Toyota Australia

Driving Forward: A History of Toyota in Australia

Toyota, since its founding in 1937, has been striving to continuously contribute to sustainable development for society and the planet through its global business operations.

We have followed this principle since Toyota Australia was founded in 1963, and it has helped us to become Australia’s largest automotive company.

We recognize that motor vehicles can have a significant impact on the environment and society. In order to achieve harmony between people, society and the environment, we pay close attention to our stakeholders.

We innovate continuously to create vehicles that will meet the market’s needs both today and in the future.

Our research is focused on vehicles that can be powered by alternative fuels, and those with the potential to drive themselves.

We continue to develop vehicles that are both safe and reliable while maintaining the high standards that Toyota customers expect.

Toyota is the Australian subsidiary of Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It manages Toyota’s business, motorsport and advertising operations in Australia. It is also in charge of Lexus cars in Australia.

Toyota Australia has its headquarters in Port Melbourne and offices in Adelaide Perth Sydney Brisbane Townsville Darwin.

Toyota Australia produced cars in Australia between 1963 and 2017.

History

The production line of Toyota vehicles was dedicated to the Toyota Tiara in 1963. In 1963, the Toyota Tiara was featured on the production line.

In 1972, Toyota announced plans to invest $127 million in an engine and gearbox factory.

In 1980, Toyota exercised an option to buy Thiess’ share of Thiess Toyota. Toyota bought Thiess Toyota in 1980 after exercising an option.

Under the leadership of Robert Johnston and Holden, Toyota Australia formed United Australian Automobile Industries to respond to the Plan Button Car. Toyota Australia built Holden Apollos and Holden Novas in Altona, which were badge-engineered Camrys or Corollas. Holden produced the Toyota Lexcen, which was a rebadged Commodore.

In 1992, the one-millionth Toyota locally produced was manufactured. In 1994, the entire vehicle manufacturing operation was moved from Port Melbourne. The last vehicle manufactured at the Port Melbourne facility was a Toyota Camry, and the first vehicle at the Altona facility was a Toyota Corolla. Port Melbourne carried out minor operations.

In 2004, the two-millionth Toyota locally produced was manufactured. Altona produced the ten millionth Camry in 2005. In May 2006, Toyota’s Port Melbourne factory was closed and all production stopped. Altona became the new manufacturing hub. In May 2006, Toyota Australia exported its 500,000th vehicle. It was a Toyota Camry that was headed to New Zealand. In August 2012, the one-millionth shipment was exported.

Altona and Port Melbourne have produced many Toyota models, such as the Tiara Corona, Crown Corolla Camry, and Avalon. The Toyota Land Cruiser has never been built in Australia.

Altona began producing the Camry in 2006. The Avalon production line has been replaced by the Toyota Aurion which shares many parts with the Camry. The Federal Government provided a $35-million subsidy to start production of the Camry Hybrid in 2010. The first Australian Toyota Hybrid Camry, which was built locally and unveiled to the public on 11th December 2009 by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, was finished.

Toyota announced in February 2014 that it would stop manufacturing cars and engines in Australia at the end of 2017. It was decided to consolidate its corporate functions in Melbourne by the end of 2017, when the company’s Sales & Marketing operations relocated from Woolooware Bay, Sydney. The head office (CHQ), which is located in Port Melbourne, will remain there. Altona’s plant will be used for other purposes such as a Centre Of Excellence facility and vehicle testing facility called the Autodrome. The expected reduction in the workforce from 3,900 down to 1,300 is expected.

Toyota produced cars in Victoria Australia between 1963-2017.

Altona would produce three models – Camry, Camry Hybrid, and Aurion – for domestic and export customers.

Toyota Australia announced in February 2014 that it would close its manufacturing facility by the end of 2017 and transform into a national distribution and sales company.

Toyota cars built in Australia:

• Toyota Tiara: 1963-1965. The Toyota Tiara was produced from 1963-1965 and marked an important period in Japan’s automotive history as it represented their evolving approach towards making vehicles that catered to both domestic and international markets. Japan experienced rapid economic development during the early 1960s, creating an increased need for affordable yet reliable automobiles. Toyota Tiara was introduced as an economy sedan model targeted towards families and individuals searching for an economical mode of transport.
• Toyota Crown: 1966-1980. The Toyota Crown’s run from 1966-1980 represents a crucial era in Toyota’s automotive history, representing its development into an innovative premium sedan that would eventually earn international renown. Introduced in 1966, the Toyota Crown epitomized Japan’s postwar economic expansion and rising demand for sophisticated yet practical cars. Acting as Toyota’s flagship sedan, this automobile catered to executives, government officials, and consumers seeking luxury with performance and reliability in one package.
• Toyota Corona: 1965-1987. 

  

  The Toyota Corona was an important vehicle during its 16-year run between 1965 and 1987, playing a critical part in Toyota’s global expansion while upholding its reputation for reliability and practicality. Introduced in 1965, the Toyota Corona was created as a family-friendly sedan to meet the growing demand for efficient yet cost-effective transportation in Japan during an era of rapid economic development. As Japan experienced rapid development, families and individuals looking for reliable vehicles for daily use relied heavily on Toyota Corona as part of their daily transportation needs. Stylistically, Coronas of the 1960s and 70s featured a perfect balance between simplicity and functionality. Over time, their designs changed with changing automotive aesthetics and technological innovations; starting off as compact sizes but gradually growing larger while maintaining maneuverability and fuel efficiency.

• Toyota Camry: 1987-2017. Toyota Camry production began in 1987 and continued up until 2017. Over that timeframe, it has earned itself an unparalleled legacy as one of the premier midsize sedans available today. Since 1982, when its first generation Camry debuted for Japanese consumers only, its third generation version has become globally acclaimed. This marked an important moment for Toyota as this model catered to meet the diverse needs and preferences of a global consumer base.
• Toyota Corolla: 1968-1999.

