Crédit photo: courtoisie

TOYOTA

Toyota Motor Corporation is a car, truck and equipment manufacturer founded in 1937 and based in Aichi, Japan. The company is the largest auto producer in the world based on production figures and is the largest company in Japan by revenue; currently, Toyota employs over 300,000 people around the world.

Unfortunately, Toyota was adversely impacted by financial problems related to the worldwide debt crisis in 2009, resulting in the company posting a $4.2 billion loss for the year. Toyota turned to state lending facilities to provide liquidity during this difficult time and has since improved its financial standing.

During the 1960s, the United States began leveling heavy penalties on imported vehicles, leading to several Japanese automakers – including Toyota – to shift some of their manufacturing operations to the U.S. By building their vehicles in the U.S., the companies avoided the penalties and retained access to the prized United States consumer market. After two decades of sales growth in North America (particularly during the 1970s when gasoline became prohibitively expensive, resulting in consumers seeking out more fuel-efficient cars), Toyota decided to enter the luxury market with the introduction of the Lexus brand of vehicles in the late 1980s.
Toyota is also a leader in the manufacture of hybrid cars. Recently published reports indicate that the Prius, Toyota’s hybrid electric/gasoline-powered car, is the most successful hybrid vehicle on the market in terms of sales. The Prius is available in several models, most notably the “Liftback” hatchback that is especially popular with consumers.

Toyota models that are well-established in the North American marketplace include the Corolla, the Camry, the 4-Runner (a pre-SUV era, off-road capable vehicle), the Highlander, the Yaris, the Avalon, the Tercel and a range of small to medium-sized pickup trucks. Toyota cars and trucks are generally regarded by critics and consumers alike as well-made, reliable vehicles that perform well and are of high quality for the price.

In 2015, Toyota is focusing on the expansion of their Prius line of cars, of which there are several models available, including the unique Plug-In model which allows for the use of standard electrical power to charge the vehicle. As well, lower sticker prices for some Yaris and Prius models are intended to attract the interest of younger car buyers, many of whom are seeking fuel efficiency and value above all else when considering a car purchase or lease.