Where do they come from
Sakichi Toyoda’s success in developing automatic loom technology provided a sound commercial foundation for his son Kiichiro to pursue his dream of making vehicles, inspired by the new mass-production methods he saw in Europe and the USA. Today they have grown to become one of the world’s largest and best-known automobile manufacturing businesses. They employ more than 340,000 people and make vehicles in factories on every continent. Their cars and trucks are sold in more than 160 countries and territories.
Throughout their expansion they have remained true to the philosophy that is at the heart of their corporate culture. Their aim is to help build a more prosperous society with a business that values respect and fairness and which grows in harmony with the global community. They strive to enhance the quality of people’s lives by using their skills and advanced technologies to create great new products and services.
More then cars
They are world-famous for making vehicles, but did you know Toyota has many other manufacturing and business activities?
These include making and selling boats and marine engines and producing fork-lift trucks and other industrial equipment. They have been building houses since 1975, developing new building techniques and setting up condominium and rental housing projects as well. The Toyota Housing Corporation was set up in 2004 as a separate company.
They do pioneering work in biotechnology and agriculture, including research into growing sustainable plant-based products they can use in their manufacturing processes as a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics.
Initiatives that support their commitment to protecting the environment and being a responsible business include forest planting schemes in China to prevent land from turning to desert.
Toyota Financial Services provides financial products to help millions of customers worldwide purchase or lease their vehicle. In Japan, this area of their business also provides other facilities such as home loans and credit cards.
