Category Archives: ToyotaUk

ToyotaUk

Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center Expands Latest Phase of Research with New Projects

Collaborations with University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, Touchstone Evaluations, Inc., University of Michigan International Center for Automotive Medicine, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Center for Transportation and Logistics Agelab

Project expansion reinforces research vision of promoting safety innovations and facilitating a seamless transition to future mobility solutions

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (July 27, 2023) – Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) announced plans to launch three new projects as part of its next phase of research, dedicated to advancing safety in mobility technologies.

The three new projects include investigating driver support features for vehicle lane centering, creating an in-vehicle intervention prototype to promote safe driving, and using data to improve technology for driver decision making and encourage safer driving behavior.

In addition, Toyota has joined the Vulnerable Road User Injury Prevention Alliance (VIPA) at the University of Michigan International Center for Automotive Medicine (ICAM) to support ongoing research into crashes involving pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter riders. VIPA aims to enhance industry-wide understanding of common scenarios that lead to crashes and injuries, with the goal of developing effective prevention measures.

These projects, along with the 13 projects announced in 2022, are part of Toyota’s five-year $30 million commitment to exploring safety needs and inclusive mobility options.

“Our new research projects exemplify CSRC’s dedication to improving safety in the automotive industry,” said Danil Prokhorov, director of Toyota’s CSRC. “By collaborating with researchers and studying real-world problems, we aim to develop enhanced engineering tools and empower drivers to maximize the potential of advanced technologies.”

For these new projects, CSRC is partnering with Massachusetts Institute of Technology Agelab, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, and Touchstone Evaluations, Inc. The findings will be shared publicly to maximize their impact and contribute to the development of a safer mobility society.

The three new research projects are:

The Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) was established in 2011 to advance safety in the automotive industry through collaborations with universities and other institutions. With current commitments, CSRC has received $115 million for safety research, including the development of tools and testing procedures for advanced driver assistance systems and human factors research.

The current phase of research at CSRC focuses on three key tracks: Human-Centric, Safety Assurance, and Assessment. These tracks aim to ensure safe and accessible mobility technologies, enhance safe operations, and quantify mobility safety measures.

CSRC has conducted 98 research projects with over 30 different institutions, resulting in the publication of over 275 research papers. The projects have contributed to the advancement of research and technology for the safe integration of future mobility solutions.

TMNA R&D

Toyota Motor North America Research & Development (TMNA R&D) has been leading engineering for Toyota vehicles for over 50 years. The team is now focused on creating next-generation vehicles and advanced mobility concepts. Toyota’s innovation has resulted in more patents than any other automaker for the past nine consecutive years.

ToyotaUk

Toyota Celebrates 200th NHRA Victory

KENT, Wash. (July 26, 2023) – Toyota Gazoo Racing North America has reached a significant milestone in NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series competition by securing its 200th event win with Steve Torrence’s victory at Pacific Raceways.

Toyota has been involved in NHRA, the world’s largest auto racing organization, since 2002 when they introduced the first Toyota Celica Funny Car. The first win for Toyota came in March 2004 at the Winternationals at Pomona Dragway, courtesy of Jerry Toliver. Since then, Toyota has achieved numerous victories in NHRA’s Top Fuel and Funny Car categories. The company has been an official partner of NHRA for almost ten years and has held the title of Official Car of the NHRA since 2014.

David Wilson, president of TRD, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are proud to have reached our 200th victory in NHRA competition. Our NHRA teams consistently perform at a high level for Toyota both on and off the drag strip. Their hard work and dedication have enabled us to achieve this incredible milestone in Toyota Racing’s history. We look forward to celebrating this accomplishment with them and continuing to pursue the season-long championship titles.”

Antron Brown, a longstanding Toyota driver, holds the record for the most Toyota victories with 56. Other notable Toyota drivers include Larry Dixon (19), Shawn Langdon (17), Del Worsham (17), Cruz Pedregon (13), Morgan Lucas (12), Doug Kalitta (11), J.R. Todd (11), and Richie Crampton (10) who have all achieved 10 or more victories under the Toyota banner. In total, Toyota drivers have accumulated 10 championships, including three Top Fuel titles (2012, 2015, 2016) and Top Fuel and Funny Car titles with Del Worsham. The reigning Funny Car titlist is Toyota’s newest driver, Ron Capps.

The current lineup of Toyota drivers, including Justin Ashley, Antron Brown, Ron Capps, Alexis DeJoria, Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon, J.R. Todd, and Steve Torrence, have all contributed to Toyota’s victories in NHRA competitions.

ToyotaUk

Toyota Makes History with Landmark NASCAR Victory

POCONO, Penn. (July 25, 2023) – Toyota achieved a significant milestone in NASCAR with Denny Hamlin’s triumph in the NASCAR Cup Series on Sunday, July 23rd at Pocono. This victory marked Toyota’s 600th win in the NASCAR national series. Toyota’s wins are divided as follows: 177 in the NASCAR Cup Series, 196 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and 227 in the NASCAR Truck Series.

David Wilson, president of TRD, expressed his gratitude, stating, “To think we have celebrated 600 Toyota wins in NASCAR is incredibly rewarding to me and the entire Toyota family. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of all the individuals who have contributed countless hours, days, and years. We owe our success to our amazing team partners and talented drivers, who have piloted our Camrys, Supras, and Tundras. As we set our sights on our short-term and long-term goals in NASCAR, we eagerly anticipate celebrating 600 more wins.”

