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Toyota Auto Body (Japanese: トヨタ車体) is a manufacturing subsidiary of the Toyota group based in Japan. It is headquartered in Kariya, Aichi and was established in 1945. The company has plants in the Mie and Aichi prefectures and other facilities around Japan and abroad.

Key Information

The company was formed through a corporate spin-off from Toyota. In its early years, it produced auto bodies. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, it centred on truck production, before slowly switching focus to light vehicles (mostly vans) from the late 1960s onwards. In the 2000s, it absorbed the vehicle manufacturing operations of sister companies Araco and Gifu Auto Body.

As part of Toyota, Toyota Auto Body develops and produces a range of minivans, SUVs, light commercial vehicles and auto parts.

History

[edit]
Headquarters in Kariya, Japan

Toyota Auto Body was established on 31 August 1945 as a corporate spin-off of Toyota Motor Industry's Kariya plant[5][6] with the name Toyota Auto Body Industries (トヨタ車体工業, Toyota Shatai Kōgyō).[6][7] At first, it produced auto bodies for Toyota. In 1951, the company became the first Japanese manufacturer in producing a truck body made completely of steel.[5] In 1953, the company adopted its present name.[7][8] In January 1957, it opened an assembly facility in Kariya for mass-producing trucks.[9] In November 1959, it created a vehicle conversion subsidiary, Kariya Painting (later renamed Tokai Utility Motor).[10][11]

In the early 1960s, Toyota gave clear functions to some of its then itaku (subcontracting) companies: Toyota Auto Body was centred on producing trucks; Kanto Auto Works passenger vans and pickups; Arakawa Auto Body Land Cruisers and special vehicles.[12] In 1960, Toyota Auto Body produced 74,000 trucks (including large trucks, the Stout, the ToyoAce), an 87% of Toyota's overall truck production and a 48% of its total vehicle production. In 1964, truck production from Toyota Auto Body (large trucks, the Stout, the ToyoAce, the Dyna) rose to 116,000 trucks, comprising 90% of Toyota's truck production and 27% of all vehicles.[12]

In January 1964, Toyota Auto Body opened a second assembly facility in Kariya, the Fujimatsu plant,[13] which produced the first Japanese hard-top car during the 1960s,[5][14] the Corona Hard-top.[5] The company also became the first itaku in assembling mass-produced passenger cars. The production percentage of passenger cars and other light vehicles would increase for the company during the following years.[15] In the late 1960s, Toyota Auto Body led the development of a small van with a one-box design, similar to European ones at the time, but, according to former Toyota senior employee Akira Kawahara, something yet unseen in the Japanese industry.[16] In 1967, Toyota Auto Body began producing the van, named as HiAce. It became the most produced model from the company with more than 6 million units as of April 2017.[17] Toyota Auto Body would continue developing and producing one-box design vans.[18] In 1970, Toyota Auto Body production was 149,000 passenger cars and 142,000 commercial vehicles (trucks and buses),[15] although the actual percentage declined to 17.6% of Toyota's total vehicle production.[19]

In the 1970s, Toyota Auto Body was one of the first companies in using quality function deployment (QFD), paralleling the initial developments from Yoji Akao at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The rest of the Toyota group adopted the method in 1979. The improvements of Toyota Auto Body on QFD influenced Ford into adopting it.[20]

In 1992, the company established Toyota Body Seiko, an auto parts subsidiary, and began investments to increase the production of one-box vehicles, as the rest of its passenger car business was in decline.[21] In December 1993, Toyota Auto Body opened the van-focused Inabe plant.[22] By the mid-1990s, Toyota Auto Body ventured into the production of high-end one-box passenger vans derived from the HiAce. In 1995, it started producing the Granvia, a HiAce-based semi-bonneted van made to comply with European safety regulations. From the Granvia the company developed the Alphard which was launched in 2002.[23] In 2008, it introduced an Alphard twin vehicle, the Vellfire.[24]

In May 2001, Toyota announced it would consolidate all production of one-box Toyota-badged cars intended for the Japanese market into Toyota Auto Body by moving the assembly of the LiteAce/TownAce Noah and its successor (Noah) from Daihatsu.[25] In 2004, Toyota Auto Body incorporated the auto body and vehicle production businesses from Araco.[7] In 2005, the Kariya plant was repurposed for converting vehicles instead of producing trucks.[26] In the fiscal year ended March 2007, Toyota Auto Body achieved its largest production volume, with about 745,000 vehicles produced during the period.[27] In 2007, Gifu Auto Body became a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Auto Body.[5][28]

In November 2018, Toyota announced it would transfer all van development to Toyota Auto Body.[29] In 2019, Toyota Auto Body announced it would produce the first Lexus-badged passenger van[23] at its Inabe plant,[30] the Lexus LM, a badge engineered Alphard, the second Lexus product coming from the company after the Land Cruiser-based Lexus LX[23] (the latter a legacy product from Araco).[31]

In December 2022, Toyota Auto Body signed an agreement by which it planned to sell shares of Toyota Body Seiko to Toyota Boshoku, a minority shareholder, by October 2023, increasing the latter's ownership to a 66.4% controlling stake.[32] After the transaction was completed, Toyota Body Seiko became a subsidiary of Toyota Boshoku instead of Toyota Auto Body and changed its name to Toyota Boshoku Seiko.[33] Toyota Boshoku may turn Toyota Boshoku Seiko into a wholly owned subsidiary at a later date.[32]

