quickly become the hallmark of Lexus.
  • Ground-breaking ceremony held for new test building and administrative building at TTC.
  • Toyota announces expansion of Calty Design Research, Inc.
  • Full-scale production of catalytic converters begins at TABC.
  • Line-off ceremony for engines is conducted at TMM powertrain plant.

1990s

1990_Bodine

1990

  • Toyota purchases Bodine Aluminum of St. Louis and Troy, Missouri to produce engine parts (now TMMMO).
1991_Toyota Technical Center (TTC) Grand Opening

1991

  • Lexus earns the title of #1 luxury import in the U.S. Lexus also dominates three independent J.D. Power and Associates quality surveys for Customer Satisfaction, Sales Satisfaction and Initial Quality.
  • Toyota celebrates line-off of its first truck at NUMMI.
  • Expansion of TTC and CALTY, R&D U.S. facilities completed.
  • TMCC launces Lexus Financial Services (LFS).
1992_TSSC

1992

  • Toyota Supplier Support Center (TSSC) is established within Toyota Motor Corporate Service of North America Inc. (TMCS) to share Toyota Production System (TPS) knowledge.

 

 

 

1993_Arizona Proving Ground (TAPG) Aerial View

1993

  • Opening ceremony is held for Toyota’s Technical Center Arizona Proving Ground facility (TAPG) on 12,000 acres in Wittmann, Arizona.
  • Production of cylinder heads and intake manifolds at Bodine plant begin.
  • Lexus Certified Pre-Owned car program unveiled.
1994_TRD Logo

1994

  • To reflect their commitment to the U.S. motorsports industry, TRD opens a new facility in Costa Mesa, California.
  • Ground breaking ceremony conducted for Toyota parts center.

 

 

1996_TMMI Groundbreaking

1996

  • Toyota sells its 20 millionth vehicle in the U.S.
  • Toyota Motor North America, Inc. operations begin with offices based in New York City and Washington, D.C.
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TMMNA, now TEMA), the company’s regional manufacturing headquarters is established.
  • Toyota breaks ground on its new manufacturing plant Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI).
  • Toyota breaks ground on its new engine plant, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia (TMMWV).
1997_Camry

1997

  • Toyota’s cumulative North American production surpasses five million units.
  • Toyota Camry earns the title of #1 selling passenger car in the U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1998_Prius

1998

  • Toyota adds to its line with the launch of two new vehicles—the Tundra, its first full-sized pickup, and the Prius, the world’s first mass-produced gas/electric hybrid car.
  • Toyota’s West Virginia plant announces plans to produce automatic transmissions.
1999_TFS

1999

  • Toyota reaches an agreement with GM for joint R&D and vehicles with advanced environmental technologies.
  • TFS Service Mark is introduced, serving as an umbrella for Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC) and Toyota Motor Insurance Services (TMIS).

2000s

2000_Lexus IS

2000

  • Lexus becomes the top-selling luxury brand in the U.S.
  • The combined annual production of Toyota’s North American manufacturing operations reaches 1.1 million vehicles.
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) announces plans to assemble the Lexus RX 350 SUV.
  • Opening ceremony held at new TMMWV engine plant.
  • Ground breaking and line-off ceremony conducted at new TMMI plant.
  • Toyota Financial Services Corporation (TFSC) is created in Japan to oversee all TFS operations worldwide.
2001_TMMAL Groundbreaking

2001

  • Toyota becomes the third-best-selling auto brand in the U.S., surpassing Dodge with best-ever sales of more than 1.7 million vehicles.
  • Toyota Motor Sales de Mexico, Toyota’s new sales and marketing subsidiary in Mexico, is established.
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. (TMMAL) is established to produce engines.
  • Transmission production begins at TMMWV.
2002_10M Camry

2002

  • Toyota celebrates the production of the 10 millionth North American vehicle.
  • Toyota delivers its first two zero-emission, market-ready hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to customers in California for real-world testing.
  • Toyota announces Baja, California as its new plant to assemble Tacoma. Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California, S. de R.L. de C.V. (TMMBC).
2003_Scion

2003

  • Toyota successfully launches the Scion brand, its third line of vehicles, under an innovative, youth-oriented marketing program; Scion Solutions is launched by TFS.
  • Toyota announces San Antonio, Texas, as the location of its new plant to assemble the Tundra; Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas Inc. (TMMTX).
  • Bodine Aluminum announces Jackson, Tennessee, as its new plant to produce cylinder heads and engine blocks (now TMMTN).
  • Hino Motors Manufacturing U.S.A., Inc. (HMM) service parts depot is established.
  • Line-off ceremony for Lexus held at TMMC in Canada; the first time a Lexus is assembled outside of Japan.
  • Toyota’s breakthrough hybrid technology, “Hybrid Synergy Drive,” debuts in the all-new 2004 Prius.
2004_RAV4

