Newsweek named Toyota One of the greenest companies

Toyota moved up 57 spots from the last year

Toyota, as a car company, took the title of the greenest companies, ahead of highly respected brands like Google, Nike, Coke and Microsoft. In an annual Newsweek estimation, Toyota moved up 57 spots to #35 in the Global 500 and #2 in autos.

Newsweek together with Corporate Knights Capital and HIP Investor judged the largest publicity-traded companies in the world using eight metrics to measure environmental performance. They were scored against their industry peers on each metric, which includes energy, water and spending levels.

“We are proud to be recognized as one of the world’s greenest companies,” said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor North America chief executive officer. “Through continuous improvement, our global teams have made great strides in reducing our environmental impact. From hybrids to fuel cells, Toyota is at the forefront of developing energy efficient technologies. We are deeply committed to contributing to the environment, our communities, and to leading the future of sustainable mobility.”

Toyota's commitment as the largest automaker is being acknowledged for its tenable work and achievement in developing green vehicles such as the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, which discharges only water vapor.

Toyota's green action saved over 93 million gallons of water in North America and reduced energy use by 22% in Toyota’s North American manufacturing plants. In addition to all of this, Toyota Financial Services issued the auto industry’s first-ever Asset-Backed Green Bond to finance the purchase of almost 40,000 green vehicles.

Toyota exploring Ford based affiliated - car system

Smartphone in-car infotainment operation technology aimed at flawless user experience

Enthusiasm is obvious! Two motor corporations, Toyota and Ford are ready to work together on a connected – car infotainment system. They have reached an agreement to explore collaboration with Livio. Livio is a Ford secondary in implementation of SmartDeviceLink (SDL) technology in future Toyota vehicles as well as Lexus.

“We continue to investigate new technologies that both enhance and safeguard the driving experience of Toyota and Lexus owners,” said Shigeki Terashi, Senior Managing Officer, Toyota Motor Corporation. “The in-car app market is quickly evolving. Developing robust, flexible, safe and user-friendly connected services is a priority for us, and one that we believe is shared by Ford, Livio and other contributors to SDL technology.”

Toyota's connected cars are currently using a system called Entune. Japanese company is thinking very seriously of adopting SDL, or the SmartDeviceLink platform, which is the open-source iteration of the AppLink system of Ford.

This kind of software provides app developers with access to controls within the vehicle such as the display screens and the voice recognition system, with the capacity for voice commands seen as a vital component in assuring that drivers keep both hands on the steering wheel.

Another advantage of SDL technology involves the ability for planner to design an app only one time. This saves planner time and allows apps to be introduced more quickly to the extensive audience.

In August 2011, Toyota and Ford agreed to work together on establishing next generation for in-car telematics all in order to make safer, more secure and appropriate driving experience. This announcement was built on earlier cooperation. 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Honored Toyota Sienna

Earlier RAV4 Wins Previously Owned Vehicle Award at Technology Conference

                                                                                                                 

With huge cargo space up to 150 cubic feet, the Sienna has so much space for storage. The 2015 Toyota Sienna earned the best in Class Minivan Award, in New England at the fifth annual Motor press Association (NEMPA) technology Conference. The organizers were Massachusetts Institute of technology and NEMPA.

Toyota had already brought in awards from the NEMPA conference, including TV Previously Owned Vehicle award for the 2006-2012 RAV4, among the ten finalists. RAV4 was redesigned in 2013, having a history of supplying their owners comfort above all which is associated with Toyota vehicles. It remains the leader in class of small SUVs.

The conference concentrated on green vehicle technology and included a panel of experts in fuel economy, emissions reduction and innovation in green vehicle technologies, beyond tax allowance, legislation’s and pressure of high oil and gas prices. Robert Wimmer, Director of Energy & Environmental Research at Toyota Manufacturing North America, shared details about Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell technology.

The 2015 Sienna holds true to its “wager Wagon” references. Interior is much more stylish, more comfortable, the cockpit area entertaining and cargo space more practical. Front framework is refreshed and restyled, headlights as well as taillights. This vehicle is the only minivan in its class offering all-wheel-drive.

