Why the Toyota Corolla Still Dominates Global Car Sales After 58 Years
The Toyota Corolla has held its place as the world's best-selling car for decades. Since its launch in 1966, over 55 million units of the Toyota Corolla have been sold across more than 150 countries. Its reputation for reliability and quality control has kept it ahead of rivals like the VW Beetle and Golf.
The Corolla first arrived when mass motorisation was still spreading beyond Japan. Its success grew as Aisin's continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) improved efficiency, especially in hybrids like the Prius. Even today, a new Toyota Corolla finds a buyer somewhere in the world every few minutes.
One standout model, the AE86 from 1983, became iconic in motorsport. Its lightweight design and rear-wheel drive made it a favourite in the drifting scene, earning a cult following.
Now, as electric vehicles gain ground—particularly in markets like China with brands such as NIO and XPENG—Toyota is taking a different approach. The next-generation Toyota Corolla will offer multiple powertrain options: traditional engines, full hybrids, electric models, and even alternative fuels like e-fuels and hydrogen. The company believes many drivers still prefer choice over an all-electric shift.
In regions like Norway, where electric adoption is high, the Toyota Corolla's role remains less defined. No direct data ties it to changes in local driving habits, but its enduring sales suggest it still meets diverse needs.
The Corolla's future relies on flexibility rather than a single technology. By providing internal combustion, hybrid, electric, and alternative-fuel versions, Toyota aims to serve global markets on their own terms. The strategy reflects a bet that, for now, not every driver is ready to abandon traditional engines.
