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TOYOTA

114 entries

Japanese manufacturer incorporated in 1937, the world's largest automaker and the company behind the Prius hybrid.

Founded: 28 August 1937, by Kiichiro Toyoda
Headquarters: Toyota City, Aichi, Japan
Brands: Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu, Century
Known for: The Corolla and the Prius

Toyota was founded as a spinoff of Toyota Industries, the machine maker started by Sakichi Toyoda, father of founder Kiichiro Toyoda. It developed its first engine in 1934 and its first passenger car, the Toyota AA, in 1936.

The Corolla, developed in the 1960s, became the best-selling automobile of all time. Toyota introduced the Prius in 1997 and now sells more than 40 hybrid models around the world.

1934Type A engine developed
1936First passenger car, the Toyota AA
1937Toyota Motor Corporation incorporated
1997First Prius hybrid
2012First manufacturer to build more than 10 million vehicles a year