Toyota G1

It was 6 m (20 ft) long, could carry 1.5 tons, and was loosely based on similar class Ford and GM trucks.

Work still progressed on the A1 but emphasis was shifted to a truck derived from the same engine and chassis (slightly lengthened).

When the first production examples were driven to Tokyo for the motor show, they were packed with many spare parts.

To support them, design engineers from the factory were often sent to do repairs in order to learn which parts needed the most attention.

For example, broken rear axle housings were common until new welding methods were developed.

Rectifications were then applied as running changes on the production line, reflecting Toyota's "5 Whys" problem solving philosophy.

Improved version of the GA, introduced in December 1938, with a redesigned front end, greater length, a slightly longer wheelbase of 3,609 mm (142.1 in), and a new 75 PS (55 kW) Type B engine, a more powerful version of the Type A engine with a higher compression ratio.

Designed to meet the military's demand for heavier trucks, its payload was increased to four tons, and its wheelbase was extended to 4,000 mm (157.5 in).

The KC was an update to the KB in response to official government specifications for a wartime truck.

Nicknamed the "Toyota To-Ki", the KC used about thirty percent less steel, which was in short supply in Japan during the war, than preceding trucks.

[17] Former Toyota trucks had a torque tube driveshaft mount, but this required steel components that were difficult to obtain under wartime conditions, so the KC switched to a Hotchkiss drive.

The body design was extremely boxy, with only simple curves used on the engine cover and a flat radiator with no grill.

As the war dragged on and material shortages grew worse, more of the body was built from wood, the headlamps were reduced to one, and only rear brakes were used.

[18][2][10][15] However, once the war ended in August 1945, Toyota continued production of the KC without these former material restrictions.

[19] One special use for the KC truck was to start aircraft engines on Japanese military airfields.

A military amphibious vehicle using a metal boat style hull and KC truck mechanicals.