Toyota Increasing Michigan Research And Development With $126M Expansion

Toyota Motor Corp. is further increasing its research and development work in southeastern Michigan. This Japanese automaker plans to expand its Ann Arbour area operations again.

For the third time in a little more than a year, Toyota has announced an expansion of its Southeast Michigan R&D campuses. The most recent announcement involves an investment of $126 million for the expansion of powertrain operations at its Ann Arbor campus and the consolidation of vehicle development operations at a new facility in its York Township facility. As well as building a 260,000-square-foot facility and relocating 85 workers from California.

Both vehicle development and powertrain functions will become centralized in Michigan, increasing their scope, responsibility and decision-making ability with the expansion of its Ann Arbor operations. Earlier this year, they announced the addition of 250 direct procurement and supplier engineering development positions currently based in Erlanger, KY. The new facilities are scheduled to be completed in 2017.

"The Technical Center continues to be a vital part of our growing North American operations that enables Toyota to package greater value for our customers," said Ed Mantey, senior vice president at the Toyota Technical Center. "Centralizing our vehicle development and powertrain functions here in Michigan is beneficial for our decision-making process and allows us to better respond to changes in the marketplace while improving the speed at which we can offer technology advances to customers."

"Toyota's expansion in the Ann Arbor region is a clear indicator that we offer the perfect infrastructure, talented workforce and support for a growing business," said Paul Krutko President and CEO, Ann Arbor SPARK. "Toyota could locate its North American powertrain operations anywhere but chose Ann Arbor; the company's investment and the jobs it will create are a continuing win for our economy."

Paving the Road to Zero Waste at Toyota’s Indiana Plant

How do you turn manufacturing sludge into a sustainable building material? Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) offers a “concrete” example.

Before 2010, water used in the manufacturing process was pumped into the plant’s wastewater treatment system.  It was cleaned and treated with a chemical — ferric sulfate— to remove metals and contaminants. The result was a useless iron-rich sludge left behind as waste…a LOT of waste. Sludge was nearly 70 percent of TMMI’s total waste stream each month. 

Enter Toyota’s ongoing commitment to eco-efficient operations. To minimize waste and conserve natural resources, TMMI tested different additives in order to find a more natural way to treat the sludge from TMMI’s wastewater streams and the paint shop. Lime slurry,

 a non-hazardous mineral and more cost-effective alternative, performed the best. It reduced wastewater sludge by 4 pounds per vehicle, the equivalent of eliminating over 1 million pounds of wastewater sludge each year.

And, it turns out, the calcium-rich sludge left behind is a great replacement for cement in cement kilns. The sludge is dried, compressed and shipped to a facility where it is used to make Portland cement, a basic ingredient of concrete, mortar and stucco.

By developing innovative methods like this, TMMI became a zero waste to landfill facility

in 2010 and continues to operate as such today. 

Learn more about Toyota’s environmental initiatives in the company’s latest environmental report: www.toyota.com/about/environmentreport2013/

The Oldest National park in the U.S. reuses old Toyota Camry Hybrid Batteries to Power Buildings

One of the oldest national parks in the U.S.A. is the Yellowstone Park. Toyota has donated 208 used Camry Hybrid batteries to Yellowstone National Park to power a cluster of five buildings in the wilderness. Though a couple of hundred batteries is not a lot when compared to the millions in circulation, the altruistic gesture has bigger implications: It shows what can be done with large, expensive battery packs from hybrid and electric vehicles once they’ve outlived their usefulness as a power source for automobiles.

Over time, batteries lose their capacity to hold a full charge which makes them unusable in vehicles. Most automakers warranty hybrid batteries for up to 10 years, but their true longevity is hard to nail down because it depends on many factors, such as how often they discharge and recharge their energy. Employing the used hybrid batteries in a stationary energy system like the one at Yellowstone can double their lifespan, Toyota says, at the end of which they get recycled. 

Yellowstone will create a single, stationary energy system with the 208 used nickel metal hydride batteries Toyota says that the system’s total storage capacity of 85 kilowatt-hours will be more than enough to power the five buildings that comprise the park’s Lamar Buffalo Ranch field campus. The ranch facilities are used for education and research.