In the early 2020s, the company opened specialty stores for customising and selling accessories of its produced vehicles. In January 2023, it pre-opened a Land Cruiser customisation and services store in Kariya, operated by Tokai Utility Motor, and called Land Cruiser Base (ランクルBase)[note 1] to be fully operational by mid-2023.[34] In June 2023, it opened another for its commercial vehicle range in Fukagawa, Tokyo (within the Toyota Mobility Tokyo store), which is called Cargo Base.[35]

In April 2024, Toyota Auto Body fully resumed production after several of its assembly lines were halted for over a month as a result of an investigation into Toyota Industries-supplied diesel engines.[36]

Toyota Auto Body was a public company until late 2011, when Toyota made it a wholly owned subsidiary and delisted its shares.[37][38]

Facilities

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Vehicle assembly and management

[edit]
Fujimatsu plant

Toyota Auto Body assembly plants are Fujimatsu (Ichiriyama, Kariya, Aichi),[39] Inabe (Inabe, Mie),[40] Yoshiwara (Yoshiwara, Toyota, Aichi),[41] Kariya (Showa, Kariya, Aichi).[39] There is a development centre in Toyota, Aichi (Kotobuki New Development Centre). The head offices are in Kariya, Aichi. Additional offices are located in Tokyo and Osaka.[42]

The Fujimatsu plant covers a 436,700 square metres (m2) area [39] and was established in January 1964.[13] The present Kariya plant, covering 99,100 m2,[39] was established in 1957.[9] Both plant produce vehicles, but Fujimatsu is mostly focused on minivans and Kariya on electric vehicles. As of March 2017, the plants had a combined workforce of 3,139 (281 of them working at the Kariya plant).[39] The Inabe plant is the main minivan production hub of Toyota Auto Body. It covers 800,500 m2[40] and was established in December 1993.[22] As of March 2017, it had 2,266 employees.[40] The Yoshiwara plant produces body-on-frame vehicles. It covers 196,200 m2 and was established in 1962. As of March 2017, it had 2,337 employees.[41] By the 1999 fiscal year, all Toyota Auto Body plants got the ISO 14001 certification. The company's plants use the Toyota Production System.[43]

Toyota Auto Body's Gifu Auto Body headquarters and facilities are in Unuma Mitsuike, Kakamigahara, Gifu. Its facilities cover 163,000 m2. As of March 2019, the company had 2,565 employees.[44]

Other facilities

[edit]

Toyota Auto Body Research and Development (トヨタ車体研究所, Toyota Shatai Kenkyūjo) is Toyota Auto Body wholly owned research and development subsidiary. It is headquartered in Kirishima, Kagoshima and was established in 1990.[7] Toyota Auto Body made design and development work for Toyota from the early 1960s, and, together with Toyota and sister itaku companies, formed part of ATODE (All TOyota DEsign), a group formed in December 1960 aimed at securing a consistent styling for Toyota-badged vehicles. The Toyota Auto Body's design branch became an autonomous part of the company in 1978.[45] The present Toyota Auto Body Research and Development subsidiary has a 5,719 m2 building and 403 employees.[46]

Tokai Utility Motor has facilities in Anjō, Kariya, and Inabe.[47]

Overseas subsidiaries

[edit]

Toyota Auto Body has subsidiaries in Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, China and the United States.[48]

Most Toyota Auto Body's affiliates outside Japan are joint ventures. The Taoyuan-based[49] Taiwanese affiliate is called Chun Shyang Shin Yeh (Industry) (Chinese: 春翔欣業; pinyin: Chūn Xiáng Xīn Yè)[50] and was established in 1997. It is a joint venture between Toyota Auto Body and Chun Yuan Steel, a Taiwanese steel manufacturer. The joint venture produces pressed parts, vehicle doors and suspension components for Toyota cars.[51] Toyota Auto Body owns a 51% stake.[50] In Thailand, Toyota Auto Body's first Thai operations began in February 1978, producing stamped parts for Hilux pickups.[52] Toyota Auto Body Thailand officially started activities in 1979,[53] as a stamped auto parts producer.[54] In 1988, it formed a joint venture with Toyota Motor Thailand[55] called Toyota (formerly Thai)[56] Auto Works. The venture is focused on producing the HiAce. Toyota Auto Body owns a 63% stake.[55] Both Thai ventures have plants in Samutprakan: the Samrong plant (Toyota Auto Body Thailand) and the Teparak plant (Toyota Auto Works).[57] In 2004, Toyota Auto Body established a joint venture called Thai Auto Conversion aimed at producing specially equipped vehicles.[48]

Toyota Auto Body also has various joint ventures in Indonesia. In 1995,[58] it established, along with other Toyota subsidiaries, Sugity Creatives, an Indonesian joint venture[59] headquartered in Cikarang Bekasi[60] and aimed at producing resin components for cars.[59] From late 2012 to 2016 it produced vehicles,[61] including the Noah[58] (rebadged as NAV1).[61] Toyota Auto Body owns an 88.52% of the venture.[59] Toyota Auto Body also has stakes in the joint ventures Toyota Auto Body-Tokai Extrusion and Resin Plating Technology, both producing auto parts.[48] As for China, Toyota Auto Body has a 65%-owned Chinese joint venture, Tab Minth Mobility Equipment, to "sell assistive components".[48]

