The Toyota logo has been in the world for many years, but it turns out that people have only just started to realise the “hidden” meaning behind it – and it’s left them divided
Car enthusiasts often pride themselves on their extensive knowledge, but it seems there’s always something new to learn about our four-wheeled friends.
Despite many of us fancying ourselves as car connoisseurs, we might not know as much as we think, especially when it comes to the hidden details of well-known brands.
Take Toyota, for instance, a giant in the automotive world since its inception in 1937 by Kiichiro Toyoda. As the world’s top car manufacturer, it’s estimated to churn out around 10 million vehicles annually.
But here’s the twist – a “secret” within the Toyota logo has recently been causing quite a stir online. A TikTok user by the handle therealoshow sparked debate by suggesting that the logo contains a representation of every letter in the company’s name, and the revelation has certainly split opinions.
One viewer expressed their confusion, commenting: “The Toyota logo is a thread passed through the eye of a needle because they started out making industrial sewing machines.”
Another had a different take, writing: “I don’t know. To me, Toyota looked like a circle around the world.”
Yet another prompted a re-evaluation, saying: “Wait say Toyota again, but do it right.” Meanwhile, another reader chimed in with: “You’re wrong about Toyota emblem. They were originally a sewing machine company, and that is a piece of thread going through the eye of a needle.”
If you’re scratching your head over what the symbol actually signifies, fear not, as we’ve done the digging for you. Here’s the most comprehensive explanation we could find.
What does the Toyota logo mean?
According to Toyota Magazine, the logo is indeed loaded with significance. It first graced the world in October 1989, marking Toyota’s 50th anniversary.
It’s reported that it took around five years to perfect the three-oval logo. The emblem was crafted “to create a strong, stand out visual identity for the brand and announce the arrival of Toyota in many countries outside of Japan”.
The website explains: “The three ovals in the Toyota logo are linked in a horizontally symmetrical layout – so it is recognisable both head-on and when seen in a rear-view mirror.
“The inner ovals symbolise the heart of the customer and the heart of the company, overlapping to represent a mutually beneficial relationship and trust between the two, as well as forming a ‘T’ shape for Toyota. The outer oval one signifies the world embracing Toyota.
“Each oval is drawn with different stroke thicknesses, pointing to Japanese calligraphy art and culture. The space in the background within the logo is meant to exhibit the ‘infinite values’, which Toyota stands for.
“These are: superb quality, value beyond expectation, the joy of driving, innovation and integrity in safety, the environment and social responsibility.”