Sienna will get you where-ever you want or need to go even before you ask “Are we there yet?”

Toyota Awarding Academic Greatness

Granted Scholarships for 22 Asian Pacific Islander (API) Students

Toyota awarded scholarships to 22 Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) students from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics majors to support and help them in seeking higher education. The donation will be great help to those students in achieving their academic and career goals. Awards for 22 students were donated at its fourth annual awards dinner and reception at the Toyota Automotive Museum on May 14, 2015.

Ranging from aerospace engineering to microbiology and chosen from the University of California, Irvine to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, scholarship recipients received $5,000 towards a degree in a STEM field for their first two years of college. There were also students from Vietnam, China, the Philippines, India, and Korea, who were also acknowledged for their accomplishments by the local government officials.

“This scholarship will play such a large part in helping me get one step closer to becoming a successful mechanical engineer,” says scholarship recipient Pamela Nguyen from North Torrance High School.  “I hope to influence my community for the better through my future creations.”  Pamela plans to study mechanical engineering at California State University Long Beach.

Executives in Toyota Karen Ideno, Doug Murtha, Julia Wada, and millennial Toyota team members Shawn Kumar and Kelsey Yu took part in a panel discussion on the topic, “What has inspired you in your personal and professional development?". This discussion brought different insight and direction on how the scholars can successfully transition into the professional work field.

In addition to Toyota's corporate contribution, the Toyota Giving Circles, a program that allows team members to donate to their preferred charity, TAAP (Toyota Asian American powered by associates) and NFTA (Network of Filipino Toyota Associates) contributed with two of the scholarships in partnership with Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy.
 

Toyota i-Road R&D Project in Tokyo

The next step for Toyota will be the launch of the Open Road Project with the i-Road ultra-compact EV concept in July in Tokyo. To boost the practical, convenient and fun use of the i-Road on city streets, Toyota will seek creative advice and response from the specialist companies and members of the public focusing on two key areas: finding appropriate parking and encouraging customization.

Appropriate parking

The i-Road has its two key elements, its compact size and its capability to be charged from a standard 100V electric outlet. By working with parking area operators and commercial property owners in central Tokyo, Toyota will benefit by identifying unused spaces with access to plug sockets that could be used for i-Road parking and charging. Feedback will be used for analysis on how to expand the parking and charging network.

Encouraging customization

Making the i-Road a really unique and personal experience through the use of custom parts is Toyota's goal. In this project the participants will be able to express themselves by 3D-printing body parts with colors and surface designs of their choosing.

100 participants will be involved, from ordinary members of the public to experts and trendsetters, to which Toyota will provide 10 i-Road vehicles for about a month each. Overall, the project will run for approximately a year.

Partners in this project will provide feedback to help Toyota better the practicality and usability of the i-Road. This will include opinions on how the vehicle might be modified or made more viable for further production.
 

The award for Toyota Sienna as the Best 3-Row Vehicle for Families

The newest award from the Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association (GAAMA)

The 2015 Sienna was named the Best 3-Row Family Vehicle by GAAMA at the association’s annual Family Choice Challenge.

GAAMA conducted evaluations on the vehicles for over two days of at Lake Lanier Islands in Georgia. The Sienna was one of seven 3-row vehicles studied.

The Toyota 2015 Sienna minivan makes its second appearance on the list of Best Family Cars.

It is newly refreshed by improving interior comfort and redesigning the exterior and styling as well. The Toyota Sienna has eight seats for eight passengers. No matter how you set up your Sienna's seats, long seat travel assures your second-row passengers will have plenty of legroom, especially if there's nobody sitting in the third row. This car has something for everyone, for each member of the family. For example kids enjoy Sienna’s Blu-Ray Dual View Entertainment Center, as long as parents communicate with them through Toyota’s Driver Easy Speak system, which makes it easier for third-row passengers to hear what the driver says.

“Our experts considered factors like styling, safety, comfort and efficiency, and the results reflect the best in both innovation and execution,” said GAAMA President Jim Tucker. “The overall winner and each of our category winners are must-drive models for anyone shopping for a new family car.”

