The Toyota Motor Corporation was established in Japan in 1933 as part of the Toyoda Automatic Loom Works but became independent in 1937. Founder Kiichiro Toyoda adjusted the name to simplify pronunciation and the first car was produced in 1936. The company produced trucks for the Japanese military during the Pacific War, before beginning commercial car production in 1947.

In 1959 Toyota opened its first foreign plant, in Brazil, and today produces cars in 20 countries worldwide. 1966 saw the introduction of the Corolla which, thanks to the company’s habit of prolonged production of successful models, has sold 30 million units and become the best selling car of all time.

As fuel prices rise many manufacturers are looking into ways of developing hybrid technology to minimise consumption and pollution. Toyota has pioneered this technology, introducing the Prius as the first commercially mass-produced example. This model was named as the European Car of the Year in 2005, an award which previously went to Toyota for the Yaris in 2000.

Toyota produces luxury cars under the name Lexus, as well as holding majority stakes in both the Daihatsu and Hino brands. Since 2002 the brand has had its own Formula One racing team but has achieved little success despite massive investment.

With over 8 million cars being produced each year, Toyota is challenging General Motors and Ford for worldwide dominance, partly owing to a policy of producing comparatively high performing vehicles at affordable prices.

EuroNCAP Safety Ratings for Toyota cars
The European New Car Assessment Programme produces reports on the safety of vehicles based on the results of several crash tests. As well as measuring how the car will hold up in a crash the risk to a pedestrian struck by the car is assessed. The star ratings (maximum 5) of key Toyota models are shown below.