This is not the first time that Toyota has reused hybrid batteries for stationary power sources. The company’s dealerships in Japan have been using them for additional and backup power since 2013. Toyota’s Alabama manufacturing facility is also looking into used battery systems to help power operations and provide emergency backup.  

Not all used Toyota hybrid batteries are suitable for reuse, though. Those that aren’t get recycled.

In addition to the batteries and engineering know-how, Toyota recently donated a RAV4 and $50,000 to the Yellowstone Park, to support Lamar Buffalo Ranch sustainability project. Lamar Buffalo Ranch is one of the oldest historic areas in Yellowstone.

Toyota is Taking Big Steps to Decrease its Carbon Footmarks

Soon for the Kentuckians breathing will be easier. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, with the help from Waste Services of the Bluegrass, is converting methane from a local landfill into renewable electricity to power Toyota’s Georgetown assembly plant.

Landfill gas is comprised of both methane and carbon dioxide, in addition to varying amounts of other contaminants. With the increasing number of landfills in the United States, the effect of landfill gas on the environment can be damaging.

The local air pollution will be reduced as much as 90 percent. The project will not only provide energy to produce 10,000 vehicles each year, but it will also lead to improved air –quality. This project was scheduled for completion in early 2015.

Maybe the path to a low carbon future is one step at a time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UU6_kjbbUbY

Toyota Financial Services recently celebrated its one millionth eContract, Increasing a Simpler Auto Financing Experience

TFS introduced an industry leading electronic contract (eContracting) system for its dealerships in January 2013. This lead to efficiency and the dealers are now able to send contract package information electronically – phasing out annoying paper contracts etc.

“We saw an opportunity,” said TFS President and CEO, Mike Groff. “The benefits of implementing an eContracting program were very clear from the start. With deal validation occurring immediately, the auto financing experience is simplified and significantly enhanced for both the customer and the dealer. Customers have no need to return to the dealership for follow-up items, and funding is handled immediately, improving dealership cash flow.”

This also reduces some contract errors, and improves both dealer and customer satisfaction.

TFS all-inclusive approach guarantees that all auto financing products and required documents are available. The customers are able to see step by step financing process from the dealers.

As a result of these design elements, eContracting was rapidly adopted by more than 1,300 authorized Toyota, Lexus, and Scion dealers across the nation.

“It happened much faster than we anticipated,” said Mike Wells, TFS Group Vice President of Sales, Product, and Marketing. “Our original goal of 30 percent utilization by the end of the program’s first year quickly increased to a 50 percent goal, as our field embraced the process. And by the end of that first year, we’d reached an astonishing 56 percent eContracting utilization throughout our dealerships.”
From September 2014, 65 percent of TFS are electronic, with nearly 90 percent of its dealers actively using the industry-leading process.

 
“Moving forward, we now anticipate completing over one million eContracts each year,” added Wells. “eContracting has really taken off, and the feedback from dealers and customers is very positive. We look forward to continued growth, improved dealership efficiencies, and increased customer satisfaction.”

This implementation of TFS e Contracting platform revolutionizes the auto financing process, and also changing landscape in auto industry. 

Toyota Creates a SpongeBob Themed Sienna Minivan for the LA Auto Show inspired by the movie: ‘’Sponge out of the Water’’

Three-Dimensional SpongeBob Concept Car to Take Families on an All-Wheel Drive Adventure Promotional Tour Leading Up to Feature Film’s Feb. 6, 2015 Premiere

Nickelodeon and Toyota have partnered to transform everyone’s absorbent pal into a new 3-D concept car based on Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies’ upcoming film, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water.  The SpongeBob Movie 2015 Toyota Sienna features a custom three-dimensional SpongeBob SquarePants exterior, complete with the character’s Superhero Incredible mask that blows real bubbles at the top of the car.  The interior features seating inspired by each of SpongeBob’s Bikini Bottom pals, along with a wood-grain dashboard, a custom Captain’s steering wheel, a blue-sky head liner and a sand-inspired floor. 

Nickelodeon Group already has seen the popularity of "everyone's porous pal." SpongeBob, the star of the network's highest-rated animated series, has 80 million Facebook followers, says Pam Kaufman, chief marketing officer for the network.