Adding to this award from the Southeast automotive press, the 2015 Sienna has also been designated out by safety testing organization IIHS for being the only van in its class with the highest safety rating. The Texas Autowriters named the Sienna the Family cars of Texas.

Kelly Blue book singled out the Sienna for having the top resale value of any van.

Engineers at work in town

Toyota Sponsors Society of Automotive Engineers Competition at Michigan International Speedway

You need to have great engineers to build great cars. So, Toyota is in search for them.

Each spring, the Formula SAE competition is held at Michigan International Speedway. Toyota is the sponsor for a consecutive year. The reason is obvious, to find the next crop of engineers and to harvest them. Hence, 120 engineering teams from colleges and universities across the U.S. and the globe are occupying one of NASCAR's fastest tracks taking part in competitions that test their abilities in real-world automotive design and engineering. This is not just an ordinary event, it means a lot to the students since they are able to get more familiar with Toyota.

“This event gives us a great opportunity to interact with engineering students,” says Toyota Engineering Recruiter Isamu Wagner. “We get to show tomorrow’s engineers that Toyota doesn’t just engineer great cars; we’re also great place to be an engineer.”

Toyota will organize a recruiting tent in the paddock, having one-on-one discussions with interested students. The Toyota Technical Center Rally Team will also be available, demonstrating their cars and sharing their experiences as Toyota engineers and rally drivers.
 

Toyota Camry Hybrid Batteries Power are now Part of Yellowstone National Park

New system is on- line at Lamar Buffalo Ranch, Zero Emission Energy System Is Now Online.

System Features 208 Re-used Camry Hybrid Batteries

Toyota and Yellowstone Park have recently started the zero-emission energy system that will power the Lamar Buffalo Ranch field campus. This system will apply recycled Toyota Camry Hybrid battery packs and solar power generation for a reliable and sustainable power source. The result is reliable, sustainable zero emission power for the ranger and education center for the first time since it was founded in 1907.

The partnership that was announced in June 2014 between Toyota, Indy Power Systems, Sharp USA SolarWorld, Patriot Solar, National Park Service and Yellowstone Park Foundation, is a creative effort to extend the useful life of hybrid vehicle batteries while providing sustainable power generation for one of the purest areas in the United States.

Solar panels will generate the energy and sustainable electricity will be stored in the 208 used Camry Hybrid nickel-metal hydride battery packs, recovered from Toyota dealers across the United States. 

“Through our long-standing partnership with Yellowstone National Park and the Yellowstone Park Foundation, Toyota has helped preserve Yellowstone for future generations,” said Jim Lentz, chief executive officer, Toyota North America.   “Today, our relationship with Yellowstone continues, as more than 200 battery packs that once powered Toyota Camry hybrids have found a new home on the range.”

Annually, the solar system generates enough electricity to power six average U.S. households for a year, or plenty of power for the five buildings on the Ranch campus. 85kWh of hybrid battery storage guarantees constant power as the system charges and discharges.

The Yellowstone is the first to use recovered hybrid vehicle batteries for commercial energy storage. All the batteries are tested. There are new components designed and built by Indy Power Systems specifically for this use, containing an onboard battery management system for each battery pack. This all helps maximize battery life and will also supply important insights into real-world performance. These insights will help Toyota improve battery performance and endurance in the future.

“Toyota’s innovative response to solve a difficult problem has helped Yellowstone move closer to its goal of becoming the greenest park in the world,” said Steve Iobst, acting superintendent of Yellowstone.

By the end of their life, hybrid batteries contain certain power storage capacity. Toyota has strong hybrid battery recycling program in place and one of this efforts is the Yellowstone project. The Lamar Buffalo Ranch is one part of Toyota's actual work with Yellowstone National Park and the Yellowstone Park Foundation, including providing hybrid vehicles to support park operations, green building expertise and financial backing for the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center, which opened in 2010.  

