Image Credit: Toyota Motor Corporation Audio Credit: Audiorezout

Kiichiro Toyoda   is the son  of Japanese businessman Sakichi Toyoda—an inventor and the founder of  Toyoda Automatic Loom Works.

Image Credit: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyoda was born in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan in 1894.

Around two months after he was born, his mother left him to his father, who was always busy. He was raised by his grandparents in Yoshitsumura.

Image Credit: Toyota Motor Corporation

He studied engineering at the University of Tokyo.

Kiichiro began working at his father’s loom-making business after graduating.

Image Credit: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyoda later traveled abroad to learn more about manufacturing.

He worked at a top manufacturer of textile machinery in England. Then, he went to the United States to study their manufacturing techniques.

Image Credit: Toyota Motor Corporation

He used his knowledge to improve the family business.

He patented a carding machine, upgraded their looms, and created the Just-in-Time (JIT) method, which increased inventory turnover.

Image Credit: Toyota Motor Corporation

After his father’s death in 1930, Toyoda convinced the new company president to fund a research venture in automaking.

He bought a Chevrolet for his engineers to dismantle and reassemble.

Image Credit: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyoda established an auto division in Toyoda Loom works in 1933.

Two years later, he and his team rolled out a prototype vehicle, the “Model A1” passenger car.

Image Credit: Toyota Motor Corporation

Model A1 borrowed ideas from other automakers.

It combined Chevy’s engine, Ford’s chassis, and the Chrysler Airflow’s style with Japanese components.

Toyoda drove one of the prototypes to his father's grave to show his respect.

Image Credit: Toyota Motor Corporation

The cars were sold under the Toyoda name until the team changed its name to “Toyota.”

"Toyota" is easier to read and contains eight brushstrokes to write, which is considered lucky in Japanese culture.

Image Credit: Wikimedia

Toyota Motor Corporation was registered independently from Toyoda Loom Works in 1937.

Toyoda became the President of the company in 1941. He served as CEO until he resigned in 1950.

Image Credit: Toyota Motor Corporation

Kiichiro Toyoda passed away in 1952, but his legacy lives on.

Without him, Toyota would not be what it is today: an automaker that’s known worldwide for producing reliable, high-value vehicles.

Image Credit: Toyota Motor Corporation

Some of Toyota’s best selling models include  the Camry, Rav4, Corolla, Highlander, and Tacoma.

Camry

RAV4

COROLLA

Highlander

Tacoma

Image Credit: Toyota Motor Corporation

Need replacement parts for your Toyota?

Check out premium aftermarket Toyota parts and order what you need today!