Toyota is one of the most successful car brands in automotive history. With an established reputation for reliability and quality, their cars are among the most sought-after worldwide. Just like most of the big companies worldwide, the Toyota logo has steadily evolved over the years, with each step oriented towards creating the logo that best exemplifies the brand’s identity. This article will take a look at the history of the Toyota logo. We will take a close look at the meanings behind the logo and how the design reached its current form.
The Toyota Motor Company was founded in 1939 by Toyoda. In fact, the first logo of the company has “Toyoda” written in it. The first logo was actually the product of a design contest ran by the company. At the time, they also have a logo wherein Toyoda was written in Kanji. This old logo was either accompanied by wings, which symbolizes speed, or by the shachihoko, an iconic symbol associated with Nagoya, the city where the company was founded. These early versions of the Toyota logo all made it in car models they created during the time.
The name of the company was changed from Toyoda to Toyota during the 1940s. According to Toyota, there are 3 reasons behind the name change. The first reason is because they think the new name actually sounds better. The second reason is it allows the company’s Japanese name to be written in 8 strokes, which is linked to good fortune. The third, and perhaps the biggest, reason behind the name change is that the change is made to signify the transition of the company to becoming a big player in the industry.
Along with the name change, a new logo for the company was established. The logo was actually simple: it is a round logo where the name “Toyota” is written in Kanji. It was a very simple logo, but it was a very effective one. Along the way, another logo was created, the script of Toyota. Traditionally colored red, this logo is being used extensively in Toyota’s car lineup and promotional materials up to today.
Toyota’s current logo was introduced in 1989, in commemoration of the company’s 50th anniversary. The establishment of this new logo represented a new chapter in the company’s history. The first car to use this logo is their flagship model at the time, the Toyota Celsior. The logo was gradually introduced throughout Toyota’s product line over the years.
Three oval shapes were used in creating the logo. The first 2 ovals found at the inner part of the logo represents the heart of the customer and the heart of the company. The 2 inner ovals form a T which represents Toyota while also resembling a steering wheel. The large outer oval represents the world embracing Toyota. This logo has become synonymous to the company since.
Toyota’s logo has evolved over the years until it has reached its current form. Today’s logo accurately represents the company, both in terms of aesthetics and meanings.
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