What brand of paint does Toyota use?
Toyota does not rely on a single paint brand; it sources coatings from multiple suppliers around the world, with the exact brand depending on region, plant, and model year.
Automakers like Toyota run complex global supply chains for coatings. The specific paint brand used can vary by market, factory, and year, influenced by regional regulations, environmental standards, and the availability of coating technologies. This article explains how Toyota's paint sourcing works and which brands are commonly involved across different regions.
How Toyota structures its paint supply chain
The paint system on a Toyota vehicle is typically the result of collaborations with several major automotive coating suppliers. Rather than a single, universal brand, Toyota often coordinates with different suppliers to meet regional requirements, optimize production, and maintain consistency across its global lineup. The result is a portfolio of coating brands that may include several global players, depending on where and when the vehicle was assembled.
Major suppliers by region and market
The list below outlines some of the large, globally active automotive coating suppliers that have historically worked with Toyota in various regions. The exact brand on a given vehicle can vary by factory and year, so this should be viewed as a representative overview rather than a guarantee for every Toyota model.
- BASF Automotive Coatings — a leading global supplier whose systems are used by many automakers worldwide, including regions where Toyota production occurs.
- PPG Industries — another major, global supplier often involved in North American and other markets’ finishes.
- Nippon Paint — a prominent Japanese coatings producer that has supplied Toyota for domestic and some export markets.
- Kansai Paint — a major Asian supplier that has collaborated with various OEMs, including partnerships in markets where Toyota operates.
- AkzoNobel (Sikkens/Lesonal) — a long-standing coatings company whose basecoat/clearcoat systems are used by several automakers in Europe and Asia, including scenarios involving Toyota.
The exact paint brand used for a specific Toyota vehicle is determined by the plant that built the car, the model year, and regional supply agreements. For owners seeking precise information, the best source is the vehicle’s build sheet, VIN data, or a Toyota dealership’s parts and service team.
What this means for Toyota owners and repairs
Because Toyota’s coatings come from multiple suppliers, color matching and repair processes can vary by the original coating system installed on the vehicle. When performing touch-ups or repainting, it’s important to reference the vehicle’s specific coating system and color code as installed at factory. Dealers and certified body shops can access build-level details to ensure compatibility with the original finish.
Summary
In short, Toyota uses a multi-brand approach to automotive coatings rather than a single paint brand. The exact brand can differ by region, plant, and model year, reflecting Toyota’s global supply network and evolving environmental and regulatory requirements. For owners, this means accuracy in color matching and repair depends on identifying the precise coating system used on their vehicle, information that a Toyota dealer or service center can provide.
