What Toyotas are made in Brazil?

Beyond Bandeirantes: Unpacking Toyota’s Brazilian Production

For decades, Brazil has been a key player in Toyota’s global manufacturing network. While many associate Toyota’s Brazilian presence with the iconic Bandeirante, a rugged vehicle deeply ingrained in Brazilian automotive history, the story of what Toyotas are currently made in Brazil goes beyond this classic.

It’s important to acknowledge a significant shift in Toyota’s Brazilian operations. The historic Sao Bernardo Plant, Toyota’s first international venture and the birthplace of the Bandeirante, officially closed its doors in November 2023. This marked the end of a chapter that began in 1962 and saw over 100,000 Bandeirantes roll off the production line, alongside contributions to models like the Corolla and Hilux.

However, Toyota’s commitment to Brazil remains strong, albeit focused on other manufacturing facilities.

So, what Toyotas are currently being manufactured in Brazil?

The answer primarily revolves around two key models:

• Toyota Corolla: The Corolla is a cornerstone of Toyota’s Brazilian operations. It’s currently produced at the Indaiatuba Plant, located in the state of São Paulo. This plant has been a major manufacturing hub for the Corolla, serving both the domestic Brazilian market and export destinations across Latin America. It reflects Toyota’s commitment to producing modern, globally recognized models within Brazil.

• Toyota Yaris: The Sorocaba Plant is a dedicated production hub for Toyota Yaris. This plant represents a more recent investment, highlighting Toyota’s dedication to the Brazilian market and its increasing demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

It’s crucial to note that the Hilux, while historically produced in Brazil, is now primarily manufactured in other Latin American countries, like Argentina.

Beyond the Specific Models:

While the Corolla and Yaris represent the current production landscape, it’s worth remembering the legacy of the Sao Bernardo Plant and the Bandeirante. The plant’s closure signifies a shift in Toyota’s strategy, focusing on newer facilities and models that align with contemporary market demands.

The Future of Toyota in Brazil:

Toyota continues to invest in its Brazilian operations. These investments are not just about maintaining production levels but also about adopting new technologies and manufacturing processes. The focus on the Corolla and Yaris, produced in modern facilities, reflects a commitment to efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced automotive production.

In conclusion, while the Sao Bernardo Plant holds a special place in Toyota’s history and the hearts of Brazilian automotive enthusiasts, the current production landscape in Brazil is centered around the globally recognized Corolla and the increasingly popular Yaris, manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities that demonstrate Toyota’s ongoing commitment to the Brazilian market. The closure of the historic plant marks a transition, not an end, to Toyota’s presence in Brazil.