Toyota Motor Corporation was founded in 1937 by Kiichiro Toyoda, evolving from a textile machinery company started by his father. It became the world’s largest automaker by production volume in 2008, a position it has held for most of the years since.
Toyota’s most recognisable global contribution is the Prius hybrid, launched in Japan in 1997 and in world markets in 2000 — the first mass-produced hybrid car. Toyota’s hybrid technology now spans the entire lineup from the Yaris to the Land Cruiser, and powers taxis and shared-ride fleets worldwide.
The Land Cruiser is Toyota’s longest-running and most internationally respected nameplate, sold continuously since 1951. The current lineup spans from the compact Land Cruiser Prado (300-series family) to the heavy-duty 70 Series. The Land Cruiser FJ, launched in late 2025, revives a compact format for the nameplate — a short-wheelbase, body-on-frame off-roader built on the IMV platform shared with the Hilux Champ, positioned below the Prado.
Toyota’s BEV strategy has been more cautious than rivals, prioritising hybrids and fuel cells in the medium term. The bZ4X electric crossover is the company’s primary BEV offering in global markets.
