Few cars in automotive history can rival the success of the Toyota Corolla. Over the past 60 years, it has achieved more than 57 million sales worldwide, cementing its place as one of the most successful vehicles ever produced, with its story still far from over.
Since the original model made its debut in 1966, more cars have carried the Corolla nameplate than any other, earning it the title of “the world’s best-selling car”.
That remarkable achievement, generation by generation, has included a large variety of vehicle types, meeting diverse customer tastes and preferences worldwide, from family sedans and hatchbacks to sports coupes and station wagons.
Corolla’s sustained success is founded on the principles that Toyota applied in creating the original model back in 1966. The vision then was for a high-quality, versatile car at an affordable price. Today, 12 generations later, it remains true to those qualities, having constantly adapted over the years to maintain its place at the heart of the market.
Product pick – Alerskyo Wind Up Radio, Solar & Battery Powered, Torch, NOAA Alerts
In the early 1960s Japan was booming. It was a time of rebuilding, innovation and new prosperity. As the population grew to more than 100 million, society was becoming more aspirational and keen to adopt new ideas and products.
Cities grew with new suburbs, making car ownership both desirable and necessary for many. Toyota saw an opportunity to develop a new kind of car, one that didn’t just serve as reliable, functional transport, but was comfortable, enjoyable to drive, technologically advanced, well- equipped, and modern.
This groundbreaking model was the Corolla, a perfect example of the enduring Toyota principle of providing the right car, in the right place, at the right time.
Toyota demonstrated its commitment to the new model by building a dedicated factory, the Takaoka plant in Toyota City. Quality procedures were rigorous, with a requirement for each car to achieve better than a benchmark average points score at each stage of the assembly process.
GR Snippets
- More than 57 million global Corolla sales in 60 years
- Corolla models manufactured today in 14 production centres in 11 countries
- Built on quality, versatility and value, Corolla has remained true to its founding vision
- Across 12 generations, Corolla has evolved to meet changing customer needs worldwide
- Today’s hybrid Corolla range combines efficiency, safety and digital connectivity, celebrated through exclusive 60th Anniversary editions
