Lyla Lindsey
Toyota Australia, a subsidiary of the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota, manufactured cars in Australia from 1963 to 2017. Toyota Australia was the country's leading car company and held the largest market share of Australia's new car market for eighteen consecutive years from 2003 to 2020. Over the years, Toyota Australia produced several car models, including the Tiara, Crown, Corona, Corolla, Camry, and Aurion. The company also built engines and exported cars to various countries. In 2017, Toyota ended its vehicle manufacturing operations in Australia due to unfavourable economic conditions and consolidated its corporate functions in Melbourne.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Years of manufacturing in Australia | 1963-2017 |
| Location of headquarters | Port Melbourne |
| Offices | Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville, Darwin |
| First car produced in Australia | Tiara |
| Other cars produced in Australia | Crown, Corona, Corolla, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Aurion, Apollo, Nova |
| Number of employees at the time of closure | 3,900 |
| Number of employees expected after closure | 1,300 |
| Number of people attending the closure ceremony | 3,000 |
| Number of Australian-built cars exported to the Middle East | 1,245,914 |
| Total number of Toyota vehicles bought by Australians | Over 6.5 million |
| Highest production year | 148,931 (2007) |
| Highest production month | 15,355 (October 2007) |
| Number of first-generation Toyota Mirai imported to Australia | 10 |
| Number of second-generation Toyota Mirai allocated for Australia | 20 |
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What You'll Learn
Toyota Australia manufactured cars from 1963 to 2017
Toyota Australia manufactured cars locally from 1963 until 2017. The first Toyota car produced in Australia was the Tiara in 1963 at a factory in Port Melbourne, now the site of the company's corporate headquarters. Other famous Toyota cars produced in Australia include the Crown, Corona, and Corolla. In 1986, the first AMI-exported car, a Toyota Corona wagon, was shipped to New Zealand.
In 1987, Toyota Australia and Holden formed United Australian Automobile Industries, resulting in the production of Holden Apollo and Holden Nova at Altona, which were badge-engineered Camrys and Corollas. The Altona plant, established in 1978, began producing engines in 1979, and these engines were used in the Camry for local and export markets, including Thailand and Malaysia.
Toyota Australia's highest production year was in 2007, with 148,931 cars produced, and its highest production month was October of that same year, with 15,355 cars produced. The Middle East was the biggest export market for Australian-built Toyotas, with 1,245,914 cars exported there.
In 2009, Toyota Australia began full-scale production of the Australian Camry Hybrid, and in 2012, the company retrenched 350 workers, receiving criticism for the manner in which it was carried out. In February 2014, Toyota announced that it would cease manufacturing vehicles and engines in Australia by the end of 2017 due to the unfavourable Australian dollar, high production costs, and high competition in the local market.
The Altona plant closed in October 2017, marking the end of Toyota's automobile manufacturing in Australia, and a ceremony was held to commemorate the occasion, with Toyota Australia President Dave Buttner paying tribute to employees. The Altona plant was retained for other functions, including a Centre of Excellence and a vehicle proving facility known as the Autodrome.
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The first model produced was the Toyota Tiara
Toyota Australia is an Australian subsidiary of the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota. It manufactured cars locally from 1963 until 2017, with the first model produced being the Toyota Tiara. The Toyota Tiara was first produced in 1963 at a factory in Port Melbourne, which now serves as the company's corporate headquarters. The Tiara is a light four-to-five-seater car with good ground clearance, a top-notch finish, and a powerful four-cylinder engine. It features a unique layout, with independent springing, a steering column gearshift, two bench-type seats, and an orthodox instrument panel. The steering system is highly responsive and shock-free, with a 31ft turning circle, worm and sector design. The gearshifting mechanism, operated by an upstairs-type lever, may appear unconventional but provides accurate and snappy gear changes. The push-button controls and umbrella-type handbrake further contribute to the car's ease of use.
The Toyota Tiara's engine delivers impressive performance, drawing fuel from a 10.6-gallon tank through a large auto-choke two-barrel carburettor. It starts effortlessly and idles smoothly, even with a high compression ratio of 8.4. The car can smoothly accelerate from low speeds in top gear, showcasing its exceptional torque capabilities. The Tiara's suspension system, consisting of independently sprung 13-inch wheels and a longitudinal torsion bar arrangement, ensures a comfortable ride even on rough roads. Its cornering capabilities are impressive, with flat and definite handling and a hint of oversteer for added agility. The silence at all speeds is remarkable, thanks to a thick layer of undersealing, enhancing the overall driving experience.
The Toyota Tiara was well-received, praised for its combination of innovative features and orthodox design elements. It addressed criticisms of Japanese cars being over-bodied and underpowered, striking a balance between familiarity and fresh ideas. The price range for the Toyota Tiara varied based on the trim level and body type chosen, offering customers a range of options to suit their preferences and budgets. The dimensions of the Tiara Sedan and Wagon also varied according to the year of manufacture and spec level, allowing for customization and adaptability to different markets. Overall, the Toyota Tiara served as a strong introduction for Toyota's manufacturing endeavours in Australia, showcasing the company's commitment to quality and innovation.