The rest of the Toyota Auto Body's overseas affiliates are wholly owned subsidiaries. These are the Malaysian auto parts producer Toyota Auto Body Malaysia (established in 2005)[62] and the American Auto Parts Manufacturing Mississippi (established in 2011).[48]

Products

[edit]
A COMS

As of 2022 vehicles assembled by Toyota Auto Body include: the Alphard, the Vellfire, the Voxy, the Noah, the Land Cruiser, the HiAce, the RegiusAce, the GranAce, the Coaster, the electric vehicle COMS, the Lexus LX and LM.[63][64][65]

Toyota Auto Body production by plant as of early 2022
Plant Products
Fujimatsu (Honsha) plant Voxy, Noah, Alphard, Land Cruiser 70
Kariya plant COMS, vehicle conversion
Inabe plant HiAce, GranAce, RegiusAce, Alphard, Vellfire, Lexus LM
Yoshiwara plant Land Cruiser 300, Land Cruiser 70, Lexus LX (J310)
Kakamigahara (Honsha) plant HiAce, Coaster, vehicle conversion
Notes
Plants with blue background are directly controlled by Toyota Auto Body, plants with light blue background are directly controlled by Toyota Auto Body and formerly belonged to Araco, plants with light red background are indirectly controlled by Toyota Auto Body through its subsidiary Gifu Auto Body
Sources
[26][40][30][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73]

Absorbed operations

[edit]

Araco

[edit]

Araco Corporation (アラコ株式会社, Arako Kabushiki-gaisha) was one of the first manufacturing subsidiaries of Toyota. It was established in 1946[7] (incorporated July 1947)[74] at Nagoya[75] by a former Toyota Industries sheet metal worker named Gihee Arakawa as Arakawa Sheet Metal Industries (荒川鈑金工業, Arakawa Bankin Kōgyō).[7] The company firstly made sheet metal work for Toyota, soon adding vehicle interior parts (including seats) and auto bodies.[76] In 1953, it started assembling the Toyota BJ,[77][78] and later the successive Land Cruisers.[76][79] The Arakawa-assembled Land Cruiser was the main export product from Toyota in the late 1950s and early 1960s (28% of all vehicle exports in the period 1956–1964).[74] In 1960, it entered into production the RK160B (Coaster).[77] The company opened two new plants around Toyota City during the 1960s: Kotobuki (1960) and Yoshiwara (1962).[13] It was renamed as Arakawa Auto Body Industries (荒川車体工業, Arakawa Shatai Kōgyō) in 1961, before adopting the Araco name in 1988.[7] In 1995, the company began assembling Lexus vehicles.[31][77] In 2004, Araco activities were split and the auto body and vehicle production operations became part of Toyota Auto Body. The vehicle interior business was merged into Toyota Boshoku.[7][9]

A different Toyota subsidiary established in 1974 as Kyoei Sangyo (協栄産業, Kyōei Sangyō) was renamed as Kyoei Araco in 2004 and as Araco in 2015. This Araco specialises on seats for Lexus vehicles.[80]

Gifu Auto Body

[edit]
Gifu Auto Body facilities, pictured in 2017

Gifu Auto Body Co. Ltd. (岐阜車体工業株式会社, Gifu Shatai Kōgyō Kabushiki-gaisha)[81] is a Gifu-based vehicle manufacturer.[28] It was established in 1940 as a truck body manufacturer. In 1959, after receiving a big order of military vehicles from Toyota, it associated itself with the latter,[82] producing bodies for light trucks[82][83] such as the Dyna and the Stout.[84] In the 1960s, Gifu Auto Body hand-built the Land Cruiser FJ45V, a long wheelbase variant of the third-generation Land Cruiser.[85] Up until 1967, the company's production was focused on the Land Cruiser model and light trucks. That year, Toyota consolidated all Land Cruiser assembly in Japan into Arakawa Auto Body Industries. From 1967 onwards, the main focus of Gifu Auto Body became the production of light trucks and the HiAce until Toyota transferred truck production to Hino Motors in 1998.[86] In January 1996, Toyota launched a civilian version of the BXD10 military vehicle called BXD20 (Mega Cruiser), and it was assembled by Gifu Auto Body. Production ended in August 2001.[87][88]

By 2007, Gifu Auto Body was producing the HiAce and auto parts (pressed parts and truck seats).[28] That year, it became a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Auto Body[5][28] through stock swap.[28] In July 2015, Gifu Auto Body transferred its auto parts business to Toyota Body Seiko in order to focus on commercial vehicle assembly.[89] In December 2016, Toyota Auto Body moved production of the Coaster from its Yoshiwara plant to Gifu Auto Body.[71]

2018 TLC Rally Dakar contender

Sports

[edit]

An Araco team entered Land Cruisers into the Rally Dakar from 1995 onwards. In 2005, the team was renamed as Team Land Cruiser · Toyota Auto Body (TLC).[90] As of 2024, it has achieved eleven consecutive victories in the diesel production car class.[91] The company entered a HiAce into the 2023 Toyota Gazoo Racing Rally Challenge. The HiAce rally version was built on a GDH201V chassis modified by Cast (a HiAce tuning division of the Sanko Works company) and it was run by Toyota Auto Body's own team, Toyota Auto Body Team Hiace. Cast had already entered a couple of HiAces into the 2021 All-Japan Rally Championship.[92]

