Toyota logo – what does it mean?

The Toyota logo is an important part of our identity – but have you ever wondered why it is made up of three interlocking ovals, or what it means?

You can download a high-resolution version of the Toyota logo by clicking here.

First introduced in October 1989 to mark Toyota’s 50th anniversary, it took around five years to develop the three-oval logo. The emblem was designed to create a strong, stand out visual identity for the brand and announce the arrival of Toyota in many countries outside of Japan.

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.

You can read more about the history of Toyota here.

The Toyota oval logo was first used on the Toyota Celsior – a model sold in Japan, as it was badged as a Lexus LS400 elsewhere.

By Will McManus

Tags: emblem logo oval symbol Toyota toyota logo

HAVE YOU ENJOYED THIS POST? NOW SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS.