| Yaris ▷ | from $14,430 |
| Corolla ▷ | from $16,800 |
| Prius c ▷ | from $19,080 |
| Camry ▷ | from $22,425 |
| RAV4 ▷ | from $23,550 |
| Prius ▷ | from $24,200 |
| Sienna ▷ | from $26,290 |
| Prius v ▷ | from $26,750 |
| FJ Cruiser ▷ | from $27,680 |
| Venza ▷ | from $27,950 |
| Highlander ▷ | from $29,215 |
| Avalon ▷ | from $31,340 |
| 4Runner ▷ | from $32,820 |
| Sequoia ▷ | from $44,095 |
| Land Cruiser ▷ | from $79,605 |
Kiichiro Toyoda, son of the founder of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works went to Europe to learn how to produce gas-powered engines. Upon his return, he formed the Toyota Motor Company in 1933 under his father’s business. The Japanese government encouraged him because they were looking for cheaper vehicles to use in their war against China.
Toyota’s factories missed being bombed in WWII. At the end of the war, Toyota returned to building cars but had better success with buses and trucks. Between 1947 and 1955, they came out with three successful models: Model SA, Model SF, and Model RH. In 1955, they added the Land Cruiser and the Crown.
By 1959, Toyota had a manufacturing plant in Brazil. Unlike other automotive manufacturers, Toyota models were adapted to their respective markets. In the 70s with rising gas prices, Toyota was ahead of the market because of its many fuel-efficient models. At this time, the Corolla rose to be America’s favorite compact car. Toyota responded to the 80s luxury trend by creating Lexus–a new company for its luxury line. Recently, Toyota was the first to mass-produce environmentally-friendly vehicles with its Prius hybrid.
Toyota has the best brand perception of all vehicles. They rank number one in quality value and fuel economy and number three in safety and innovation. The most successful model Toyota produced was the Corolla. Some other popular models are the Prius, Yaris, Camry, Sienna, RAV4, and Tacoma truck.
Traditionally, Toyota has dominated the fuel-efficiency segment of the market, but in recent years, they have tried to expand. They created Lexus as a luxury car line, and then Scion to bring younger consumers to the Toyota brand. They also began creating SUVs.
Toyota’s Board of Directors consists of only five people: one CEO, one Chairman, and three Directors. Under them are thirty-three senior managing executive officers, managing executive officers, and vice-presidents.
Toyota Motor U.S.A is under this organizational structure and has its own CEO and Board Chairman as well as twenty-five vice-presidents, presidents, and executive officers beneath them. They sold 8.9 million vehicles in 2013 with a 6.0% operating income return on their revenues. They have 14.4% of the U.S. market share.
Last updated in May 2014. All prices were taken from the manufacturer's website. They're typically suggested retail prices (MSRPs) excluding tax, delivery, title, registration, license, dealer fees and optional equipment.
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