Koito
Wow! It's been too long since I posted in the blog. Lets continue our journey on learning the history of the key Toyota keiretsu companies. Today we cover the venerable Koito Manufacturing Co. It's clear here at the Cruiser Cult that we love our Koito lamps. Not only for the amazing fog lamps that we are obsessed with, but mainly for their history with the Toyota Land Cruiser and the insanely high quality parts they spec for our rigs. It's nothing new for people to report an original Koito bulb finally burning out after over 40 years of use. Can't get better than that! So without further ado, lets dive into the history of this awesome company!
It all started with a lens.
In 1912 , Genrokuro Koito launched a domestically produced Fresnel lens for railway signaling lamps. It was around this time that the rail system in Japan was rapidly expanding and a push for domestically produced railway components was in high demand. This early success in lens and signal production is what launched the Koito company we know today.
Koito would see rapid expansion over the next decades with a massive factory starting in 1927
In 1936, two cool things happen. First, Koito establishes a logo for his lamps. GKC
Second, after successfully producing headlamps for military motorcycles in 1933, the young Toyoda motor company takes notice and contracts Koito to make headlights for its new AA sedan. Look at the super cool "Toyoda" logo on the glass!
Expansion continued into the automotive sector and one new plant opened during WWII. Following the war, due to regulations set by the Allied powers, initially only trucks were allowed to be constructed and the Japanese auto industry was really struggling. However, around 1946, company saving orders started to come in from Nissan and Datsun for their trucks. Soon after more orders started to come in for Toyota and Mazada trucks of the day. Once again, Koito was off to the races and business picked up.
Inspired by the sealed beam headlamps they observed on the American Jeeps, Koito set about developing their own sealed beam lamps in house.
In 1957, With the success of their semi-sealed headlamp, Koito achieved what they had originally set out to do and produced their first sealed beam headlights. They were so good they became a main supplier for Toyota for fitment on their vehicles.
Also in 1957, Koito Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd. was officially established
An original still functioning 1960s sealed beam headlamp on an FJ40! Now that is quality!
From the 1960s to the 1980s Koito continued to grow at a rapid pace.
Developing the first combination rear lamp for the Toyota Corona (1964), opened an office in Chicago USA, and in 1970 they opened a Toyota brach in Aichi Japan.
In 1978 Koito developed their first in-house Halogen lamps, successfully designed new rectangular Halogen lamps which were becoming much more common in automobiles of the day. In 1979 they developed their first vehicle specific headlamps. Most headlamps on cars were generic circular or rectagular units. But Koito designed custom lights for the Nissan Skyline and the Toyota Crown. This would of course become the standard for most automobiles.
Production of aftermarket lamps for automobiles also took off in these decades. People wanted to customize their cars with better and brighter lights. Koito continues to provide that. From automobiles to trucks to boats.
In 1980 Koito opened their Seattle office. :D ... not really a big historical moment... but hey it's the hometown office for us.
From the 1980s on, Koito's technological development continued rapidly and they soon became a world leader in automotive lighting. Their ties with Toyota became even deeper.
In 1984 they made the worlds first all plastic vehicle specific headlights! The Toyota Soarer got those!
In 1990 Koito developed the projector headlamp... which of course went on a Toyota first! The first Land Cruiser to get the projector lamps wouldn't happen until the late 90s with the 100 series! In the US, only the Lexus variant got the projector lamps. In Japan at the time, Lexus was not a brand, there the top of the line "Lexus" level cruiser was the Cygnus.
In 2007 Koito developed the first LED automotive headlamps.. which were of course spec'd on a Lexus.
2007+ , Koito continues to be a powerhouse in automotive lighting and innovation and spec'd on Land Cruiser models across the spectrum.
A surprise offering by Toyota and Koito in recent years was a retrofit kit to bring your sealed beam lamps into the 21st century to semi-sealed housings and a relay driven harness. Vintage Cruiser owner's rejoiced the world over.
From headlights, to taillights, to the tiny bulbs that illuminate your switches and gauges.. There is a Koito stamp on it!
Whether your cruiser is a Sunday driver or a Dakar racer. Koito keeps our Land Cruisers moving forward with a clear vision. Koito is one of Toyota's first tier Keiretsu companies. Meaning Toyota is the largest shareholder in Koito, over 20% stake. You may ask... what is a Keiretsu? If you want to know more, check out our awesome video! HERE
We hope you enjoyed this brief run through the history of Koito!
