Reflecting on the Half-Century Legacy of the Corolla automobile, serving over 50 million satisfied customers worldwide.

Toyota Corolla: A Half-Century of Success

The Toyota Corolla, a compact car produced by the Japanese automaker, has been a staple in the automotive industry since its debut in 1966. With over 50 million units sold worldwide, the Corolla has played a significant role in Japan's motorization and Toyota's global success.

Eiji Toyoda, a senior executive leading the initial Corolla project, asserted that the Corolla created popular demand rather than just riding the wave of motorization. This assertion was proven true as the Corolla models, first introduced for sale in Japan in May 1966, quickly gained popularity. The initial offering was a two-door sedan, followed by the addition of a four-door sedan and a three-door station wagon in August 1967.

The Corolla's impact on Japan's motorization in the 1960s was substantial. It represented the Toyota brand in pioneering markets and has been a popular choice for customers in various countries since its inception. The Corolla's success continued into the 1970s, with the Press-on-Regardless Rally in the United States being the first rally won by a Corolla, in 1973.

The development of the Corolla started with the "80-plus points" concept, which aimed for an excellent total balance and outstanding performance in certain areas. Tatsuo Hasegawa, who led the development of the first-generation Corolla, sought sportiness in terms of the "plus" in his "80-plus points" concept. This focus on performance and balance has been a consistent theme throughout the Corolla's evolution.

The fifth-generation Corolla saw a major shift from a rear-wheel-drive layout to a front-wheel-drive layout, resulting in a major expansion of interior space. This change was particularly notable in the mini-station wagon-like version of the fifth-generation Corolla, which had front-wheel drive and was called a "liftback" in Japan.

The Corolla has also made its mark in the world of motorsports. The Corolla that won the first rally for the model was a TE25 Corolla with a 2T-B engine. More recently, the Corolla that competed in the 2021 24-hour endurance race in Japan was powered by hydrogen engine technology.

As the Corolla celebrates its 50th anniversary, it continues to be at the center of Toyota's efforts to be best-in-class in each country and region it operates. For more information about the Corolla's 50th anniversary, visit https://global.toyota/en/corolla50th/. The Corolla's legacy is a testament to Toyota's commitment to quality, performance, and innovation.

The current generation of the Corolla is the 12th generation, and it continues to be a popular choice for customers around the world. The Corolla debuted during Japan's rapid economic growth, when the "new three sacred treasures" were color TV, car, and air conditioner. Today, the Corolla remains a symbol of Toyota's commitment to providing reliable, high-quality transportation to customers around the globe.