“As exemplified by the Lamar Buffalo Ranch project, Toyota’s mission-driven philanthropic focus and expertise in sustainability will make a difference in Yellowstone for generations to come,” said Karen Bates Kress, president of the Yellowstone Park Foundation.

https://youtu.be/meVQGp8h5aI

Toyota as the host in North Texas on First-Ever Supplier variety event for Local Women and Minority-Owned Businesses

Toyota hosted the first ever North Texas supplier variety event in North Texas at Dallas,Plano, at Marriott, Legacy Town center. The name of the event was “Power of Exchange 2015”. This

valuable forum was held in order to connect Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), local Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) with Toyota's Tier I suppliers, and supported approach  to Toyota's sales services, such as marketing and other professional services. 

“We look forward with great anticipation to our move to Plano and are always looking for new business partners to further Toyota’s commitment to diversity,” said Bonnie Clinton, Chief Procurement Officer for Indirect Procurement at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.  “Toyota has long appreciated the important role that women and minority-owned companies play in our supply chain.  As we build ‘One Toyota’ in North America, we firmly believe that networking, learning and harnessing the economic power of a diverse range of businesses will enable Toyota and the communities we serve to grow and flourish.  We very much enjoyed this opportunity to meet the local community and lay foundations for meaningful relationships in our new home."

The event included morning session of education, other panel discussions that provide attendees with an overview of what are elements of  working with Toyota’s business partners.

In April 2014, Toyota declared that it would establish new headquarters in Plano, for its North American operations as a part of series of moves all in order to better serve the customers and also important thing position the company for tenable, long-term growth.

Toyota’s three separate North American headquarters for manufacturing, sales and marketing, and corporate operations will relocate to a single, state-of-the-art campus in Plano. This will influence nearly  4,000 employees.

 

Toyota and Morgan Spurlock together in mission to make people like hydrogen cars

Maybe too aggressively, but Toyota is pushing hydrogen as a reasonable alternative fuel. So, Toyota has pushed an award-winning documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock to show how calling hydrogen fuel cell vehicles “bullsh*t” isn’t far from the truth.    

“Fueled by Bullsh*t” is the first online video in a multi-part “Fueled by Everything” series in order to educate and teach about creative and innovative ways of how hydrogen fuel can be made from  renewable sources. The 3 minute Spurlock directed part features how  a dairy farmer and mechanical engineer follow cow manure  from a mooing supply source to its ultimate use in powering the hydrogen fuel cell electric Toyota Mirai.

“This project gave us the opportunity to dive into a world that most people don’t understand but has the potential to change our world,” said Spurlock.  “Witnessing manure, something most of us view as being pretty disposable, being transformed into hydrogen fuel to power a car was pretty remarkable.  I think this short film is pretty compelling evidence of what could be possible in the years ahead.”

Apart from the high quality droppings, hydrogen can be made from other renewable energy sources the wind, biogas, solar power, etc. This kind of method leads to the conclusion that a domestic and locally sourced fuel can power the Mirai while emitting only water vapor from the tailpipe.   

The campaign is being launched through the Toyota Mirai website (www.toyota.com/mirai) and other payed online media support. Also on the site there are explanations from scientists and experts in this field, concerning scientific development of fuel hydrogen process. The content will appear across Toyota social media, other partner sites, like Forbes.com, You Tube, Hulu.

           

“We’re putting hydrogen in the spotlight for its exciting potential as a renewable fuel source,” said Bob Carter, senior vice president, automotive operations, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “This is the beginning of the road for hydrogen, but we see the potential and we’re making a long-term investment in the future.”

The Mirai is four door mid – sized and it takes for re-fueling five minutes, and a distance of up to 300 miles on a full tank. The car will go on sale in California later this year.

This campaign was made together with creative agency Droga5. Visit video and other information on the site:  http://www.toyota.com/mirai/fueledbyeverything.html

Toyota to provide a hydrogen-powered pace car

The 2016 Mirai is the first fuel cell car to pace the field for Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond

Fans of NASCAR who attended the Saturday night's race in Richmond on 25^th April, at International Raceway, were pleased to see a vehicle of a completely different type leading the pack of 43 racers around the track. The front end of the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway was a whole lot quieter, though, because the 2016 Toyota Mirai made its debut as a pace car there.