Toyota Auto Body has two company teams participating in Japanese national sports championships: the volleyball team Toyota Auto Body Queenseis and the handball team Toyota Auto Body Brave Kings.[93]

As of 2024, Gifu Auto Body is sponsor of FC Gifu.[94]

Notes

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Toyota Auto Body

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Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd. is a Japanese automotive manufacturing company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Motor Corporation, headquartered in Kariya City, , that specializes in the planning, development, and production of vehicle bodies, minivans, SUVs, commercial vehicles, special-purpose vehicles, and electric vehicles. Established on August 31, 1945, as Toyota Shatai Kogyo Co., Ltd., the company was renamed Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd. and has since become a key player in 's vehicle body operations, achieving cumulative production of 30 million vehicles in 2017. The company's history includes significant milestones such as beginning production of the Land Cruiser (BJ series) in 1951, developing Japan's first hardtop sedan in 1964, and reaching 10 million vehicles produced in 1990. In 2004, it absorbed the vehicle business of Araco Corporation, and in 2007, Auto Body Co., Ltd. became its wholly-owned ; by 2012, itself became a wholly-owned of Motor Corporation. A pivotal development occurred in November 2018, when Motor Corporation transferred its entire van business—encompassing planning, development, and production—to to streamline operations, accelerate decision-making, reduce development time, and enhance cost efficiency, leveraging the subsidiary's expertise in producing approximately 700,000 minivans annually as of 2017. As of March 31, 2024, Toyota Auto Body employs 17,807 people and maintains a paid-in capital of ¥10.37 billion, operating across multiple facilities including the Head Office/Fujimatsu Plant, Kariya Plant, Yoshiwara Plant, Inabe Plant, and Kotobuki New Development Center. Its product lineup features prominent models such as the Alphard and Vellfire minivans, Hiace and Coaster commercial vehicles, Land Cruiser and Lexus LX SUVs, and the COMS electric vehicle, with production distributed across its plants to support Toyota's global mobility initiatives. In recent years, the company has participated in Toyota Group efforts like the Toyota Production System self-study activities launched in September 2024, aimed at improving work processes and certification efficiency.

Company Overview

Founding and Headquarters

Toyota Auto Body traces its origins to the post-World War II restructuring of the , emerging as a specialized manufacturer of truck bodies. It was established on August 31, 1945, under the original name Toyota Shatai Kogyo Co., Ltd., as a corporate spin-off from the truck body department of Toyota Motor Co., Ltd.'s Kariya Plant. This separation allowed for focused production of all-steel truck bodies, building on the plant's wartime adaptations from automotive assembly to aircraft parts. The company was founded as a wholly-owned of Motor Co., Ltd., with an initial capital of 9 million yen, including 1.35 million yen in in-kind contributions from assets at the Kariya Plant. Its early organizational structure emphasized within the , with operational oversight directly from Motor Co., Ltd., to ensure alignment with broader automotive goals while maintaining specialization in body manufacturing. This setup positioned Toyota Shatai Kogyo—renamed Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd. in —as a key affiliate dedicated to enhancing production efficiency in the immediate postwar recovery period. The headquarters of Toyota Auto Body is located at 100 Kanayama, Ichiriyama-cho, Kariya City, , , which serves as the central administrative hub coordinating company-wide operations and strategic initiatives. This site also functions as the primary base for efforts, supporting innovations in vehicle body design and integration within the . The evolution of Toyota Auto Body reflects influences from the pre-World War II era, particularly through the Kariya Plant's role in early Toyota automotive development under Kiichiro Toyoda. The plant, established in 1940, initially produced chassis and wooden bodies for models like the Model EA, and contributed to prototype electric vehicles such as the Model EC and BA, drawing on the engineering legacy of the Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, Ltd., where Kiichiro pioneered the shift from textile machinery to automobiles using loom patent revenues.

Business Scope and Production Capacity

Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd. operates as a wholly-owned of Toyota Motor Corporation, focusing on the design, development, and of minivans, SUVs, commercial vehicles, welfare vehicles, special-purpose vehicles, electric vehicles, and related auto parts. Within Toyota's supply chain, the company plays a pivotal role in production, particularly following the 2018 agreement with Toyota Motor Corporation to fully transfer the planning, development, and production of vans, minivans, and micro buses. This shift, effective from November 2018, positioned Toyota Auto Body as the dedicated specialist for these segments, enabling faster decision-making, reduced development lead times, and cost efficiencies across the group's operations. Toyota Auto Body's production scale underscores its importance to the , with annual minivan output reaching approximately 700,000 units by 2017, supported by in-house company divisions for enhanced agility. The company maintains around 17,800 employees globally and reported revenue of approximately ¥1,992 billion in 2022 (ended March 31, 2023), driven by steady demand in the van and markets.

