TORRANCE, Calif. -

Both Toyota and Lexus rolled out revamped Facebook pages this week, taking advantage of the social media website’s new page timeline feature.

Toyota executives hope the new page timeline feature can give consumers unique insight into automaker’s U.S. history of product and people that spans back to 1957. They also think it can provide updates on Toyota’s current happenings and future announcements ranging from plant openings to vehicle debuts, as well as product news and other company information that will encourage people to comment and share.

As one of the first brands to launch with the new page format, Toyota contends it is continuing to support its existing goals of growing fan engagement in social media that leads to integration with the brand.

In addition, the company indicated apps will be added in the future to make the page even more interactive and specific to information people want to receive in their news feed.

“Our Facebook page has always been a way for Toyota to engage owners and fans, and the new page timeline allows us to offer even more streamlined content to our community,” explained Kimberley Gardiner, national digital marketing and social media manager for Toyota Motor Sales USA.

“We’re especially excited to tell Toyota’s U.S. history and heritage in a compelling way on the new timeline and to enhance the experience on our page by sharing about the people behind the brand,” Gardiner continued. “The new format allows us to continue to add more visual and emotional elements to the experience we share with the people who engage with our page timeline.”

Meanwhile, Lexus highlighted that launch of its Facebook timeline page coincides with the brand reaching 1 million fans on the social networking site this week.

To gather stories for the new page, the Lexus team said it talked to automotive historians, met with Lexus archivists and spent hours at the Toyota USA Automobile Museum reviewing old film, photos and artifacts. 

The launch cover photo features Lexus’ futuristic new 2+2 coupe LF-LC concept vehicle while the timeline is geared to exemplify the brand’s evolution and “pursuit of perfection” during the last 23 years. More than 80 stories have been added to the page dating back to before the brand’s launch in 1989. 

Officials also mentioned all major vehicle launches, redesigns and concept units — from the original Lexus LS 400 to the all-new 2013 Lexus GS — have been added to the timeline. 

Additionally, Lexus added backdated posts to include pre-Facebook updates such as the one millionth Lexus sold in the U.S. in November 1999. 

Furthermore, the brand said Lexus’ new Facebook page will also showcase “Lexus World Firsts” that tout the brand’s contributions to the automotive industry including the world’s first Mark Levinson automotive sound system and the world’s first advanced parking guidance system in a luxury vehicle.

Other key milestones include: 

—December 2000: Lexus is named the best-selling luxury automotive manufacturer in the United States

—January 2002: Lexus develops the Lexus 2054 concept vehicle for Steven Spielberg’s Minority Report.

—Jan. 2004: World premiere of the first luxury hybrid SUV, the Lexus RX 400h

“Researching the information for our new Facebook Page became a very personal and introspective process for the team,” stated Brian Smith, Lexus vice president of marketing. 

“It was fascinating to look back at our rich history and see the many ideas and innovations that have come from Lexus,” Smith continued. “We are proud to be one of the first brands invited to explore Facebook’s new platform, and we hope our fans enjoy the new experience.” 

The updated Toyota Facebook page can be accessed at www.Facebook.com/Toyota while the updated Lexus Facebook page can be viewed at www.Facebook.com/Lexus.