The Mirai became the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to ever pace a NASCAR race and led the cars to the green flag for that Saturday night's Sprint Cup round.

Apparently, pace cars need to be subjected to testing by NASCAR, as Toyota says the 2016 Mirai had to be checked to meet certain requirements. Either way, the Mirai was approved for pace car duties the day before the race. The Mirai is a quiet, eco- friendly car and does not have so much in common with other loud V-8 racecars of NASCAR.

"Having a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle pace the Toyota Owners 400 is a historic moment for both Toyota and NASCAR, and we're proud it's the Toyota Mirai," said Ed Laukes, vice president of marketing, performance and guest experience, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. “Bringing the Mirai to Richmond to pace this important race is another way for Toyota to showcase our innovation and environmental leadership.”

The Mirai is a four-door, mid-size sedan using no gasoline and emitting nothing but vapor. 

It is the second time that Toyota has used the NASCAR platform to promote hybrid and alternative fuel technology. In 2009, the automaker selected the Toyota Camry Hybrid to serve as the official pace car for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Toyota directly provides pace cars at 12 of the 23 tracks introducing NASCAR Sprint Cup series events. The Mirai was used only for Saturday night's race on 25th April; the Camry Hybrid was used during Friday's NASCAR XFINITY Series race and the Toyota Care 250.

“There are a number of fronts that we're trying to make sure that we're communicating and building on, and sustainability and green is a hallmark of our NASCAR brand now,” said Brent Dewar, Chief Operating Officer for NASCAR.

“… Every day is a green day; it should be for fans and for us. This really allows us to have a platform to tell the story and we kick it off this week around Earth Day. But we do it 365 days a year.”

“We're real proud of our ethanol green initiative that we have with our renewables and with the Sunoco Green E15 cars and the American Ethanol renewable resource.”

“Then with our partner Toyota, to draw attention to an emerging technology that they've been working on. Beside hybrids and electric vehicles, we're going to show the world how a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle operates in a race ... leading our Sunoco green cars.”

Toyota is proud to be at prominence of environmental tenable – and the Mirai pace car showcases this commitment. Toyota continues to cultivate new breakthroughs in plug-in, electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies, having more than 2 million hybrid vehicles on the U.S. roads, more than any other manufacturer.

The 2016 Mirai will first arrive to buyers in California later this year.

Toyota’s New Tiny Turbo four-cylinder in New Engine Lineup

Only 1.2 liters big, the 8NR-FTS aims to be greedy rather than fun. The 8NR-FTS will see duty first in the Japanese-market Toyota Auris, but there's no telling where it will end up next. Europe is a good chance. Also, it's unclear whether Toyota will decide to federalize it, with that decision dependent on complex calculations by Toyota bean counters and regulatory experts.

Toyota is showing its second turbocharged entry in line of new engines with extremely improved thermal and fuel efficiency. The new 8NR-FTS 1.2-liter direct-injection turbo engine will be available as an option for the partially redesigned Auris, which already went on sale.

Furthermore, the 8NR-FTS is up to 36 percent thermally efficient, granting it a leading level among mass-produced gasoline engines.

Toyota also added VVT-iW, its proprietary intake variable on- and- off device timing, to let the four-banger use the Atkinson cycle depending on engine load. That’s the ignition cycle in which thermal efficiency is enhanced by making the expansion ratio larger than the compression ratio thus improving fuel efficiency.

This turbocharger is a simple single-scroll design. Nevertheless, Toyota claims that the engine will be relatively responsive and efficient.

Regardless of the hybrid success, Toyota is aware that vehicles with conventional powertrains still represent the majority of vehicles sold. Continually developing environmental performance across its entire vehicle lineup, Toyota aims to offer a portfolio of environment-friendly vehicles that meet the various needs of consumers.

