Toyota is the world's largest automaker, but its road to success has been long and filled with speed bumps . 1958:The company's first foray into the American market was the Toyopet in 1958. It was a flop. 1964:Toyota introduced their Corona line of automobiles and sales hit 6,400 in 1965, marking an increase in popularity. 1969:Toyota began importing the Corolla and in 1985 it would become the first Toyota built in the U.S. 1975:Toyota surpassed the popular German brand Volkswagen to become the top import sold in the U.S. 1986:The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ordered its first _ of Toyota cars due to "speed control" problems. 1988:The First North American Toyota plant opened in Georgetown, Ky. 1989:Toyota introduced the Lexus LS 400, the company's first U.S. luxury car. It was a major hit. 1997:Toyota debuted their Prius gas-electric hybrid car. 2002:The first consumer complaints emerged of the Camry's engine surging under braking. 2004:The NHTSA opened a defect investigation into 2002-2003 Camry, Camry Solara and Lexus ES models. 2006:Toyota "Americanizes" and opened a new plant in Texas to build full-size pickups 2007:Toyota surpassed General Motors to become the world's largest automaker. 2007:The NHTSA investigated pedal entrapment in some Toyota vehicles, which led recalls of floor mats on Camry and Lexus models. 2007:The NHTSA investigated pedal entrapment in some Toyota vehicles, which led recalls of floor mats on Camry and Lexus models. Aug. 2009:An off-duty California Highway Patrol officer and three family members were killed when their rental 2009 Lexus ES speeds out of control. Nov. 2009:Toyota recalled 3.8 million Lexus and Toyota models to remove floor mats that can trap pedals. Jan. 2010:Toyota recalled approximately 2.3 million more vehicles with potential sticking pedal problems. On Jan. 26, Toyota stopped selling eight models involved in the recall. Feb. 2010:Prius and Lexus hybrids are now being recalled for brake problems in 2010 models. The purpose of this passage is to  _  .
advertise for Toyota display Toyota's glory uncover Toyota's braking problems introduce Toyota' s struggle in the US