CUMULATIVE PRODUCTION OF TOYOTA CORONA REACHES SIX MILLION

Toyota City―TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION today announced that cumulative production of its Corona passenger cars recently reached the six-million mark. This was achieved twenty-nine years and six months after introduction of the first model, the 1,000cc Toyopet Corona, popularly known as the "potbellied Corona," in May 1957.

The Toyopet Corona was originally developed to meet the taxicab industry's demand for a sturdy, economical small passenger car. Later it gained in popularity with individual car owners and helped greatly to pave the way for the explosive motorization boom in the late 1960s to early 1970s.

In November 1964, a 100,000-km endurance test drive was conducted using the Corona on the newly opened Meishin Expressway. The test was a complete success, with the Corona suffering no malfunctions. Because of its outstanding performance and winning styling, the Corona was received enthusiastically in the market. It was the bestselling passenger car for thirty-three consecutive months from April 1965, and again for thirty-five straight months from December 1973.

During its long career, the Corona has kept ahead of the times and won the loyalty of customers in all walks of life. For instance, in July 1965, the first hardtop in Japan joined the Corona lineup; in December 1973, the first automobile warning light system in Japan, the "OK Monitor," was installed in the Corona.

Approximately two million Coronas have been shipped since exports started in 1958. Together with the Corolla and Celica, the Corona has attained the distinction of becoming a global Toyota passenger car, popular with customers all over the world. (The current Corona for the European market is called the Carina II.)

The present Corona lineup, made up of five basic models―the FWD 4-door Sedan, FWD 5-door, Coupe, RWD Sedan and Van―successfully meets the requirements of a wide range of users, from the sports-minded to the family-oriented.

Corona Manufacturing Plants

Tsutsumi Plant

FWD 4-door Sedan, FWD 5-door, RWD Sedan

Tahara Plant

Coupe

Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd.

FWD 4-door Sedan, RWD Sedan, VAN