 8NR-FTS Main Specifications:

Displacement	1,196 cc
Bore/stroke ratio	71.5×74.5 mm
Compression ratio	10.0
Maximum output	85 kw (116 PS)/5,200-5,600 rpm
Maximum torque	185 N･m (18.9 kgf･m)/1,500-4,000 rpm

Toyota Gifony Create Music Videos from Assembly Lines

 Exceptional Backstage Pass to How a Toyota is Made  

The news is that Toyota is now giving drivers an insight into the manufacturing process with a new program called Toyota Gifony, which allows users to create their own videos using sounds and visuals from the Corolla production lines in Blue Springs, Mississippi, and Georgetown, Kentucky.

The DJ is you! It’s the 2015 Toyota Corolla rolling off the production line in its own “Gifony” remix.

Toyota Gifony (www.Gifony.com) offers users an exceptional backstage pass to beyond belief world of high technology, people-powered machines and music to let you see how your car goes from a coil of steel to what’s parked in your driveway.
 

This is one really ingenious marketing scheme for the Toyota Corolla. The program offers a total of 45 gifs, which users can watch, hear and combine in order to create a unique video made solely from the sounds and sights of the assembly line. Consumers can either choose to share these videos via Facebook and Twitter, or just download the tracks using SoundCloud.

“We really noticed the sights and sounds, and how exhilarating and energizing the plant itself was,” explained Zoe Zeigler, assistant manager for corporate marketing at Toyota. “We thought, wow, there’s a really great opportunity here to show our customers and fans and music enthusiasts just how a Toyota car goes from a coil of steel to what’s parked in your driveway.” It is fun to play around with Gifony and create different tunes.

Consumers are able to create their own songs selecting their favourite gifs and equivalent sounds, like doors being drilled into place (the bass), sheets of steel being stamped into parts (the drums) or team member collabos (lyrics).

“We wanted to give people a rare glimpse at the story behind how their favourite Toyota cars are made,” said Marjorie Schussel, corporate marketing director at Toyota.“ Gifony allows users to experience the thrill of stepping into one of our 10 U.S. manufacturing plants for the first time and entering an exhilarating world of sounds, energy and activity.”

Toyota has collaborated with one of the popular DJ SoNevable in order to produce his own Gifony, to be promoted on his You Tube page, and also across his social media.

Gifony was developed in cooperation with Toyota's advertising agency 360i, ahead with sound engineers from Search party. All sounds and visuals were recorded along with the congregation process at Toyota's manufacturing plant in Blue Springs, Mississippi and Georgetown, Kentucky.

Toyota started to Celebrate the begining of the Games

Dealerships Across the U.S. will Support Special Olympics USA Athletes and the 2015 Special Olympics World Games.

The countdown started, less than 100 days till the opening ceremony. Toyota is the Official Automotive Partner of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games and again shows its engagement in the World Games. Dealerships across the U.S. are dedicated to raising funds to support athletes and their journey to the World Games in Los Angeles.

"This is an incredible opportunity to support a truly global event and we’re taking a holistic approach, from our sponsorship investment at the national level, support vehicles and engaging local fundraising efforts across the country to the hundreds of Toyota employees who will volunteer at the World Games,” said Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota North America. “The world is coming to Los Angeles and we are proud to join the Special Olympics World Games and support our shared values of acceptance and inclusion."

WWE announced it has become a Promotional Partner for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, a global sporting event taking place throughout Los Angeles from July 25 – August 2, 2015. The announcement was made on stage at Monday Night Raw® at Staples Center by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games (LA2015) Patrick McClenahan joined by Special Olympics Global Messengers and USA athletes who will be competing at the Games.

With 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators, the 2015 Special Olympics World Games – being staged in Los Angeles July 25-August 2, 2015 – will be the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2015, and the single biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. The Opening Ceremony, will be held July 25, 2015 in the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, site of the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games, is expected to attract 80,000 spectators. On April 30, 2014, LA2015 and ESPN announced a global programming agreement that will bring coverage of World Games to millions of fans around the world. Honorary Chairs of the Games are the President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama, with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and California Governor Jerry Brown serving as honorary hosts.

Not only will it be a part of the world's largest sports and humanitarian event in 2015, but Toyota will also provide vehicles to the World Games, in order to help transport Honored Guests around Los Angeles.