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Other famous models include the Crown, Corolla, and Camry
Toyota Australia, a subsidiary of the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota, manufactured cars locally from 1963 to 2017. During this time, they produced several famous models, including the Crown, Corolla, and Camry.
The Toyota Crown, a luxury sedan, was sold in Australia for two decades from 1964 to 1988. It was built locally at Toyota's Port Melbourne plant, and its latest generation was released in Japan in 2022. The Crown continues to be produced in Japan, but it is not available in Australia as it directly competes with the Toyota-owned Lexus ES sedan. The Crown is known for its various wheel and tyre options, with tyre sizes ranging from 195x70 HR14 and wheel sizes from 5.5x14 inches for the 1988 model.
The Corolla Hatch, a sporty and stylish model, is another popular car in Australia. It features a Hybrid Electric engine, a lowered centre of gravity, and independent rear suspension for improved handling and a smooth ride. The Corolla Hatch also comes equipped with Toyota Connected Services, providing remote features, connected navigation, voice commands, and advanced safety systems.
The Toyota Camry, an iconic Hybrid Electric sedan, has been a staple in the Australian market. The 2024 model features a sleek and aerodynamic design, a front-wheel drive powertrain, and an upgraded Hybrid Electric system. The Camry offers a spacious interior, functional luxury, and improved fuel efficiency, making it a practical and appealing choice for Australian drivers.
In addition to these famous models, Toyota Australia also produced other notable vehicles, including the Land Cruiser, Tiara, and Corona. The company held the largest market share of Australia's new car market for eighteen consecutive years from 2003 to 2020, showcasing their significant presence and popularity in the Australian automotive industry.
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The Altona plant built engines for export markets
Toyota Australia, a subsidiary of the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota, manufactured cars in Australia from 1963 to 2017. The first Toyota car produced in Australia was the Tiara, in 1963, at a factory in Port Melbourne. This factory became the site of Toyota Australia's corporate headquarters.
The Altona plant, established in 1978, began producing engines in 1979. It was the first Toyota plant outside of Japan to build engines. The Altona-built engines were used in Camrys for the local and export markets, including Thailand and Malaysia. The Middle East was the biggest export market for Australian-built Toyota cars, with 1,245,914 cars exported there.
In addition to engines, the Altona plant built three models of cars for domestic and export markets: the Camry, Camry Hybrid, and Aurion. In 2009, full-scale production of the new Australian Camry Hybrid commenced, with the first locally-made Camry Hybrid revealed to the public in December of that year.
In February 2014, Toyota announced that it would cease manufacturing vehicles and engines in Australia by the end of 2017 due to the unfavourable Australian dollar, high production costs, and high competition in the local market. The Altona plant closed in October 2017, marking the end of Toyota's automobile manufacturing in Australia. However, the plant was retained for other functions, including a Centre of Excellence and a vehicle proving facility known as the Autodrome. In 2019, Toyota announced plans to build a Hydrogen Centre at Altona, incorporating hydrogen production, storage, and refuelling facility, as well as an education centre.
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Toyota Australia has held the largest market share for 18 years
Toyota Australia has been the country's best-selling automotive brand for 25 years. Notably, it held the largest market share of Australia's new car market for eighteen consecutive years from 2003 to 2020.
Toyota Australia is an Australian subsidiary of the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota. It began operations in 1959 when Toyota Land Cruisers were imported by Thiess Toyota for the Snowy Mountains Scheme. In 1963, Toyota began manufacturing cars locally at a factory in Port Melbourne, now the site of the company's corporate headquarters. The first model produced in Australia was the Toyota Tiara.
Over the years, Toyota Australia has produced several famous car models, including the Crown, Corona, and Corolla. The Corolla, in particular, has been the top-selling passenger car in Australia for ten consecutive years. Other popular models include the LandCruiser, which achieved almost 50,000 sales in 2021, and the HiLux, which has been the top-selling vehicle for seven consecutive years.
Toyota Australia's Altona Plant, established in 1978, played a significant role in the company's success. The plant produced engines and vehicles, including the Camry, for both the local and export markets. In 2009, the Altona plant commenced production of the Australian Camry Hybrid, marking another milestone in the company's history.
Despite ceasing manufacturing operations in Australia in 2017 due to unfavourable economic conditions, Toyota Australia remains committed to the country. The company continues to manage motorsport, advertising, and business operations, as well as supporting its employees and the community.
Toyota Australia's success can be attributed to various factors, including the trust placed in the brand by Australian consumers, as well as the company's ability to adapt to challenges and maintain a strong production rate. With a history of producing reliable and trusted vehicles, Toyota Australia has established itself as a leading automotive brand in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Toyota Australia manufactured cars in Australia from 1963 to 2017. Some of the cars produced in Australia include the Tiara, Crown, Corona, Corolla, Camry, Camry Hybrid, and Aurion.
Toyota cars were made at the Altona plant in Victoria, Australia. The Altona plant was established in 1978 and began producing engines in 1979.
Toyota ended its 54-year manufacturing operations in Australia due to unfavourable economic conditions, including the high cost of local manufacturing and competition in the local market.
