Toyota - originally a fledgling music instruments manufacturing company (the reason why they still use a Tuning Fork in their logo) turned into an auto manufacturing major in 1937. With stakes in other auto majors like Daihatsu, Hino and Isuzu, Toyota is at the forefront of automobile manufacturing in Japan. Built on a solid platform and quality and lingering value, Toyota cars come in all sizes - from the muscular Toyota Prada to the first hybrid gas-electric vehicle - Toyota Prius.
Many people used second hand refurbished automobile engines from Toyota to power the then staple Indian car - Hindustan Ambassador in the late 1980s to 1990s. The reliability and frugal nature of these engines endeared Toyota to many. With the arrival of MUV like Toyota Qualis (which looked boxy in appearance, but performed well on the road) and Toyota Innova - MUV market in India expanded wide and far.