Toyota: Past, Present, and Future
By Fei Lim

Toyota Motor Company is now one of the largest and most successful companies in the world. They started out small and grew rapidly in later years. They have a wide range of vehicles that fit in every class. They have a very rich history in the automotive industry.

Toyota was started by a man named Kiichiro Toyoda. He was the son of a famous inventor and brought that sense of ingenuity into the automobile industry. He completed his first prototype in 1935. In the beginning they were actually called Hinode Motors. In 1936, the Toyota logo was created. The name changed to Toyota Motors in 1937 and has stuck ever since. They started their first plant in 1938. It was a fairly large operation that utilized the just-in-time inventory system.

The 1940's brought a new era of change within the Toyota Motor Company. They branched out into other types of automobiles. They began diversifying their interests in the industry. In 1941, they began production of the AE passenger car. In 1942, they started making the KB truck. Then in 1943, they began the AC passenger car and KC truck. They certainly had a lot of research and development going on in this time period.

Later in the decade, they began to produce three new vehicles: the BM truck, SB small truck, and SA compact passenger car. Toyota was always on the cutting edge of innovation and trying new things. In 1947, they reached the 100,000th car produced. This is a large milestone for anyone.

The 1950's brought with it even more creativity. Toyota began work on several more prototypes. They didn't focus just on a certain car or a certain truck. In fact, they began production on the BJ Toyota Jeep. We know this today as the Land Cruiser. They also started to produce the SF compact car. This was their first venture into either of these two areas. Then, in 1957, a huge milestone took place. Toyota exported their very first passenger car into the United States. We all know how that turned out in the long run. This was a large step in the right direction for the Toyota Motor Company. They were expanding at a rapid pace.

Another decade and another milestone came for Toyota. In 1962, they produced their 1 millionth vehicle domestically. Production was picking up speed and they were becoming more efficient. By 1966, they had exported 1 million vehicles. Since this time period, Toyota has evolved and produced numerous new offerings into the market. They currently have many different kinds of automobiles.

One of their more popular cars is the Toyota Camry. Camry is in the mid-priced sedan class. J.D. Power & Associates rated it as the highest ranked midsize car in initial quality. It also is known as one of the safer cars in its class. It earned a five star crash test rating by NHTSA. This is one of the better selling vehicles that they produce.

Besides quality cars, Toyota also has some of the best trucks in the industry. Their small truck offering is the Toyota Tacoma. These trucks are very durable and start in the $14,000 range for the cheapest model. Their full-size truck offering is called the Toyota Tundra. It offers a 381 hp 5.7 liter V8 engine. It has great power and strength for a ½ ton truck.

Besides trucks and cars, they also offer an array of SUV’s and vans. One of the more popular SUV's is the Toyota 4Runner. This blends high-tech luxury items with great off-road capabilities. It has available Bluetooth technology and a DVD navigation system. It starts around $27,000 and the high-end model tops out around $35,000. It is a great all around vehicle.

Toyota is also at the front of the hybrid revolution. They already offer 4 vehicles in the hybrid sector. The Prius offers an astounding 55 miles per gallon. One vehicle that is scheduled to come out in the summer of 2007 is the new Highlander. It can transport up to 7 people and is supposed to be very comfortable. It has a hybrid synergy drive that will increase fuel efficiency.

No matter what type of vehicle you are in the market for, Toyota can most likely fit your needs. They are at the forefront of the industry in technology and low emissions technology. Before you buy your next car, check them out.