Toyota Corolla Turns 50

It is difficult to believe that the Toyota Corolla, the mainstay of the Toyota brand has turned 50. It is one of the most popular models in the world and the company sells about 1.5 million Corollas across the globe every year. Ever since its launch in 1966 in Japan, 43 million units of the Corolla have sold worldwide, making the model the best selling nameplate of all time.

The Toyota Corolla was one of the first models in which Toyota used just-in-time manufacturing and offered highly advanced technological features at a reasonable price when compared to similar models in its class. It was also the first model in its class for which five-bearing engines were used instead of three-bearing engines to boost high-speed rotation and ensure a quiet ride.

In order to mark the 50th anniversary of the model, the Japanese car manufacturer will be making a 50th anniversary edition that is available in three colors – blizzard pearl, classic silver and black cherry pearl. It will have a limited production run of just 8000 vehicles and will have luxurious black interiors with cherry accents, special stitching, badging and anniversary floor mats. It will also have a smart key, moonroof, a seven-inch touch screen and navigation.

In the United States, Toyota will make its Safety Sense-P technology a standard feature on all Corollas. This technology comprises a suite of safety features like pedestrian detection, pre-collision, dynamic radar cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high beams.