Today in Automotive History
1945 Japanese Auto Industry Starts Up Again
After World War II ended with Japan's surrender on September 3, 1945, Japan remained under Allied occupation ruled by an occupation government. Its war industries were shut down completely. On this day in 1945, the Toyota Motor Company received permission from the occupation government to start production of buses and trucks--vehicles necessary to keep Japan running. It was the first rumble of the postwar auto industry in Japan.
P.S. - And they have never looked back. As we speak Toyota is getting ready to take over Ford as the 2nd largest Automotive producer in the World.