In March 2009 Toyota revealed that it would be seeking a loan from the Japanese government. Because of the fact the it faces the first ever loss for a year in business, creditors to the company have been asking for up to 50 percent more interest on private loans made to the company. Reports indicate that the company will be asking for up to $2 billion from Tokyo.Bloomberg.com: Toyota, ... Seeks Loans from Japan (March 2, 2009)

• 1933: Toyoda Automatic Loom Works launches automotive division
• 1935: Model A1 car and G1 truck launched
• 1937: Toyota Motor Co. (with revised spelling) established
• 1957: Toyota Crown is first Japanese car exported to U.S.
• 1970: Toyota Celica introduced
• 1983: Toyota Camry introduced
• 1997: Toyota Prius, a hybrid vehicle, is introduced
• 1999: Toyota Tundra introduced

On January 5, 2009, the company reported that December 2008 sales were down 37%. For the year, Toyota said its sales were down 16%.FOX Business: Ford, Toyota, GM Sales Plunge More Than 30% on Month (January 5, 2009) On January 6, 2009, Toyota announced it would stop production at its Japanese plants for 11 days in February and March of 2009, citing "a slump in global sales."FOX News: Toyota to Suspend Production for 11 Days in Japan

On January 21, 2009, Toyota took the title of world's largest automaker by beating rival General Motors in global sales for 2008. According to reports, Toyota sold 8.97 million vehicles in 2008, compared to GM's 8.36 million.CNNMoney.com: GM loses sales title to Toyota (January 21, 2009) Even with the new title, reports said Toyota was experiencing record losses: the company reported on February 3, 2009, that U.S. sales for January 2009 fell nearly 32%.Market Watch: Toyota U.S. January sales down 31.7% (February 3, 2009)