Toyota is known for being one of the most forward thinking and innovative corporations in the world. Where did it all begin? What were the first steps Toyota took to greatness? Have a look at this nifty timeline below :

1933 - Automobile department established within textile loom maker Toyoda Automatic Loom Works -- now Toyota Industries Corp - founded by inventor Sakichi Toyoda

1935 - First vehicle, the Model G1 truck, built. First Toyota dealership established

1936 - Production starts of its first car, the Model AA

1957 - Crown becomes first passenger car made in Japan to be exported to the United States

1962 - First overseas vehicle plant, in Brazil

1964 - First Asian vehicle plant outside Japan, in Thailand

972 - Cumulative production in Japan reaches 10 million vehicles

1984 - Toyota's first U.S. car assembly plant, a joint venture with General Motors Corp. (GM.N), opens in California

1989 - Toyota launches luxury Lexus brand in North America

1992 - First European car plant begins production in Britain

1997 - Prius, the first mass-produced hybrid car, launched

1998 - Toyota takes majority stake in mini vehicle maker, Daihatsu Motor Co.  read more »