TOSCO: not just a member here

TOSCO: not just a member here

"Before becoming Toyota Racing Development, TRD was known as Toyota Sports Corner, or TOSCO. TOSCO was established in Yokohama and built Toyota's first performance engines for the Celica and Corolla, and provided the Japanese domestic market (JDM) with performance parts, allowing Toyota to compete against its rival, Datsun. However, to appeal to a wider market, in the mid-1970's TOSCO's name was changed to Toyota Racing Development and TRD parts began to make their way into the hands Toyota enthusiasts in the United States. Though not as popular as American-made cars, the smaller Toyota cars still found a niche in the United States auto market that continues to grow today.

During the 70's, 80's and much of the 90's, TRD parts came directly from Japan. In 1995, Toyota established TRD USA in Southern California. While TRD Japan parts are still available in the United States, most TRD parts found in the US are from TRD USA. By establishing a Toyota Motorsports division in the US, TRD has allowed Toyota to expand racing and performance development beyond Japan. One TRD facility in Costa Mesa, CA, is focused on developing racing engines for cars in the CART and Indy racing circuits. Tustin, CA, on the other hand, is home to TRD Sales and Special Projects Division. From this facility TRD develops, markets and distributes TRD parts and accessories for Toyota, Lexus and Scion owners while the Special Projects Division builds Toyota racing engines for vehicles in Off-Road, Sports Car, Toyota Atlantic and NASCAR DASH series racing circuits. Not only has this built awareness of Toyota's presence in the racing community, it has also added a performance edge to Toyota's reputation for quality."