Moreover, "post-Millennials," as the current generation of kids is being called, love spending time with their parents more than anything. Parents are hyperfocused on spending time with their kids. It's the kids who are deciding where to go on vacation and what vehicle to buy.

Toyota showed the SpongeBob Sienna at the press preview of the Los Angeles Auto Show. The concept is meant to draw attention to the upscale minivan, a vehicle segment that has been challenged by a lingering "mom jeans" image as crossovers SUVs stay in vogue.

 

Now, Toyota hopes that kids will convince their parents that minivans are cool again. “It's not kids. It's kids and families," says Jack Hollis, vice president of marketing for Toyota.
 

The minivan is meant to promote "The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water." It will be the second SpongeBob theatrical adventure when it appears in February and the first in which the characters leave the depths to venture on to dry land.

“SpongeBob SquarePants continues to be at the center of pop culture, and through this promotion with our wonderful partners at Toyota, we have created his next iconic moment with a truly unique vehicle that captures all of the high-octane energy of Paramount’s highly anticipated feature film,” said Pam Kaufman, Chief Marketing Officer, Nickelodeon Group.   

“Toyota is again teaming up with SpongeBob to help him and his friends go places in a custom ride inspired by their upcoming dry land adventures,” said Jack Hollis, vice president of marketing for Toyota. “The 2015 Sienna is a perfect choice for families and superheroes alike – offering seating for up to eight and a bubble blower attachment feature to boot.”   

Special attention was paid to the inside, not just the outside. In the Sienna's latest redesign, Toyota worked extra hard to dress up the minivan's interior. Toyota wants visitors to notice the upscale materials and other touches that were put into the minivan's cabin. Each of the seats will be themed to highlight one of SpongeBob's friends.

 

For Nickelodeon, the van and its resulting multi-city tour make for a handy device to hype the movie.

"We are so psyched. It looks incredible," Kaufman said.

The SpongeBob Toyota Sienna promotion will also be supported online with a custom channel on nick.com and promoted through on-air as well as digital display advertising and social media.  Beginning Dec. 15 fans can log onto www.nick.com/toyota  to get more information on tour stops and access a gallery of images of the SpongeBob Movie vehicle.

Toyota Celebrates Top Latinos in Social Media

Toyota will again reinforce its commitment to the Latino community by sponsoring the Latinos in Tech Innovation and Social Media, (LATISM) 2014 Awards Gala for the fourth consecutive year. This was Annual Conference in Anaheim, California, held from November 13-15.

 

“Toyota has spent the past few years boosting our connection to the Hispanic community through social media,” said Patricia Salas Pineda, group vice president of the Hispanic Business Strategy Group at Toyota Motor North America. “These initiatives have allowed us to strengthen our ties with Hispanic media and community and business leaders and establish a dialog on topics of mutual interest, such as safety and the environment.”

As the exclusive automotive sponsor, Toyota will engage participants in activities aimed to showcase key conservation, education and safety missions aligning with LATISM priorities that span more than 150,000 members.

“We appreciate Toyota’s steady commitment to LATISM which shows how dedicated the company is to the Latino social media sphere and beyond,” said Ana Roca Castro, chair and founder of LATISM.

Once again, Toyota served as a lead sponsor for the LATISM Awards Gala, November 14, identifying the best performers in social media across several categories, including best bloggers in Parenting, Tech and Food, Best Multicultural Campaign, Best Latin Vlogger, and many more.

The @ToyotaLatino Twitter handle, launched to share, listen and learn with the Latino community through social media at LATISM in 2012, and has reached almost 10,500 followers and published more than 2,300 tweets. This channel became a powerful platform for Toyota to connect with this growing community.

Since 2004, Toyota has been the leading automotive brand among U.S. Hispanics. According to data from automotive research firm Polk, Toyota garners more than 16 percent of the U.S. Latino car-buying market, with success driven largely by Toyota’s dedicated efforts to authentically engage with the community.

Toyota is the Global Leader in Hybrid Sales with Sales of 7 Million units

We all know that Toyota is the leader when it comes to hybrid cars and by the end of 2015, the Japanese manufacturer will introduce a total of 15 new hybrids globally. Additionally, the company announced that its global hybrid sales hit the 7 millionth unit milestone in September and that the latest million-unit hybrid target was achieved in just nine months.