History

Early Years and Establishment (1940s-1960s)

Following , Toyota Shatai Kogyo Co., Ltd. was established on August 31, 1945, through the division of the Kariya Plant from Motor Co., Ltd., marking the beginning of its independent operations focused on truck body production and assembly. In the immediate postwar period, the company faced severe challenges, including widespread resource shortages due to Japan's devastated economy and infrastructure, which limited material availability for manufacturing and forced reliance on rudimentary facilities at the Kariya site. These constraints were compounded by labor issues, as the broader navigated financial crises and workforce adjustments in 1949-1950, including voluntary retirements and disputes that necessitated early efforts in employee training and stabilization to build a reliable labor force. By the early 1950s, Toyota Shatai Kogyo began to overcome these hurdles, achieving a milestone in July 1951 with the production of Japan's first large all-steel trucks, which enhanced durability and efficiency in commercial transport. The company underwent a formal name change to Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd. in June 1953, solidifying its identity within the , and initiated production of key models like the Land Cruiser in November 1953 and the light truck Toyoace in August 1954. To support growing demand, the Kariya No. 1 Assembly Line Plant was constructed in January 1957 specifically for mass truck production, reflecting foundational investments in capacity amid ongoing recovery from postwar limitations. The late and early saw a strategic shift from heavy trucks toward light vehicles, aligning with Japan's evolving market needs for more versatile commercial options. This transition included the start of Coaster minibus production in May 1960 at the newly operational Kotobuki Plant, followed by the introduction of the HiAce van in September 1967, which became a cornerstone of the company's light vehicle lineup. Concurrently, initial exports to Asian markets began in the mid-, with models like the Land Cruiser shipped to countries such as (now ) in 1956 as part of reparations efforts, marking Toyota Auto Body's early international footprint and contributing to cumulative production reaching 1 million vehicles by 1967.

Expansion and Key Milestones (1970s-2000s)

During the 1970s, Toyota Auto Body expanded its production capabilities for commercial vans, building on the HiAce model introduced in 1967 by initiating full-scale van assembly at the Yoshiwara Plant in 1973. This period marked a shift toward diversified body manufacturing, with the company integrating press divisions for enhanced efficiency. By the late 1970s, the second-generation HiAce, launched in 1977, featured improved engines and interior designs, solidifying its role as a cornerstone for commercial transport and contributing to Toyota Auto Body's growth in the light segment. In the , the company further diversified into SUVs and expanded van production, starting assembly of models like the Celica at the Fujimatsu Plant in 1982 and the Previa at in 1988, which boosted output for both domestic and export markets. The HiAce's enduring success continued, surpassing 6 million units by 2017, underscoring the long-term impact of these expansions on Toyota Auto Body's portfolio. The saw advancements in welfare vehicles, with Toyota Auto Body enhancing modifications for , such as wheelchair lifts and ramps, building on initial developments from 1968 to meet growing needs for inclusive mobility. Special-purpose builds, including conversions for medical and elderly transport, were prioritized, leading to expanded facilities at the Fujimatsu Plant in 1996 and integration of principles that earned recognition in awards like the Good Design Award for accessible models. These innovations diversified product lines beyond standard commercial vehicles, emphasizing societal contributions through customized builds. Key corporate integrations in the 2000s strengthened Toyota Auto Body's expertise. In October 2004, it absorbed Araco Corporation's vehicle manufacturing operations, incorporating seat and interior component production capabilities that enhanced quality and efficiency in assembly processes for models like the Land Cruiser . The integration, completed by late 2004, allowed seamless transfer of Araco's specialized welding and interior expertise, reducing redundancies and improving supply chain integration within the . In 2007, Gifu Auto Body became a wholly-owned , bringing advanced stamping operations that bolstered metal forming and body panel production. This merger, finalized through in 2007, expanded stamping capacity and operational timelines for just-in-time manufacturing, benefiting overall vehicle quality and cost efficiencies. These absorptions solidified Toyota Auto Body's position as a comprehensive body manufacturer, influencing subsequent facility modernizations.

Modern Developments (2010s-2025)

In January 2012, Toyota Auto Body became a wholly-owned of Toyota Motor Corporation through a . In the 2010s, Toyota Auto Body responded to global environmental challenges by advancing its production, including the launch of the redesigned COMS super-compact EV in 2012, aimed at urban mobility and low-emission transport solutions. This initiative aligned with broader industry shifts toward sustainable vehicles amid increasing regulatory pressures on emissions worldwide. A key strategic move came in November 2018, when Toyota Motor Corporation agreed to transfer its entire van planning, development, and production business to , allowing the to specialize further in commercial and specialized while leveraging its expertise in bodywork and customization. This transfer enhanced Toyota Auto Body's role within the , streamlining operations for models like the HiAce and Alphard. In October 2023, Toyota Auto Body transferred shares of its Toyota Body Seiko Co., Ltd., to Corporation, increasing the latter's ownership to 66.4% and making it a , with plans for full acquisition by 2026; this divested non-core seat component to refocus on assembly and . The company faced operational challenges in early 2024 due to certification irregularities identified at Toyota Industries Corporation, involving manipulated horsepower testing data for three diesel engine models used in vehicles produced at Toyota Auto Body's Inabe plant, such as the HiAce and Granace. Production on affected lines was halted starting January 29, 2024, as part of a group-wide investigation and shipment suspension to ensure compliance. Operations resumed on March 4, 2024, following clearance from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, with alternative engine sourcing implemented to restore output. Looking ahead, in May 2025, Toyota Auto Body partnered with LexxPluss Inc. on joint development of a mobile manipulator system, integrating collaborative robot arms with autonomous mobility technology for automotive manufacturing applications; the prototype was showcased at the Automotive Engineering Exposition 2025 Yokohama, highlighting advancements in automation amid labor shortages and Industry 4.0 trends.

