They make about 10 million vehicles per day - but Toyota fans are only just noticing the "adorable" hidden message inside its iconic logo.
Founded by Kiichiro Toyoda in 1937, the automotive manufacturer is easily recognised by its logo showing three ovals linked in a symmetrical layout. But not only is its logo recognisable both head-on and when seen in a rear-view mirror, but it also includes a message from the company to its customers.
A statement in Toyota UK Magazine reads: "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." Toyota updated its logo in July 2020 in Europe to signal a new era for the brand as it transitioned from a car company to a mobility firm.
It was shaped by four key principles: forward-thinking, mobile-ready, more premium feel and consistency across all business units and sub-brands. Didier Gambert, Toyota Motor Europe vice president sales, marketing and customer experience, said: "We developed the new brand visual design with 'tomorrow' in mind.
Our focus was on enabling ever-better customer connections, allowing them to keep pace with Toyota’s rapid expansion of electrified vehicles, mobility services and online retailing. The design was re-purposed to better connect with customers across diverse touchpoints."
Commenting on the revelation, one social media user said: "I just realised the Toyota logo is genius," while another added: "As a kid, I always thought it was a guy wearing a cowboy hat."
A third user said: "Dang, I never realised your logo had such a deep meaning. I thought it was just a bunch of circles arranged so that they look cool", and one more user added: "When looking at the logo on my local dealership recently, I also saw an Angel in the logo." Another user said: "This is so cute - adorable."
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