Now, Toyota offers 27 different hybrid passenger cars and one plug-in model in more than 90 countries and regions. In the United States, Toyota and Lexus offer 12 hybrid models as well as one plug-in hybrid model, which account for 70 percent of industry hybrid sales.

For this year Toyota announced three new hybrid models: the Voxy Hybrid and Noah Hybrid in Japan only as well as the new Lexus NX 300h. The fourth hybrid model arrived in October as Toyota will introduce the Lexus RC 300h.

“Hitting the 7 million mark represents our customers’ recognition of the benefits of Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles,” said Bob Carter, Toyota senior vice president of automotive operations. “The appeal of excellent fuel economy, driving dynamics and the quality of our vehicles combined with our dealers’ dedication to customer service makes Toyota the undeniable leader in hybrid technology.”

Toyota's aim is not just to expand its hybrid lineup, but also to increase the number of countries and regions where it sells hybrid models.

’’The appeal of excellent fuel economy, driving dynamics and the quality of our vehicles combined with our dealers' dedication to customer service makes Toyota the undeniable leader in hybrid technology," said Carter.

Toyota hybrids have created an important positive impact on gasoline consumption and emissions generated by driving. To date, Toyota hybrid vehicles have resulted in approximately 49 million fewer tons* of CO2 emissions and saved 4.75B gallons of gasoline than would have been emitted or used by gasoline-powered vehicles of similar size and driving performance.

Toyota's further manufacturing plan is to continue working on enhancing performance, reducing costs and expanding its product lineup to create vehicles popular with consumers. Although Toyota provides consumers a portfolio of options, including pure electrics and a fuel cell that will go on sale in summer 2015, hybrids will remain its core technology.
 
 

Toyota Shocks SEMA WITH 850HP Camry Dragster

Sleeper Camry Shock for Racing Fans Nationwide

Built by Toyota's Motorsports Techical center, the Sleeper Camry came together in just 11 short weeks. On the outside it's an all original 2015 Camry body,but on inside, the funny car has more Tundra DNA than anything else

A 2015 Tundra gave up its 5.7-liter V8 engine, transmission, rear axle and electronics for the build.However, Toyota figured that wasn’t quite enough, so the team slapped on a TRD supercharger, massive 335/30/18 drag racing wheelsand a 300-shot nitrous kit. Sleeper indeed. There’s even a trick exhaust system which can divert gases through the standard pipes or shoot ‘em straight out of the headers.

“This is is the most extreme build we’ve ever unveiled at SEMA,” said Toyota Engagement Marketing and Motorsports National Manager Steve Appelbaum. “The transformation from seemingly stock Camry to full-blown racecar just shocks the senses. Chuck Wade and the team at Motorsports Technical Center did a truly spectacular job executing the vision of this project.”

Toyota claims the boosted Camry will rocket through the quarter-mile in 9.8 seconds.

“This Camry is the ultimate Sleeper — it definitely has the element of surprise on its side and more than enough muscle to drop the hammer on any unsuspecting car that pulls up,” said Wade, Motorsports Technical Center Director.                      

The Sleeper Camry can be seen November 4-7 in the Toyota display booth (#24700) located in the Central Hall at the 2014 SEMA Show, but later after the SEMA Show it will tour the country at select NHRA races.

Small Town Growing Big business for 25 Years

City in Jackson County, Commerce in Georgia set up roots in 1989 with only 15 associates processing 17,000 Toyota’s annually and now employs over 200 people.

“This was just a peach orchard farm before Southeast Toyota moved in,” said Donald Trammell, maintenance and trade coordinator. “When we opened our doors it was just 15 people at this whole plant. We all pitched in and did whatever needed to be done because it was more than just a business. We have a belief system of giving back to where we live and work, and so we have always felt like this was a community-based operation.”

Recently Southeast Toyota celebrated its 25th  anniversary with a donation of a new pavilion at Commerce's Veterans Memorial Park. Mayor Clark Hill, who is also the company’s onsite Health & Wellness Center physician, honored Southeast Toyota with a proclamation from the City of Commerce for its economic and philanthropic contribution to the small but flourishing community.