Support vehicles will be supplied for the Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America presented by Bank of America as well as the World Games’ Law Enforcement. Torch Run for the Special Olympics Final Leg, carrying the Flame of Hope, will make its way to Los Angeles. Partnering with the Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles, large scale of murals  across Los Angeles that celebrate the spirit of the Special Olympics World Games will be created. In addition to this, there will also be promotions in dealerships to help promote Special Olympics and the 2015 World Games through in-store activations and events.

"As a Toyota driver as well as a Toyota dealer in Emporia, Kansas, I am looking forward to the opportunity to help Special Olympics USA on its journey to the World Games," said Clint Bowyer. "Sports have always played an important role in my life and after meeting a few of these athletes earlier this year, I know they are ready to show the world what they are made of!"

Even though this is Toyota’s first time sponsoring the World Games, the company has an almost 30-year history with Special Olympics Southern California. Toyota is committed to making its communities better places to live, and the Special Olympics World Games partnership is one of those important attempts. More information on the World Games can be found online at www.LA2015.org. 

No Disturbance! Camera, Lights, Teen Filmmakers Accept Driving Safety

 Toyota and Discovery Education Declare Finalists in Toyota TeenDrive365 Video Challenge

In the fourth year of this teen contest, teens across the country were invited to create short videos to encourage their friends to be brighter, more mature and drive safely, to avoid dangerous behavior behind the wheel. From more than 1,000 videos that were submitted this year, Toyota and Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms, declared the ten finalists chosen.

   

“Discovery Education is proud to partner with Toyota and we salute their leadership in addressing this critical need by providing young people with compelling digital resources and experiences that empower smart decision-making behind the wheel. “

“Each year we are impressed by the creativity and talent of the young filmmakers who enter the Toyota TeenDrive365 Video Challenge and this year was no exception,” said Michael Rouse, President of the Toyota U.S.A. Foundation. “At Toyota we believe that when good ideas are shared great things can happen. We applaud the teens who entered the challenge to share their vision to improve safe driving among their peers.” 

“We commend this year’s finalists and their use of digital storytelling skills to influence the behavior of their peers, and know that their hard work and creativity will help save lives across the country,” said Bill Goodwyn, president and CEO at Discovery Education. “Discovery Education is proud to partner with Toyota and we salute their leadership in addressing this critical need by providing young people with compelling digital resources and experiences that empower smart decision-making behind the wheel.”

Through April 30^th, the public can watch the finalist videos at http://www.teendrive365inschool.com/contests/6/vote and place their votes for the People’s Choice Winner, who will receive a $5,000 cash prize and a behind-the-scenes trip for two to a taping of a Velocity network show. Furthermore, a committee of judges at Toyota and Discovery Education will choose first, second and third place winners to receive the following awards:   

First Place - $15,000 and the chance to work with a Discovery film crew to reshoot their entry video into a TV-ready PSA to air on a variety of Discovery networks

Second Place - $10,000 and a behind-the-scenes trip for two to a Velocity network show taping

Third Place - $7,500

Last year, the grand prize went to Jenny Kim, Tyler Koski, Kevin Kim and Chase Masterstook of Irvine, Calif. Their video promoted a young boy who visits a tarot card reader and learns he has the power to dramatically change his future by avoiding distracted driving. The re-created PSA ran across Discovery’s family of networks and can be watched at http://www.teendrive365inschool.com/teens/video-archive.

An inclusive program offering a range of tools was designed specifically for school educators and teens. These tools offer to help teens prepare for the importance and responsibility of driving.

The program is a part of TeenDrive365 (www.teendrive365.com), Toyota’s initiative to help parents model safer driving attitude for their children. The program offers a collection of online tools, events, expert advice and tips as well as social media elements.

Toyota launched this program in November 2013. Since then millions of people have engaged with its online and in-person resources. Early this year, the program brought in a new disturbed driving simulator that uses Oculus Rift, the latest virtual reality technology, to bring the dangers of disturbed driving to life for parents and teens. You can see more of this if you visit www.TeenDrive365.com.