  

  The Toyota Corolla was first released to market in 1966, quickly becoming an iconic icon within the automotive industry, known for its reliability, efficiency, and practicality. From 1968 to 1999 it witnessed many significant milestones and changes that cemented its place as one of the best-selling cars worldwide. Early Toyota Corolla models quickly earned a strong reputation for engineering quality and affordability, drawing drivers worldwide. Over successive generations in the 1970s and 80s, design changes adapted to changing market demands while upholding core principles of reliability and efficiency.

• Holden Apollo: 1989-1996. From 1989-1996, Holden and Toyota collaborated on an intriguing mid-size family car known as the Apollo. Aimed at meeting Australia’s needs with respect to market demand and cost-effectiveness, this rebadged version of the Toyota Camry offered special customization features specific to Australia’s needs. Holden Apollo first launched for sale in 1989, taking advantage of Toyota’s legendary reliability and engineering expertise while adding their distinctive styling elements and regional market adjustments. Through this collaboration, Holden created an affordable mid-size sedan that appealed to Australian consumers searching for reliability, comfort, and practicality.
• Holden Nova: 1989-1996. Holden Nova was produced from 1989 to 1996 as their entry into Australia’s compact car market. Based on the Toyota Corolla 9G platform, this car provided Australian consumers with a reliable and economical small car option. Introduced in 1989, the Holden Nova built on Toyota’s reputation for quality and efficiency to become a budget-friendly urban vehicle suitable for urban environments. Holden and Toyota worked together to meet local market preferences; their collaboration allowed Holden to ensure the Nova met Australian standards of comfort, performance, and reliability.
• Toyota Lexcen: 1989-1996. The Toyota Lexcen, produced from 1989-1996 by Toyota and Holden in collaboration, was an exclusive vehicle designed specifically for Australian markets. Inspired by Ben Lexcen – famous for designing Australia II which won America’s Cup 1983 – and named in his honour, this unique collaboration attempted to combine Toyota’s engineering prowess with Holden’s understanding of local tastes and preferences for maximum consumer appeal. The Toyota Lexcen was an affordable family sedan or wagon designed specifically to meet Australian consumers’ driving needs and preferences, featuring both economical four-cylinder engines and powerful V6 models to meet different driving preferences and needs. Toyota and Holden joined forces to ensure that their Lexcen vehicle would incorporate Toyota’s commitment to reliability and quality with Holden’s distinctive styling cues and adjustments designed specifically to meet Australian driving conditions.
• Toyota Avalon: 2000-2005. Toyota Avalon was released as its full-size sedan debut in North America from 2000 to 2005, marking their entry into the full-size sedan market and serving as a flagship model that combined luxury, comfort, and reliability within an accommodating family sedan package. Introduced as the replacement for Toyota Cressida in 1994, the Avalon underwent significant modifications during its second generation (1900 to 2005). This version sought to appeal to American consumers seeking a premium driving experience without compromising Toyota’s renowned durability and cost-efficiency.
• Toyota Aurion: 2006-2017. From 2006 to 2017, Toyota offered the Aurion as part of their lineup, targeting Australian and Middle Eastern markets with mid-size sedan models designed to combine Toyota’s legendary reliability with enhanced performance, comfort features, and modern aesthetics. Launched in Australia in 2006, the Toyota Aurion was designed as the successor to its Avalon predecessor with a more contemporary and sporty aesthetic. Offering powerful V6 engines made this mid-size sedan stand out among its peers primarily focused on four-cylinder models.
• Toyota Camry Hybrid: 2009-2017.

  

  From 2009 to 2017, Toyota produced the Camry Hybrid as an important milestone in its mid-size sedan’s evolution. The hybrid technology demonstrated Toyota’s dedication to hybrid technology while maintaining reliability and comfort with enhanced fuel economy and reduced emissions. Toyota launched the Camry Hybrid as part of its strategy to offer eco-friendly alternatives without compromising performance or practicality. Featuring Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor for greater fuel economy compared to standard gasoline-powered vehicles, its launch in 2009 made waves within Toyota’s car world and beyond.

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Toyota Team Australia was a Toyota team that competed between 1985 and 1990 in the Australian Touring Car Championship with Sprinters and Corollas managed by A.M.I Toyota and Team Manager Tony Niovanni. It also competed with Neal Bates in the Australian Rally Championship.

Toyota Australia announced in March 2015 a grassroots motorsports series that was affordable and based on Australia’s most popular sports car, the Toyota86 Coupe, which would be raced during the Supercars Championship. The pro-am series began in 2016, with up to five professional drivers competing against an amateur field that will be qualified to start the race. The Toyota 86 Pro-Am Race Series, staged under the official banner of Toyota Racing Australia at selected Supercars Events, has been sanctioned Confederation of Australian Motor Sport.

Motorsport

Toyota Team Australia participated in the Australian Touring Car Championship from 1985 to 1990, with Sprinters and Corollas, managed by A.M.I Toyota, with Team Manager Tony Niovanni. It also competed with Neal Bates in the Australian Rally Championship.

Toyota Australia announced in March 2015 a grassroots motorsports series based on its best-selling sports car, the Toyota 86 Coupe, that would be raced during Supercars Championships. The pro-am series began in 2016 and features up to five professional drivers as mentors and competitors against a large field of amateurs who qualify for the starting grid. The Toyota 86 Pro-Am Race Series, staged under the official Toyota Racing Australia banner, is held at selected Supercars Events and sanctioned by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport.