(December 30, 2012) TORRANCE, Calif. — Following a devastating year in 2011 when it was hampered by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami and was fighting millions of vehicle recalls, Toyota came fight back in 2012 to regain its title as world's largest automaker.

As the U.S. auto industry heads into a new year, Toyota looks back at its "tremendous year of growth and accomplishments" in 2012.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. launched the all-new Avalon, Prius c hybrid, RAV4 EV all-electric SUV and the 2013 RAV4.

• The Toyota Tundra built in San Antonio, Texas, successfully towed the Space Shuttle Endeavour over the 405 freeway in Los Angeles.

• Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America produced its 25millionth North American-built vehicle.

• Toyota's 100 Cars for Good program awarded 100 new vehicles to 100 deserving non-profits across the country and $400,000 in grants to 500 non-profits.

• Toyota Financial Services celebrated 30 years of providing retail and wholesale financing, retail leasing, vehicle protection plans and certain other financial services in America.

• The Toyota brand unveiled a new tagline "Let's Go Places" that conveys a dual meaning of physically going places and taking off on an adventure, while also expressing optimism and the promise of exciting innovation that enriches people's lives.