“After 10 years of working for JM Family and Southeast Toyota, I’ve learned that the best part of getting is giving back, and our associates generously donate their time and talents to this community,” Hill said. “This company recognized the charm and potential of our little town. Call it luck, but I think the City of Commerce hit the jackpot when Southeast Toyota chose us.”
 

Product & General Processing Supervisor Kathy Archer has been there since the facility opened. “When Southeast Toyota started here, I was working at a local factory and looking for something different and better. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me and my family. It has put me in a position where I know that I will be able to retire comfortably. Not to mention, it’s a company that gives back to the community in so many ways. We always get involved in local events, especially when it supports children.”

“Because of Southeast Toyota, I consider Commerce my home and now my daughter who was born in Commerce still lives here,” said Operations Manager Hamp Echols. “Toyota and the city of Commerce have worked hand in hand and continue growing, and that has been nothing but great for the area. That’s what ‘Growing Good’ means to me!”
Jim Morand, one of the automotive legends, founded JM Family and Southeast Toyota in 1968, partnering with Toyota Motor sales to build up  the automaker’s U.S. presence by establishing a processing and distribution facility in Jacksonville, Fla. Later the diversified automotive company expanded its vehicle distribution operations, opening the northern Georgia Inland Processing center in Commerce.

The facility is now a 300 acre complex, producing more than 130,000 vehicles per year, for distribution to Toyota dealers in northern Alabama, the Carolinas and northern Georgia.

“We owe the amazing growth of our company to our hard-working and dedicated associates, and to the support of this community which has been a great partner in our success,” said Colin Brown, President and CEO of parent company JM Family Enterprises. “We had no doubt that when we chose Commerce as our home in 1989, we chose the right place.”

Toyota FT-1 concept Car to Make SEMA Show Appearance

When it made its first public appearance at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the FT-1 created a huge whisper in the automotive world. The styling recalled the legendary Mark IV Supra, while the name hearkened back to the FT-HS concept from 2007. The "FT" in both cases stands for Future Toyota. Toyota uses this labeling in their Lexus line of vehicles, the LFs.

In August, Toyota brought out a new version of the FT-1 that featured graphite exterior paint and a saddle-colored leather interior. It made its first appearance at the Gordon McCall's Motorworks Revival event in California. In a press release Toyota writes: "This second concept car raises the bar by infusing an aura of refinement to accompany the FT-1's unbridled performance intent."

“Showing the FT-1 at SEMA makes perfect sense,” said Steve Appelbaum, Toyota’s engagement marketing and motorsports national manager. “SEMA attracts enthusiasts who live, eat and breathe performance.” Labeled the spiritual pace car for the new direction of Toyota Global Design, the FT-1’s muscular exterior builds on Toyota’s rich sports coupe heritage dating back to the 2000GT, Celica, Supra, MR2 and, most recently, the Scion FR-S.

“In the color studio we help create the atmosphere of the vehicle,” said Sellene Lee, creative designer at Calty Design, who was responsible for the color concepts on both FT-1 iterations. Details such as using an all-natural-grain saddle leather on the seats, painted brown edges on the interior and the use of raised metal mesh and accents work together to maintain the same “in the zone” driving intention of the first FT-1 vehicle, “while bringing in a more premium feeling.”

The FT-1 can be seen, along with 14 other custom-built Toyota project vehicles, in Toyota's display booth (#24700), located in the Central Hall at the 2014 SEMA Show. The trade show will run from November 4 -7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Toyota Unveils the New 2015 Camry NASCAR Race Car

Toyota will have an all-new Camry race car for the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Season. Toyota has released the new 2015 Toyota Camry for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and has become the first manufacturer in the series to update the NASCAR ‘Gen-6’ model, which was introduced in 2012, for competition beginning during the 2013 season.

"The 2015 Camry is something that we actually started working on about 18 months ago," said TRD, U.S.A. President and General Manager David Wilson in an exclusive interview with FOXSports.com. "It really comes back to the philosophy that NASCAR and the OEMs adopted with the introduction of the Gen 6 cars and that is to make sure what we're racing on the track has relevancy to the product that we're selling in the showrooms."

