Toyota Canada's 60-Year Journey: A Look Back at Key Milestones

As Campbell River Toyota continues to serve our community with the dedication and excellence that Toyota is known for, we celebrate Toyota Canada's 60-year journey with a look back at its remarkable history. From humble beginnings to becoming a leader in the automotive industry, Toyota Canada's journey is filled with significant milestones that have shaped the brand into what it is today.

1964: A Bold Beginning

Toyota Canada's journey officially began in 1964 with a distributorship agreement granted to Canadian Motor Industries, Ltd. (CMI). This partnership marked Toyota's formal entry into the Canadian market, laying the groundwork for decades of growth and innovation.

1965: The First Sales

In its inaugural year, CMI sold 755 vehicles, including the 700, the Crown sedan and wagon, and the iconic Land Cruiser. These first sales marked the beginning of Toyota Canada's presence in the market, setting the stage for the brand's future success.

1967: The Corolla Revolution

The introduction of the Toyota Corolla in 1967 was a game-changer. Known for its reliability, affordability, and fuel efficiency, the Corolla quickly became a favorite among Canadians. Today, it remains one of the best-selling vehicles worldwide, with a legacy of trust and dependability.

1968: Assembling the Future

In 1968, Toyota made history by assembling its first Japanese vehicles in Canada at the Point Edward Plant in Sydney, Nova Scotia. This milestone marked the beginning of local production and a new era of growth for Toyota in Canada.

1970: National Expansion

The opening of Toyota's national headquarters in Ontario in 1970 signified the brand's expansion and growing influence in the Canadian market. This move centralized operations and supported Toyota's continued growth across the country.

1980s: A Decade of Transformation

The 1980s were transformative for Toyota in Canada. In 1980, Canadian Motor Industries was officially renamed Toyota Canada Inc., solidifying its identity as a key player in the automotive industry. The decade also saw the groundbreaking of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) in Cambridge, Ontario, in 1986, marking the beginning of local vehicle production.

By 1988, Toyota Canada celebrated the sale of its 1 millionth vehicle, a testament to the brand's growing popularity among Canadian consumers.

1990s: Expansion and Innovation

The 1990s were a period of expansion and innovation for Toyota Canada. In 1990, Toyota Credit Canada Inc. and Lexus Canada were established, broadening Toyota's service offerings and introducing luxury vehicles to the Canadian market.

The decade also saw the introduction of the Toyota RAV4 in 1996, a compact SUV that quickly gained popularity for its versatility and fuel efficiency. In 2000, Toyota introduced the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, revolutionizing the industry and setting a new standard for eco-conscious driving.

2000s: Building for the Future

The 2000s marked significant achievements for Toyota in Canada. TMMC became the first plant outside Japan to build Lexus vehicles in 2003, and by 2012, Toyota Canada celebrated the 5 millionth vehicle built at TMMC. These milestones underscored Toyota's commitment to local manufacturing and its role in producing premium vehicles for the global market.

2010s: Leading in Hybrid Technology

Toyota Canada's leadership in hybrid technology was further solidified in the 2010s, with the sale of its 100,000th hybrid vehicle in 2014. The decade also saw the introduction of the Toyota Mirai, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, showcasing Toyota's commitment to advancing clean energy technology.

2020s: Continued Success and Innovation

As we move through the 2020s, Toyota Canada continues to celebrate milestones of success. In 2022, the brand celebrated the sale of its 6 millionth vehicle in Canada. In 2024, the Toyota Prius and Grand Highlander were honored as AJAC’s Canadian Car and Utility Vehicle of the Year, further solidifying Toyota's reputation for innovation and excellence.

This year also marks the production of the 11 millionth vehicle at TMMC and the celebration of Toyota Canada's 60th anniversary. To commemorate Toyota Canada's 60-Year Journey, it has kicked off a Cross-Country Kanreki Road Trip, celebrating six decades of success and connecting with communities across the country.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here's to the next 60 years of Toyota excellence in Canada!