One of only two independent distributors of new Toyota vehicles, parts and accessories in the United States. The Houston-based company is part of The Friedkin Group and was founded by Thomas Friedkin in 1969. Gulf States Toyota serves more than 150 Toyota, Scion and Lexus dealerships throughout Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Mississippi.
In 1957, Toyota entered the American automobile market and established a location in Los Angeles. A former Hollywood stuntman, Thomas Friedkin partnered with the automaker to distribute cars throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. GST launched its trucking division in 1980. Known today as US AutoLogistics, the company provides state-of-the-art transportation solutions across the United States. Gulf States Toyota entered the finance and insurance sector in 1982, offering a full range of products to drivers. Located in Houston, the company’s first Lexus dealership, Westside Lexus, opened in 1989.
Thomas Friedkin’s son, Dan Friedkin, took over leadership of the company in 1995 and expanded the company’s interests to include Toyota branded sports facilities, golf courses and resorts. Today, Gulf States Toyota is one of the world’s largest independent distributors of Toyota vehicles and parts, with annual sales of over $9 billion.
- Family name: Friedkin family
- Sector: Automotive & Transportation
- Founded: 1969
- Founder: Thomas Friedkin
- Country: United States
- Company headquarters: Houston
- Revenue: 8.4
- Employees: 2,000
- Website: buyatoyota.com/gst
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