The street version of the 2015 Camry is available at Toyota dealers nationwide. The NASCAR version will be ready to roll at Daytona Speedweeks next February.

"It's a dynamite-looking car," said Wilson. "And the neat thing is, we debut it on the race track and run it in anger at Daytona at the 500 and it just coincides that it's our turn to pace the Daytona 500 as well, so that's going to be kind of a neat way to introduce it to the fans."

“We’re thrilled to finally be able to show off our new 2015 Camry race car - becoming the first manufacturer to update the ‘Gen-6’ model that was introduced before the start of the 2013 season,” said Ed Laukes, TMS vice president of marketing, performance and guest experience.  “We anticipate that fans will appreciate the development behind this bold Camry design -- both on the race track and the showroom floor.  Fans will have the chance to get an up close look at our new 2015 Camry in our NASCAR activation and fan engagement activities.”

The boldest change to the new 2015 NSCS Camry is the aggressive front end and grill area, which looks exactly like its production counterpart.  In addition, the new Camry boasts an all new, sleek hood and nose, along with a new tail of the car.  A distinct change in the quarter windows also adds to the sleeker look.

“A lot of hard work has gone into redesigning the 2015 Camry race car for NASCAR competition,” said David Wilson, TRD’s president and general manager.  “It was a challenging process balancing performance and design, but working closely with Calty Design, NASCAR and our race team partners, we were able to develop a race car that looks similar to its production counterpart - and provide a performance upgrade on the race track.”

For 12 straight years, and 16 of the past 17 years, the Camry has been the best-selling car in America. Built at Toyota manufacturing facilities in Georgetown, Ky. And Lafayette, Ind., the Camry has been named the “Most American car by Car” by Cars.com’s American-Made Index for four consecutive years.

“The redesigned Toyota Camry race car is a byproduct of the vastly improved collaboration that has taken place between NASCAR and its auto manufacturers during the past three years,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “Toyota’s dedication to remodel its Gen-6 race car to more closely resemble its street production counterpart has been exemplary, and we look forward to watching it perform on the track each weekend in 2015.”

The new 2015 Toyota Camry will make its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut at Daytona International Speedway during February’s ‘Speedweeks.’

Toyota Unveils the New 2015 Camry NASCAR Race Car

Toyota will have an all-new Camry race car for the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Season. Toyota has released the new 2015 Toyota Camry for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and has become the first manufacturer in the series to update the NASCAR ‘Gen-6’ model, which was introduced in 2012, for competition beginning during the 2013 season. 

"The 2015 Camry is something that we actually started working on about 18 months ago," said TRD, U.S.A. President and General Manager David Wilson in an exclusive interview with FOXSports.com. "It really comes back to the philosophy that NASCAR and the OEMs adopted with the introduction of the Gen 6 cars and that is to make sure what we're racing on the track has relevancy to the product that we're selling in the showrooms."

The street version of the 2015 Camry is available at Toyota dealers nationwide. The NASCAR version will be ready to roll at Daytona Speedweeks next February.

"It's a dynamite-looking car," said Wilson. "And the neat thing is, we debut it on the race track and run it in anger at Daytona at the 500 and it just coincides that it's our turn to pace the Daytona 500 as well, so that's going to be kind of a neat way to introduce it to the fans."

“We’re thrilled to finally be able to show off our new 2015 Camry race car - becoming the first manufacturer to update the ‘Gen-6’ model that was introduced before the start of the 2013 season,” said Ed Laukes, TMS vice president of marketing, performance and guest experience.  “We anticipate that fans will appreciate the development behind this bold Camry design -- both on the race track and the showroom floor.  Fans will have the chance to get an up close look at our new 2015 Camry in our NASCAR activation and fan engagement activities.”

The boldest change to the new 2015 NSCS Camry is the aggressive front end and grill area, which looks exactly like its production counterpart.  In addition, the new Camry boasts an all new, sleek hood and nose, along with a new tail of the car.  A distinct change in the quarter windows also adds to the sleeker look.

“A lot of hard work has gone into redesigning the 2015 Camry race car for NASCAR competition,” said David Wilson, TRD’s president and general manager.  “It was a challenging process balancing performance and design, but working closely with Calty Design, NASCAR and our race team partners, we were able to develop a race car that looks similar to its production counterpart - and provide a performance upgrade on the race track.”

