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Toyota Cars History & Background
Toyota Cars

Toyota is a Japanese auto manufacturer and the second largest automotive manufacturer in the world. Toyota was founded in 1933, and began as an automatic loom manufacturing company. Toyota is well-known for the automobiles that they produce, but the company is still active in the looming industry as well.

The Toyota Motor Company became an independent company in 1937, but the founder Kiichiro Toyoda changed the name of the company to Toyota. He wanted to establish a distinction between work life and personal life.

During the Second World War, the company manufactured trucks to help support Japan’s war efforts. Due to severe shortages in materials and supplies the company was forced to make cut-backs and to be as frugal as possible when designing the tactical vehicles. For instance, the trucks sported one headlight in the center rather than two lights on the sides.

After the war ended, Toyota was able to resume commercial production in 1947. Toyota was able to branch out and grow internationally with great success, and within a relatively short time the company was able to develop a worldwide presence.

During the 1970’s oil crisis, consumers began to demand smaller more fuel efficient cars. Toyota was more than able to meet this need with not only fuel efficient well-built cars, but with smaller cars that were more luxurious than those of the company’s competitors. Toyota’s sales sky-rocketed, while most of its competitors struggled to survive the oil crisis.

In 1982, the Toyota Motor Company merged with Toyota Motor Sales forming one company, and two years later partnered with the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. resulting in new models being introduced and the launch of a luxury division in 1989.

In the late 1990’s Toyota established Toyota Motor Europe Marketing & Engineering to help promote Toyota sales in Europe. Two years later, Toyota set up in the United Kingdom where the cars were already popular. Today’s Toyota brands include Scion, and Lexus. The Toyota Group owns controlling stakes in Daihatsu and Hino, 8.7 percent of Fuji Heavy Industries, and 5.9 percent of Isuzu Motors Ltd.

The Toyota Motor Company is one of the largest companies in the world and produced the first hybrid gas-electric vehicle.

Toyota carries many popular brands including the Avensis, Corolla, Corolla Verso, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Yaris, and the Toyota Aygo. The Toyota Avensis is a large family car that has been produced in two generations and is available in three forms; four-door saloon, five-door estate, or as a five-door hatchback. The Avensis comes with a wide range of engine choices including a diesel option. The Avensis was designed to replace the Toyota Carina E and was first produced in 1998.

The Toyota Corolla is a subcompact or compact car that has been produced in ten generations. The Corolla was first produced in 1966, and is available in nine body styles; two or four-door sedan, two-door coupe, two-door hardtop, three-door hatchback, three or five-door hatchback, wagon or van form. The Corolla was designed to replace the Toyota Publica and was seceded by the Toyota Auris.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a series of four-wheel drive sport utility vehicles that have been produced in several generations. The Land Cruiser was first produced in 1954 and is available in three forms two-door pick-up truck, two or four-door wagon. The Land Cruiser is also available as a convertible or hardtop. Many second-hand car buyers look to buy a used Toyota Land Crusier as a viable alternative to Land Rovers or Range Rovers.

The Toyota Prius is a hybrid automobile and the first hybrid to be mass produced. The Prius has won many awards from various countries including the Car of the Year awards from Europe, North America, and Japan. The Prius was first produced in 1997.

The Toyota RAV4 is a compact cross-over SUV. It was first produced in 1994 and has been produced in four generations. The RAV4 is front-wheel drive with a four-wheel drive option.

The Toyota Yaris is a subcompact car that was first produced in 1999. It was designed to replace the Toyota Starlet and is available as a three or five-door hatchback. The Yaris has been produced in two generations. The used Toyota Yaris is a popular choice amongst those looking for an ultra-reliable small car. They are economical to run, although they do retain their value and so can be expensive to buy.

The Toyota Aygo is a city car. The Aygo is the result of a joint venture between Toyota and the Peugeot Citroen Group. There are two engines available a 1.0-litre three cylinder engine and a 1.4-litre HDi diesel engine. The Aygo has received high marks for safety and reliability.

In the second-hand market, the used Toyota MR2 remains a popular and inexpensive choice for those looking for a relatively inexpensive sports car.
 
 
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