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.