For 12 straight years, and 16 of the past 17 years, the Camry has been the best-selling car in America. Built at Toyota manufacturing facilities in Georgetown, Ky. And Lafayette, Ind., the Camry has been named the “Most American car by Car” by Cars.com’s American-Made Index for four consecutive years.

“The redesigned Toyota Camry race car is a byproduct of the vastly improved collaboration that has taken place between NASCAR and its auto manufacturers during the past three years,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “Toyota’s dedication to remodel its Gen-6 race car to more closely resemble its street production counterpart has been exemplary, and we look forward to watching it perform on the track each weekend in 2015.”

The new 2015 Toyota Camry will make its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut at Daytona International Speedway during February’s ‘Speedweeks.’

Toyota Celebrates Its Hispanic Familia

New Campaign Builds on 10 Years as No. 1 Auto Manufacturer in the Hispanic Market

Latinos usually choose Toyota to be a part of their family. To bond and celebrate this loyalty of the customers, Toyota launched the “More Than a Car” or “Más Que Un Auto” gratitude campaign, a program that pays tribute to vehicles’ role in the everyday lives of Toyota’s Hispanic consumers.
 

The “More Than A Car” program identified that  Toyota drivers see their cars as members of their families and nothing says you’re family like your own family nickname. Drivers can personalize their vehicles with physical car name badges. The raised, 3D-printed badges give fans the chance to formalize the love – and place in the family – for their vehicles.

Fans can ordered badges through  www.masqueunauto.com, or in-person at the  Supersonico music festival. Supersonico is the first-ever Hispanic indie music festival sponsored by Toyota in Los Angeles on 11th Oct. Those who aren’t at the festival can join the fun through the hashtag #MoreThanACar or #MásQueUnAuto. Toyota will engage with fans through its @ToyotaLatino channel.

“We thank the Hispanic community for making Toyota its favorite brand for 10 years, a milestone that reflects both their continuing loyalty and importance to us as a company,” said Jack Hollis, vice president of Toyota Division marketing at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “Beginning with our presence at the Supersonico festival, then continuing this year with the ‘More Than a Car’ campaign, we’ll thank our loyal customers for welcoming us into their families.“

"Every culture is unique and has something incredible to offer the community and business alike," said Ted Klarich, general sales manager at Burien Toyota. "The Hispanic community, and they really are family, plays such an integral part in our local community and our business. We are grateful for them."

Inside the event, Toyota-supported  musical artist Ximena Sariñana and the groups Bomba Estéreo and La Santa Cecilia will help bring Supersonico to life. 

How the West Was Won: Toyota Offers Chance to Be a Fuel Cell Pioneer

When the Toyota fuel cell sedan arrives late next year, the first one will be given away to a Californian and a $100 fundraiser ticket buys a chance for the prize to be announced Oct. 18.

Toyota and the Environmental Media Association (EMA) are offering a historic opportunity to own the company’s first zero-emission hydrogen vehicle when it arrives in California in late 2015. Toyota is the first major auto manufacturer to give away a fuel cell vehicle to an individual owner.

“As the infrastructure to support the vehicle is currently only available in the golden state, prize applicants must be California residents,” says Toyota.

These may buy one ticket on biddingforgood.com or half a dozen tickets for $500.

“All monies raised will benefit programs of the EMA, a nonprofit 501(c)3 dedicated to harnessing the power of celebrity and the media to promote sustainable lifestyles,” said Toyota today in a statement.

The winner will be announced at the 24th annual EMA Awards, presented by Toyota and Lexus, on Oct. 18 at Warner Bros Studios. The EMA awards honor individuals within the entertainment industry for efforts to promote environmental messages. Toyota and Lexus have been presenting award sponsors for 14 years.

But these are the future says Toyota, which wrote a press release titled” How the West Was Won: Toyota Offers Chance to Be a Fuel Cell Pioneer.

The FCV combines hydrogen and oxygen from the air to generate electricity that can power the car approximately 300 miles on a single fill-up. Nothing but water vapor leaves the tailpipe.

