This year marks a momentous milestone for Toyota Canada as it celebrates its 60th anniversary! From humble beginnings to becoming one of the leading automotive brands in the country, Toyota Canada's journey is a testament to innovation, resilience, and commitment to quality.
A Journey Through the Decades: Key Milestones in Toyota Canada's History
1964: Toyota Grants a Distributorship Agreement to Canadian Motor Industries, Ltd.
Toyota signs a distributorship agreement with Canadian Motor Industries, Ltd. (CMI), marking the beginning of Toyota's formal entry into the Canadian automotive market. This partnership lays the groundwork for Toyota’s expansion and presence in Canada.
1965: 755 Vehicles Sold
Canadian Motor Industries sells 755 vehicles in its inaugural year of operation. The first models sold in Canada were the 700, the Crown sedan and wagon, and the Land Cruiser. This modest beginning marked the start of Toyota's journey in the Canadian market, laying the foundation for its future growth and success in the automotive industry.
1967: Toyota Corolla Introduced
Toyota launches the Corolla, a compact car that would go on to become one of the best-selling vehicles worldwide. Known for its reliability, affordability, and fuel efficiency, the Corolla quickly gains popularity in Canada and plays a pivotal role in establishing Toyota as a trusted automotive brand in the country.
1968: First Japanese Vehicles Assembled in Canada at Point Edward Plant in Sydney, Nova Scotia
Toyota begins assembling its first Japanese vehicles in Canada at the Point Edward Plant in Sydney, Nova Scotia. This marks a significant milestone in the automotive industry, as it was the first time Japanese vehicles were assembled on Canadian soil, paving the way for further growth and local production within the country.
1970: Expansion and Growth - National Headquarters Opens in Ontario
Canadian Motor Industries expands its operations by opening its national headquarters in Ontario. This move centralizes the company's operations, facilitating better coordination and supports Toyota's continued growth across the Canadian market.
1980: CMI Becomes Toyota Canada Inc.
Canadian Motor Industries, the entity responsible for Toyota's operations in Canada, is officially renamed Toyota Canada Inc. This rebranding reflects the company's growing presence and solidified its identity as a key automative player.
1986: TMMC Breaks Ground on its First Manufacturing Plant
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) breaks ground on its first manufacturing plant in Cambridge, Ontario. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of local vehicle production, establishing a strong manufacturing presence in Canada and setting the stage for future growth and success.
1988: 1 Millionth Vehicle Sold in Canada
Toyota Canada celebrates a significant achievement with the sale of its 1 millionth vehicle in the country. This milestone highlights Toyota's growing popularity and solidifies its reputation as a trusted automotive brand among Canadian consumers. In November 1988, the first vehicle, a blue Corolla, is built at TMMC.
1990: Toyota Credit Canada Inc. and Lexus Canada are Established
Toyota expands its presence in Canada by establishing Toyota Credit Canada Inc. and introducing its luxury brand, Lexus, to the Canadian market. Toyota Credit Canada Inc. provides financing options for customers, while Lexus offers premium vehicles, broadening Toyota's appeal and enhancing its service offerings.
1996: Toyota RAV4 Introduced
Toyota Canada launches the RAV4, a groundbreaking compact SUV that combined the benefits of an SUV with the practicality of a compact car. The RAV4 quickly gains popularity for its versatility, fuel efficiency, and all-wheel-drive capability, setting the stage for the booming SUV market in Canada.
2000: Toyota Prius Introduced
Toyota Canada introduces the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. The Prius revolutionizes the automotive industry by offering a fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative, solidifying Toyota's leadership in hybrid technology and setting a new standard for eco-conscious driving in Canada.
2003: Expansion of Manufacturing Operations
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) achieves a significant milestone by becoming the first plant outside Japan to build Lexus vehicles. This accomplishment marks a major expansion of TMMC's capabilities and underscores its role in producing premium vehicles for the global market.