2004

  • Toyota’s U.S. sales top two million vehicles per year for the first time.
  • Decision made to consolidate North American R&D and manufacturing operations into one company.
  • Toyota announces its North American plant in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada to build RAV4.
  • Toyota Financial Savings Bank (TFSB) begins operation.
2005_RX 400h

2005

  • Tacoma production begins in Baja, California.
  • Toyota continues expanding its environmentally advanced lineup with the world’s first luxury hybrid, the Lexus RX 400h, and a hybrid option for the Toyota Highlander.
2006_TMMTX

2006

  • Toyota continues expanding its U.S. operations and product line as sales surge to 2.5+ million for the first time.
  • TMMNA manufacturing headquarters and TTC-USA development operations merge into Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA), a North American headquarters for R&D and manufacturing activities.
  • Toyota opens its 10th North American plant in San Antonio, Texas (TMMTX) to build trucks (Tundra).
  • Opening ceremony held at North American Production Support Center.
  • TFS launces commercial loan offering.
2007_Tundra

2007

  • Toyota announces new vehicle assembly plant in Blue Springs, Mississippi, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi (TMMMS).
  • In its 50th year in the U.S., Toyota introduces the 2008 Toyota Tundra, as well as the second-generation of its iconic Scion xB and the world’s first V8 hybrid, the Lexus LS 600h.
2008_Camry

2008

  • Despite declining sales from the economic recession, Toyota passes General Motors in global sales to become the world’s largest automaker for the first time in history.
  • Toyota outsells Chevrolet to become the #1 selling auto brand in the U.S.
  • Camry retains its crown as the #1 selling car in the U.S. for the 11th time in 12 years.
  • Toyota establishes Toyota Research Institute of North America (TRI-NA).
  • Opening ceremony held for new campus of Toyota Technical Center, USA, Inc. in York Township, Michigan.
  • Production operations at TMMI, TMMTX and TMMAL start three-month non-production period until November. Toyota announces changes to production structure in North America amid global recession.
2009_Highlander

2009

  • Total combined sales of Toyota and Lexus hybrids in the U.S. top one million for the first time.
  • Toyota boosts its commitment to environmentally-friendly vehicles by launching two all-new gas/electric hybrids—the third-generation Prius and the first dedicated hybrid from Lexus, the HS 250h.
  • Toyota announces a safety recall to address concerns that unsecured or multiple floor mats could entrap the accelerator pedal on certain Toyota vehicles.
  • Toyota announces the decision to end production contract with NUMMI.
  • Highlander production begins at TMMI.

2010s

2010_Toyota Camry

2010

  • The combined effects of the recession and the accelerator pedal recall in the third-generation Sienna resulted in a slight 0.3 percent drop in sales for the year.
  • Toyota announces details of the remedy for accelerator pedal problems in recalled vehicles.
  • Toyota retains the title of the #1 retail brand and Lexus remained the #1 luxury brand.
  • The Camry retains its title as the #1 selling passenger car in the U.S.
  • NUMMI ends 25 years of vehicle production; Tacoma production commences at TMMTX to replace NUMMI production.
2011_Toyota Prius

2011

  • A 9.0-magnitude earthquake strikes Japan, followed by a tsunami, claiming the lives of nearly 16,000 people. Four Toyota plants shut down, with floods in Thailand halting production in two more plants.
  • Despite natural disasters, production returns to near-normal levels by the end of the year; a testimony to Toyota’s resiliency and efficiency.
  • The one-millionth Toyota Prius in the U.S. is sold.
  • Toyota announces the establishment of the Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) in the U.S.
2012_Toyota Camry

2012

  • Toyota recovers from the supply disruptions caused by the natural disasters and begins regaining its sales momentum as dealer inventories are fully restocked.
  • By mid-year, U.S. sales of Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles speed past the one-million-sales mark — driven in large measure by the launch of a record number of 19 new and redesigned products.
  • Toyota once again the #1 retail brand in the U.S.
2013_TMMWV

2013

  • Toyota marks several manufacturing and product highlights, including 10 millionth powertrain produced at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc. (TMMWV); 1 millionth truck assembled at Toyota Texas; Prius surpasses 3 million units sold worldwide.
  • During the 30th anniversary, the Camry passes the 10 million mark in the U.S.
  • TFS issues Auto Industry’s first Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Bond.
2014_TMMK 10M Vehicle

2014

  • Toyota announces plans for relocation to a new headquarters in Plano, Texas; consolidating the three separate North American headquarters for manufacturing, sales and marketing, and corporate operations to a single, state-of-the-art campus.
  • U.S.-assembled Toyota models from the company’s four U.S. vehicle assembly plants were being exported to 32 countries around the world.
  • Toyota celebrates the 10-millionth vehicle assembled at its Georgetown, KY plant.
  • Toyota Financial Services issues Auto Industry’s First Asset Backed Green Bond.
2015_Toyota Mirai Launch Event

