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The history of Toyota in America begins in 1957. Established in
a vacated automobile dealership, two Toyota Crowns were shipped
to Toyota Motor Sales in Hollywood, California. Well received
by critics, Japanese production was increased to deliver 100,000
vehicles per year, even before the car was actually driven here.
The faster speeds and longer distances afforded by the open roads,
prompted Toyota to begin remodeling. The newly designed Crown,
along with the Tiara and a pickup truck, finally arrived. By 1960,
the sale of 316 Land Cruisers proved Toyota's adaptability to the
American markets.
Over the next several years the company grew
dramatically. The Corona arrived in 1965, followed by the introduction
of the Corolla,
of which 130,000 vehicles were sold. In 1975, Toyota surpassed
Volkswagen as the number one import in America, and in 1986,
passed the one-million-vehicles-sold milestone.
As the world's third
largest manufacturer of automobiles in unit sales and in net
sales today,
Toyota has a track record of consistent
growth and success that can be traced to every part of the company,
and has become one of America's most desirable, reliable and
innovative automobile brands.
Established in 1957 and headquartered in Torrance,
California, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS), is the U.S.
sales, marketing,
and distribution arm of its Japanese parent company, Toyota Motor
Corporation (TMC). TMC is responsible for Toyota manufacturing
worldwide and designs, manufactures, markets, sells, and distributes
Toyota products globally.
TMS oversees operations in 49 states
for Toyota, Lexus, and Scion products. Regional offices coordinate
vehicle sales, service, and
parts for dealers in 14 locations nationwide, and regional distribution
includes 12 parts centers and five vehicle centers. There are currently
1,209 Toyota dealers and 206 Lexus dealers located throughout the
United States, along with more than 34,394 associates.
TMS proudly
embraces the competitive spirit to be found in the world of auto
racing and is the first offshore manufacturer to
be invited into the NASCAR professional racing ranks. Toyota Racing
Development, U.S.A., Inc., a division of TMS, designs, assembles,
and develops engines to support Toyota’s racing programs.
The company also coordinates the development and sale of high-performance
aftermarket parts for Toyota cars and trucks.
With its nearly fifty
year legacy in the U.S., and a future that indicates continued
growth, TMS is proud of the significant role
it plays on the roads of one of the world’s greatest automobile
nations. |