2011: 4 Millionth Vehicle Sold in Canada
Toyota Canada reaches a major milestone with the sale of its 4 millionth vehicle in the country. This achievement reflects the enduring trust and loyalty of Canadian customers, further establishing Toyota as a leading automotive brand in Canada.
2012: 5 Millionth Vehicle Built by TMMC
Toyota Canada celebrates the 5 millionth vehicle built at TMMC. This milestone demonstrates the continued success and growing popularity of Toyota’s vehicles among Canadian consumers, reinforcing the brand's strong market presence and commitment to customer satisfaction.
2013: First Hybrid Vehicle Produced at TMMC (Lexus RX)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) begins producing its first hybrid vehicle, the Lexus RX, at its Cambridge plant. This marks a significant development in local manufacturing, highlighting Toyota's commitment to hybrid technology and enhancing its production capabilities in Canada.
2014: 100,000 Hybrid Vehicles Sold
Toyota Canada reaches a significant milestone by selling 100,000 hybrid vehicles. This achievement underscores Toyota's leadership in hybrid technology and its growing impact on the Canadian automotive market, reflecting increasing consumer adoption of eco-friendly driving options.
2018: Toyota Mirai Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Introduced
Toyota Canada introduces the Mirai, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. This launch showcases Toyota's commitment to advancing clean energy technology and offers Canadian consumers a new, eco-friendly driving option with zero emissions and innovative fuel cell technology.
2020: New Eastern Canada Parts Distribution Centre Opens in Ontario
Toyota Canada opens a new Eastern Canada Parts Distribution Centre in Ontario. This facility enhances the efficiency and speed of parts delivery across the region, supporting Toyota's commitment to excellent customer service and streamlined operations.
2022: 6 Millionth Vehicle Sold in Canada
Toyota Canada celebrates the sale of its 6 millionth vehicle in the country. This milestone highlights Toyota's continued success and strong market presence, reflecting the brand's enduring popularity and commitment to providing quality vehicles to Canadians.
2024: Prius Named AJAC’s 2024 Canadian Car of The Year and Grand Highlander Named AJAC’s 2024 Canadian Utility Vehicle of The Year
The Toyota Prius and Grand Highlander are honoured as AJAC’s 2024 Canadian Car and Utility Vehicle of the Year. These accolades recognize the Prius and Grand Highlander for their innovation, efficiency, and impact on the automotive industry, reaffirming Toyota's leadership in hybrid technology and its commitment to excellence.
2024: 11 Millionth Vehicle Built at TMMC
TMMC reaches a significant milestone by building its 11 millionth vehicle, a white RAV4 Hybrid Woodland, in Canada this year. This achievement underscores TMMC's role as a key manufacturing hub for Toyota and highlights its long-standing contribution to the company’s success.
2024: Toyota Celebrates 60 Years in Canada
Toyota Canada celebrates six decades of success, innovation, and commitment to its customers. Throughout the year, various events and initiatives are planned to commemorate this milestone.
Celebrate with us: 60 years of Toyota in Canada
Selected automotive media are invited to a cross-Canada road-trip from St John’s, NL to Victoria, BC to be immersed in Toyota’s journey in Canada over 9,000 kms and 60 years of history. Read the press release here to learn more about our humble beginnings, follow our Canadian footprints from coast to coast, and hear our commitment to our next 60 years and beyond.
Looking Ahead
Toyota Canada celebrates its 60th anniversary, reflecting on a legacy of delivering quality vehicles and exceptional service to Canadian customers. From pioneering hybrid technology to investing in local manufacturing, Toyota's journey in Canada is marked by continuous innovation and a commitment to sustainability.
Looking forward, Toyota Canada remains dedicated to driving the future of mobility with a focus on cutting-edge technology, environmental stewardship, and unparalleled customer satisfaction. Here's to 60 years of excellence and many more years of driving towards a brighter, more sustainable future!