Facilities and Operations

Domestic Manufacturing Plants

Toyota Auto Body operates four primary domestic manufacturing plants in , all located in the Aichi and Mie prefectures, specializing in the assembly of minivans, SUVs, light commercial vehicles, and specialized mobility solutions. These facilities contribute significantly to Motor Corporation's production of commercial and passenger vehicles, emphasizing high-quality body construction and customization. As a wholly-owned , Toyota Auto Body's plants integrate advanced stamping, , , and assembly processes to support efficient output. The Fujimatsu Plant, located in Kariya City, , serves as the headquarters and a key assembly site with a floor area of approximately 436,700 square meters. It focuses on the production of minivans such as the and Voxy, as well as SUVs including the Land Cruiser 70 series, utilizing dedicated lines for body framing and interior integration. Established in 1964, the plant employs automated systems for precision welding and painting to handle annual volumes supporting Toyota's family-oriented vehicle lineup. The Inabe Plant, situated in Inabe City, , spans about 797,700 square meters and is dedicated to assembling light commercial vehicles and premium minivans. It primarily produces the HiAce van and its variants like the GranAce, alongside the Alphard and Vellfire luxury minivans, with specialized lines for hybrid models and cargo configurations. Established in December 1993, this facility handles high-volume output for global export, incorporating just-in-time inventory to minimize waste and ensure rapid adaptation to demand fluctuations. Production resumed fully in March 2024 following earlier interruptions. The Yoshiwara Plant, based in Toyota City, , covers 192,900 square meters and specializes in vehicles, including the Land Cruiser Prado (250 series) and 70 series models. Established in as part of former Araco operations, it excels in rugged assembly and off-road component integration, supporting special-purpose adaptations for utility and adventure applications. The plant's workforce, numbering around 2,300 as of recent operations, emphasizes durable construction techniques for vehicles enduring harsh environments. The Kariya Plant, also in Kariya City, , with a 100,400 square meter area, functions as a center for , development, and prototyping, alongside production of welfare vehicles under the Welcab series. It manages assembly processes for accessibility-modified vehicles, such as those for the elderly and disabled, including custom seating and ramp installations. Integrated with Toyota Auto Body's R&D subsidiary, the plant supports innovation in mobility solutions through prototyping and testing facilities. The Kotobuki New Development Center, located in Toyota City, , covers 10,300 square meters and serves as a facility. Established after , it supports prototyping and testing for new vehicle technologies and mobility solutions. Collectively, these domestic plants employed 17,807 workers as of March 31, 2024. They contribute to Toyota's overall Japanese vehicle output, producing over 700,000 units annually in prior years, focusing on commercial and specialized segments that represent about 10-15% of the group's domestic and production. Some facilities, including , incorporate absorbed operations from former affiliates like Araco for enhanced capacity.

Overseas Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures

Toyota Auto Body's primary U.S. subsidiary, TABC, Inc., in , originated as Atlas Fabricators, which began producing truck beds under contract with in 1972 before being acquired by the company in 1974. The facility was renamed Toyota Auto Body, Inc. in 1988 and later simplified to TABC, Inc., where it specializes in manufacturing stamped, welded, and resin parts for trucks and other vehicles, contributing to 's North American . This operation marked 's initial foray into U.S. manufacturing and has since supported local production efficiency. In , Toyota Auto Body maintains key s in focused on specialized components. PT Sugity Creatives, established in 1995 as a , produces parts essential for vehicle interiors and exteriors, enhancing regional supply capabilities. Complementing this, PT Toyota Auto Body-Tokai Extrusion, formed in 2005 as another , manufactures rubber and extruded parts, such as seals and trims, to meet demand for durable automotive materials in . These Indonesian facilities bolster Toyota Auto Body's global parts network by localizing production of non-metal components. Toyota Auto Body also operates facilities in and that support van assembly through targeted manufacturing. In , Thai Auto Works Co., Ltd., established in as a , produces auto bodies and parts critical for production, integrating with broader operations in the region. Similarly, in , the 2011 Tab Minth Mobility Equipment Co., Ltd., in Province, develops equipment for people with disabilities, including adaptations for vans that aid assembly and customization processes. These overseas entities collectively expand Toyota Auto Body's international footprint, enabling efficient support for global vehicle production while leveraging local expertise.

Absorbed Operations

In October 2004, Toyota Auto Body acquired the business of Araco Corporation, a affiliate established in 1947 as Arakawa Works. This move incorporated Araco's specialized expertise in manufacturing seats, doors, and interior components, particularly for SUV models like the Land Cruiser, enhancing Toyota Auto Body's capabilities in assembly and parts production. The integration transferred Araco's assembly operations to Toyota Auto Body's facilities, including the primary Kariya , allowing for consolidated production of body structures and related components. In October 2007, Gifu Auto Body Co., Ltd., founded in 1943, became a wholly owned of Toyota Auto Body through a stock exchange agreement. This merger added Gifu's strengths in metal stamping and body panel fabrication, supporting production for commercial such as the Hiace and contributing to broader sheet-metal within the . Post-merger, facility rationalization efforts optimized operations by streamlining overlapping production lines and resources across sites. These absorptions fostered operational synergies by improving supply chain efficiency through closer coordination of parts manufacturing and assembly, reducing redundancies in the domestic network. Shared research and development initiatives enabled the transfer of specialized technologies, such as advanced stamping techniques and interior assembly methods, across Toyota Auto Body's operations. Long-term outcomes included seamless workforce transitions, with employees from Araco and Gifu integrating into Toyota Auto Body's structure, supporting sustained production growth—reaching a cumulative 25 million vehicles by 2010. Technology transfers continued into the 2020s, bolstering innovations in vehicle body efficiency and contributing to Toyota's overall manufacturing resilience.

