- Sakichi Toyota founded the company based on textile loom innovations.
- The 1929 sale of a loom patent provided capital for automotive entry.
- Key operational pillars: 'Stop-the-Line' quality control, vertical integration, and Kaizen (continuous improvement).
- The 1952 US military contract during the Korean War saved the company from post-war bankruptcy.
- Toyota surpassed GM in 2008 to become the world's largest automaker.