JTEKT originally is Koyo Seiko (founded in 1921) and Toyoda Machine Works (founded in 1941).

Koyo Seiko was founded by Zenichiro Ikeda in 1921, for decades it had been developed as a world-class manufacturer of bearings which turn the wheels of industry. In 1960s Koyo Seiko began to develop and produce automotive steerings and was succeeded in developing world's first electric power steering (EPS) and put it into mass production in 1988. This first EPS appeared on Suzuki Cervo, ushering a new era of steering assist by electric power.

Toyoda Machine Works was founded in 1941 as an independent body from the Machine Tools Division of Toyoda Motor Corporation.

Now it is known as a machine tool manufacturer excelling in world-leading technologies with customers all over world. Toyoda Machine Works also produced and sold automotive components as steerings and driveline components. Toyoda Machine Works began the production of intelligent torque controlled coupling (ITCC) in 1998 and acquired Torsen Business Division from Bosch Automotive.