Products and Innovations

Core Vehicle Lineup

Toyota Auto Body specializes in the production of premium minivans, commercial vans, and select SUVs, contributing significantly to Toyota's diverse vehicle portfolio. The company's core lineup includes luxury minivans such as the Alphard and Vellfire, which have been manufactured since 2002 and cater to high-end family and executive transport needs. These models feature spacious interiors, advanced safety systems, and hybrid powertrains introduced in later generations to enhance and reduce emissions. In 2024, Toyota launched electric vehicle (PHEV) variants of the Alphard and Vellfire in , with a monthly sales target of 8,600 units overall, including 200 units for the PHEV models, produced at Toyota Auto Body. The Alphard and Vellfire are positioned as flagship minivans, with the Alphard emphasizing elegant design and the Vellfire offering a sportier aesthetic. Both models support (HEV) variants, utilizing 's system for seamless performance. In 2023, projected a base monthly sales volume of 8,500 units for these models in , with the Alphard accounting for approximately 70% and the Vellfire 30%, translating to an estimated annual output exceeding 100,000 units combined through 2024. Additionally, Auto Body produces the , a luxury variant of the Alphard platform launched in 2019, exclusively at its Inabe plant, targeting premium chauffeur-driven markets with enhanced opulence and hybrid options. In the commercial van segment, the HiAce stands as a product, with production beginning in and spanning six generations to date. This versatile , available in passenger and cargo configurations, has evolved from designs to modern layouts with improved ergonomics and diesel/hybrid engines in recent iterations (fifth and sixth generations, 2004–present). Its enduring popularity underscores Auto Body's expertise in durable, multi-purpose transport solutions. For SUVs, Toyota Auto Body provides essential components and assembly support for the Land Cruiser series, particularly the rugged Land Cruiser 70 and the advanced Land Cruiser 300 models, produced at the Yoshiwara plant. These contributions focus on body fabrication and integration, ensuring the vehicles' renowned off-road capability and structural integrity, with hybrid variants emerging in recent years to align with electrification trends.

Specialized Vehicles and Components

Toyota Auto Body specializes in welfare vehicles designed to enhance mobility for individuals with disabilities, holding the leading in for their development and production. These vehicles, part of the Welcab series, include models such as the VOXY Welcab and ALPHARD Welcab, which feature wheelchair-accessible configurations with rear slope ramps or hydraulic lifts for easy entry and exit. Additional options encompass passenger lift-up tilt seat vehicles and side lift-up tilt seat vehicles, enabling users to transition smoothly from a seated position to a standing one without assistance, thereby promoting independence and safety in daily transportation. In the realm of special-purpose vehicles, Toyota Auto Body manufactures chassis and bodies based on the HiAce platform, tailored for applications like , hearses, and cars. The Toyota HiMedic , for instance, provides a spacious interior for equipment and care, with variants developed to include advanced features such as airborne droplet circulation systems for safe transport during infectious disease outbreaks. Hearses are produced as custom-built conversions on the HiAce , offering dignified and reliable services, while cars incorporate pop-up roofs, compact kitchens, and sleeping arrangements to support . These adaptations leverage the HiAce's durable frame to ensure versatility and reliability in non-standard uses. Toyota Auto Body also produces key auto parts, including body panels and interior components, integrated from operations absorbed from affiliates like Araco and Auto Body in the early , which expanded its capabilities in stamping and assembly. These parts support custom builds and contribute to the structural integrity of specialized vehicles. Additionally, the company has manufactured the COMS super-compact since 2000, with a redesigned model introduced in 2012, a single-seater designed for short urban trips with a range of approximately 30 miles (50 km) per charge, emphasizing low-emission personal mobility. Component innovations at Toyota Auto Body in the 2020s include the incorporation of lightweight materials, such as high-strength aluminum alloys, in vehicle bodies to improve and handling in models like updated HiAce , reducing overall weight while maintaining crash safety standards. These advancements stem from absorbed technologies and align with broader goals in production.