2015

  • Toyota announces a multi-year plan to realign North American manufacturing operations in support of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA).
  • Toyota announces its new vehicle assembly plant in Guanajuato, Mexico.
  • As part of its commitment to mobility, Toyota Motor Corporation establishes a new company — Toyota Research Institute Inc. (TRI), as an R&D enterprise with an initial focus on artificial intelligence and robotics.
  • Toyota establishes the Collaborative Research Center with MIT and Stanford to accelerate artificial intelligence research.
  • Toyota breaks ground on its new North American Headquarters in Plano, Texas.
  • Toyota breaks ground on the expansion of the Toyota Technical Center in York Township, Michigan.
  • Toyota marks 2,000,000 vehicles produced in North America in one year.
  • The Mirai, Toyota’s first hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, goes on sale in California.
  • The first Lexus product (ES sedan) assembled in the U.S. rolls off the line in Kentucky.
  • Toyota Mississippi celebrates the 500,000th Corolla coming off the line.
  • Toyota Indiana produces its 4 millionth vehicle.
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama welcomes the arrival of the 4 millionth engine.
2016_TMMGT Groundbreaking

2016

  • Toyota establishes the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) with a $1 billion investment over a five year period.
  • Toyota breaks ground on new manufacturing facility in Guanajuato, Mexico.
  • Toyota Connected, Inc. (TC) is established to drive Toyota’s global efforts for an intelligent mobile society.
2017_TMNA Headquarters Grand Opening

2017

  • Toyota’s three separate North American headquarters for manufacturing, finance, sales and marketing, and corporate operations relocate into new Headquarters in Plano, Texas. Toyota Financial Services completes move to Plano, Texas.
  • Toyota creates Connected Technologies to deliver industry-leading user experiencers and new technologies for Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
  • Global sales of hybrid vehicles surpass 10 million.
  • Toyota announces plans to build a joint-venture U.S. manufacturing facility with Mazda.
  • Toyota commits to an additional $13 billion investment in the U.S. by 2020; including $800 million into artificial intelligence and robotics research through the Toyota Research Institute.
  • Toyota invests $1 billion in new headquarters located in Plano, Texas.
  • Toyota begins global corporate initiative, ‘Start Your Impossible,’ to define Toyota’s belief that “When you’re free to move, anything is possible.”
2018_MITRP Oval TRI Test Site

2018

  • Toyota launches a new mobility solution, Hui, a car share services in Honolulu, Hawaii.
  • Toyota and Mazda break ground on new manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama, establishing the new joint-venture company, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, U.S.A., Inc. (MTM).
  • Toyota Research Institute (TRI) opens 60-acre test facility to develop automated vehicle technology in Ottawa Lake, Michigan.
  • Toyota creates a new Digital Transformation and Mobility pillar to focus on shared mobility, connectivity services and over-to-air feature upgrades to identify new business models and future opportunities.
2019_Toyota IP Solutions

2019

  • Toyota announces program called Toyota IP Solutions, as a way to license its intellectual property and serve as an access point for licensing patents to US and global companies.
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Guanajuato (TMMGT), in Guanajuato, Mexico begins Tacoma production.
  • Toyota Financial Services announces private label financing with Mazda as its first client.

2020s

2020_Manufacturing

2020

  • Toyota temporarily suspends U.S. manufacturing production for seven weeks in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic; refocuses on production of face shields and masks, and steps up to support the community through various grants and community outreach programs.
  • Toyota achieves pledge to invest $13 billion over a five-year period one year earlier than anticipated.
  • TMMI completes $1.3 billion modernization project, adding jobs and advanced manufacturing technologies.
  • Toyota and Mazda announce an additional $830 million investment in the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing joint-venture.
  • Toyota retains its title as the #1 retail brand in the U.S.
  • Toyota Financial Services launches its first private label financial service business, Mazda Financial Services.
2021_Toyota Electrified Lineup

2021

  • With a focus on reaching carbon neutrality, Toyota debuts two all-new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for the U.S. market: The Toyota bZ4X and the Lexus RZ; announces plans to have BEVs account for 100% of Lexus vehicle sales in North America by 2030.
  • Furthering the commitment to electrified vehicles, Toyota announces a 10-year, $3.4B investment in automotive batteries, to include a dedicated U.S. vehicle battery plant developed in partnership with Toyota Tsusho; Liberty, North Carolina, is selected as the location for Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina (TBMNC).
  • Major manufacturing investments announced at plants across the U.S., including TMMWV ($450M), TMMK ($461M) and TMMI ($803M).
  • Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, U.S.A, Inc. in Huntsville, Alabama, begins production with the first-ever Corolla Cross.
  • Sales of Toyota and Lexus electrified powered vehicles (EPVs) reach approximately 25% of total sales in the U.S.
  • Toyota marks several U.S. production milestones, including the 30 millionth U.S.-assembled vehicle, the 13 millionth vehicle to be assembled at TMMK and the 10 millionth Camry assembled at TMMK.
  • Toyota launches comprehensive online retail program, called “SmartPath” for Toyota and “Monogram” for Lexus, in response to shifting consumer purchasing habits.
  • The 2021 Toyota Mirai sets GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title with 845-mile zero emission journey.

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