“Hydrogen fuel cell technology is the next big leap in automotive history, and through this extraordinary drawing, we’re seeking bold drivers ready to embrace that future,” said Bob Carter, senior vice president of Automotive Operations, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98CidXDLuH8

CHCI Goes Green with Toyota During Hispanic Heritage Month

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Will Serve as the Official Vehicle of the CHCI Public Policy Conference

The 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will serve as the official vehicle of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), where Toyota is welcomed once again as a sponsor. Commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month, the theme of CHCI’s Public Policy Conference is “Building Our Future, Together” to reflect the growing strength of the Latino community and its impact on the success of America, including the environment. The main goal is to raise awareness of the importance of reducing carbon emissions. Toyota is presenting a Highlander Hybrid to CHCI President and CEO Esther Aguilera for the organization to use to carry out its mission.

“Toyota’s long-term support, including $4 million for CHCI’s young leaders program, has educated, empowered, and connected, talented Latinos to brighter futures,” commented Aguilera. “And now, with the generous gift of a 2014 Highlander Hybrid, CHCI will be able to go accomplish its work with a more positive impact on our environment.”

“At Toyota, we have been long-standing partners and supporters of CHCI in their mission to develop the next generation of Latino leaders through education and leadership development in the form of scholarships, internships, and sponsorships,” said Patricia Salas Pineda, group vice president of the Hispanic Business Strategy Group at Toyota. “This year, we are particularly pleased to add to our support the opportunity to experience Toyota’s hybrid technology and provide environmental leadership by example.” 

Being a leader in hybrid technology, Toyota's aim is to advise Latino consumers about how this advanced engine system reduces carbon emissions while creating fuel efficiency. Due to this initiative, Toyota provides a one-year lease to a Toyota vehicle to CEO’s and the staffs of Hispanic grassroots organizations.

“Toyota is proud to partner with CHCI and provide the organization a 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid for its use to propel CHCI’s work across the region more effectively and with a smaller environmental footprint than ever before,” Pineda added. 

From the first introduction, eight years ago, Highlander Hybrid owners have saved an estimated 1,511,075.28 tons of carbon dioxide emissions and approximately enough fuel to drive around the earth 316,622 times.

Meeting of the minds 2014 Detroit, MI

Toyota presents Meeting of the Minds 2014 Summit in Detroit

From September 30^th to October 2^nd, Toyota leaders have joined 350 of the world's greatest thinkers at the Meeting of the Minds 2014 summit to explore this urban transformation and ways of harnessing the power of technology. The summit took place in Detroit, Michigan, a city that Toyota describes as redefining itself for the future.

Toyota is the co-founder of the event and has been the presenting sponsor since its inception in 2007.
 

Just in the last 20 years, American cities have drastically changed to try and keep up with the ever evolving technical world that surrounds us. Detroit just happens to be a perfect backdrop for the Meeting of the Minds Summit because it has been redefining itself for the future. One example of this are the new streets that they are planning to put in place that would connect the v2v technology better. This year’s Meeting of the Minds Summit will feature Toyota as the leading role in helping advance technology by improving safety and sustainability in urban environments, like Detroit, highlights of which will be presented during the summit.

“Like many cities which saw their own stars shine with the rise of the Industrial Age, Detroit is now at a tipping point and it offers the perfect platform for the discussion of alternative urban futures,” said Jessie Feller, executive director of the non-profit Meeting of the Minds. “Toyota has been our partner for this annual event, and their thought leadership will contribute greatly to the robust discussions planned over the three days.”

Chuck Gulash, director of Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., will present during “The Complete Street of 2030” workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 1^st. Toyota believes that rapidly emerging technologies will have a profound effect on automotive safety over the next five to ten years. It is investing advanced connected and automated vehicle technologies that hold the potential to revolutionize automotive safety with the philosophy of always keeping the driver engaged.  

At the summit, Toyota displayed the newest generation of Driver Awareness Research Vehicle – DARV 1.5 which is a part of company's continuous research into the dynamics of driver distraction at the CSRC. The Toyota DARV 1.5 uses advanced technology, including Microsoft's Surface and Kinect and custom biometric software and algorithms by Infosys, to the help driver, passengers and the vehicle itself work together as a team to achieve safer driving.