Recent Technological Advancements

Toyota Auto Body has advanced its (EV) offerings through integrations in compact and commercial vans, aligning with broader trends. In the , the company fully redesigned its COMS ultra-compact EV, introducing an all-new single-seater model in 2012 with improved battery efficiency and urban mobility features for short-distance applications. For larger vans, Toyota Auto Body, as the primary manufacturer of the Hiace series, unveiled an all-electric Hiace BEV Concept in 2023, featuring a cargo-focused design capable of handling loads up to 3.47 meters long while emphasizing zero-emission performance. Building on this, the company began public road testing of a hydrogen-electric hybrid Hiace van in 2025, combining technology with electric propulsion to reduce emissions in commercial transport. In 2025, Auto Body collaborated with LexxPluss Inc. to develop a mobile manipulator system for enhancing in . This joint project integrates a collaborative arm with LexxPluss's high-speed, high-accuracy autonomous mobility platform, enabling flexible assembly and material transport tasks in high-variety production lines. The solution was showcased at the Automotive Engineering Exposition 2025 in , demonstrating its potential to improve efficiency in mixed human- environments within Auto Body's facilities. Post-2020, Toyota Auto Body has contributed to group-wide efforts by targeting reduced emissions in body production through the adoption of recyclable materials and optimized processes. As part of Motor Corporation's initiatives, the company expanded the use of recycled plastics and metals in vehicle components, aiming to lower CO2 emissions in the disposal and stages by facilitating easier vehicle dismantling. These measures align with Toyota's Environmental Challenge 2050, which includes a 90% reduction in lifecycle CO2 emissions from new vehicles compared to 2010 levels, with Toyota Auto Body focusing on sustainable sourcing to minimize environmental impact in commercial vehicle production. Toyota Auto Body maintains significant R&D investments at its Kariya headquarters in , supporting prototyping for advanced vehicle features including autonomous capabilities. The company's dedicated R&D entity develops technologies from the initial design stage, incorporating and future-oriented innovations such as integrations for semi-autonomous in vans and specialized vehicles. These efforts at Kariya emphasize prototyping for enhanced safety and efficiency, contributing to Toyota's broader automated driving research since the 1990s.

Corporate Engagement

Sports Sponsorships and Teams

Toyota Auto Body has a long-standing commitment to sports sponsorship, particularly in team ownership and support for competitive athletics in Japan and international motorsports, fostering both elite performance and local community engagement. The company owns and operates professional teams in volleyball and handball, while its motorsport division contributes to endurance rallying, all as part of broader efforts to promote health, teamwork, and regional development. The Toyota Auto Body Queenseis, now known as Queenseis Kariya, is a prominent women's professional team based in Kariya, , competing in the SV League (formerly V.League Division 1). Established in 1951 as Kariya Auto Body and rebranded under Toyota Auto Body sponsorship from 1953, the team achieved promotion to the V.Premier League in 2006 and has since maintained a presence in Japan's top tier, with notable successes including the 2005-06 championship and Empress's Cup victories in 2008 and 2017. As of the 2025-26 season, Queenseis Kariya continues to vie for top honors, exemplified by their straight-sets win over Aranmare Yamagata in November 2025. In , Toyota Auto Body owns the Brave Kings Kariya team, founded in 1967 and competing in the Handball League (JHL). The team secured its first national league title in the 2019-20 season after years of consistent top-three finishes, marking a breakthrough in domestic competition. By the 2025-26 JHL season, Brave Kings had established dominance, leading the standings with 22 wins out of 26 matches and extending winning streaks, such as an 11-game run in 2023. Toyota Auto Body's motorsport involvement centers on the Team Land Cruiser Toyota Auto Body (TLC), which has participated in the since 1995 in the T2 production vehicle category using modified Land Cruiser models to test durability under extreme conditions. The team has achieved sustained success, clinching 12 consecutive victories in the production car class from 2014 through 2025, including the 2025 win with driver Akira Miura. This ongoing support underscores the company's focus on vehicle innovation through . Through these sponsorships, Toyota Auto Body extends outreach by hosting youth sports events, such as the annual Toyota Auto Body Cup in Kariya City, which encourages and skill development among local children. The company's sports teams also participate in regional initiatives, blending competitive achievements with grassroots programs to build ties up to 2025.

Community and Sustainability Initiatives

Toyota Auto Body aligns with the Toyota Group's Environmental Challenge 2050, committing to carbon neutrality across the entire vehicle life cycle by 2050 through reductions in at production and beyond. In the , the company has advanced plant-level emissions reductions, contributing to group-wide targets such as an 18% decrease in lifecycle CO2 emissions by 2025 compared to 2013 levels and 25% renewable electricity usage in by the same year. These efforts include participation in the Toyota Green Wave Project, which promotes and emissions cuts via tree-planting and harmony-with-nature initiatives at facilities, with five Japanese certified by 2024. Earlier, in fiscal , Toyota Auto Body established a long-term environmental vision targeting annual CO2 reductions of 500 metric tons, achieving 200 metric tons by 2017 through process optimizations. Since the , Toyota Auto Body has prioritized community programs centered on welfare vehicles under the Welcab initiative, developing and producing assisted vehicles to enhance mobility for people with disabilities in . The company conducts training for caregivers, focusing on safe vehicle operation and equipment use to promote independence and social inclusion. Welfare vehicle donations have supported disaster relief and community needs, such as providing free shuttle services with adapted vehicles to evacuees following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Through the special-purpose Toyota Loops, established to advance these efforts, Toyota Auto Body employs individuals with disabilities—reaching 437 by June 2024—and evaluates welfare vehicle usability for broader . In 2023, Toyota Auto Body opened specialty stores to provide direct for mobility solutions, including customization services for Land Cruiser models and commercial vehicles to address diverse transportation needs. These facilities enhance by offering tailored adaptations and consultations on sustainable mobility options. CSR reports highlight ongoing employee welfare initiatives, such as anti-harassment and flexible workstyles adopted group-wide, with 8,000 employees trained in 2024 to foster inclusive workplaces. Locally in Kariya, where the company's is based, contributions include sponsorship of the Toyota Auto Body youth to support community sports development and the 2014 opening of Kariya Fure-Ai Park as a for relaxation and . Up to 2025, these efforts extend to collaborative tree-planting events with residents and schools under the Project, nurturing community ties and environmental stewardship.

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