Toyota’s most successful organization in NASCAR is Joe Gibbs Racing, which joined forces with Toyota in 2008. Together, they have notched up a total of 338 race victories in the NASCAR Cup Series (148) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (190).

A total of 80 different drivers have clinched wins in a Toyota. The all-time leader is Kyle Busch, a multiple-time Toyota champion, with an impressive 203 victories. Other notable Toyota drivers include Denny Hamlin (61 wins), Martin Truex Jr. (33 wins), Christopher Bell (29 wins), Todd Bodine (22 wins), Joey Logano (20 wins), Erik Jones (18 wins), Matt Kenseth (18 wins), Johnny Benson (14 wins), Mike Skinner (12 wins), Matt Crafton (12 wins), John Hunter Nemechek (12 wins), Ty Gibbs (11 wins), and Timothy Peters (10 wins), all of whom have amassed 10 or more national-series wins behind the wheel of a Toyota.

ToyotaUk

Toyota Tacoma Teams Up with Blue Beetle in Exciting New Film

The Toyota Tacoma Appears Alongside Xolo Mariduena, George Lopez and the Entire Cast of the Upcoming Epic Action Adventure Film from Warner Bros. Pictures

This summer, the highly anticipated first-ever Blue Beetle film will take audiences on an action-packed journey with Jaime Reyes and his family as he transforms into Blue Beetle.

Toyota has partnered with Warner Bros. Pictures as the official automotive partner for the film, which will be released in theaters on August 18, 2023. Directed by Ángel Manuel Soto, the film features Xolo Mariduena in the lead role as Jaime Reyes, also known as Blue Beetle.

The story follows Jaime Reyes, a recent college graduate who returns home with big dreams but finds that things are not as he left them. Fate intervenes when Jaime comes into possession of an ancient alien biotechnology relic called the Scarab, which bonds to him and grants him a powerful suit of armor with incredible abilities. This event changes his destiny forever, as he becomes the superhero Blue Beetle.

The Tacoma plays a significant role in the film as the Reyes family’s beloved vehicle, affectionately referred to as the “Taco.” With its rugged capabilities, the Tacoma joins the thrilling adventure as a star in the movie. Additionally, the new 2024 Tacoma makes a special cameo appearance.

“We are excited for audiences to see the unstoppable Tacoma on the big screen in Blue Beetle,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president of Toyota Marketing, Toyota Motor North America. “The Tacoma was the perfect co-star for this thrilling and action-packed adventure, marking Blue Beetle’s debut in theaters.”

To support the film partnership, Toyota has launched a Blue Beetle-inspired campaign featuring the 2024 Tacoma. In a commercial starring Blue Beetle actor Xolo Mariduena, a lively debate about the Tacoma’s capabilities versus Blue Beetle’s heroic powers ensues, ultimately leading to the conclusion that the two should team up.

“We were thrilled when the Blue Beetle filmmakers decided to give a real ‘role’ to the Tacoma in the film, allowing it to drive the action alongside our stars,” said Louise Soper, Senior Vice President of Global Brand Partnerships at Warner Bros. Pictures. “Toyota is an iconic brand, and we are excited to bring the action to audiences worldwide when the film hits theaters.”

Don’t miss the chance to watch Blue Beetle, exclusively in theaters starting on August 18, 2023. For more information, please visit https://www.bluebeetlemovie.net/.

About Blue Beetle

Blue Beetle is a feature film from Warner Bros. Pictures, bringing the DC Super Hero to the big screen for the first time. Directed by Ángel Manuel Soto, the film stars Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes, who becomes Blue Beetle. After returning home from college, Jaime discovers an ancient relic of alien biotechnology called the Scarab. When the Scarab chooses Jaime as its host, he gains an incredible suit of armor with extraordinary powers, transforming him into the superhero Blue Beetle. Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer wrote the screenplay based on DC characters, with John Rickard and Zev Foreman producing, and Walter Hamada, Galen Vaisman, and Garrett Grant serving as executive producers.

Blue Beetle will be released internationally in August 2023 and in North America on August 18, 2023. It is a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, produced by Safran Company, and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

About Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group

Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group consists of Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema, and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. The group collaborates with talented storytellers worldwide to create exceptional entertainment for global audiences. With a long-standing presence in the industry, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group produces a diverse range of films for theatrical release worldwide.

ToyotaUk

Advancing STEM Education: Toyota Invests Up to $5.7 Million in Kentucky Schools

Local Schools, Nonprofits, Community Partners to Empower Students to Succeed

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (July 24, 2023) – Toyota USA Foundation announced grants of up to $5.7 million to prepare students in Scott County, Fayette County and Ignite Institute in Northern Kentucky for future science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers. Driving Possibilities focuses on PreK-12 education to ensure all students have access to rewarding careers, including opportunities in the auto industry.

“Our goal is to increase awareness of future STEM careers while helping build sustainable programs in the communities where our Toyota team members live and work,” said Tellis Bethel, group vice president of social innovation, Toyota. “With $1.2 million in its first year and more to come in the years ahead, we are excited to expand Driving Possibilities here in Kentucky, home to our largest manufacturing plant in the world.”

The long-term initiative’s phased approach, which offers programming in specific schools based on input from district leaders, aims to close educational gaps through innovative, hands-on STEM programming while addressing the essential needs of students and families.

“Toyota understands the future of our economy is in our classrooms,” said Jacqueline Coleman, Kentucky Lt. Governor. “This investment will eliminate barriers to success, increase opportunities for students, and help us achieve our goal of a quality education for every Kentuckian.”

Driving Possibilities in Kentucky centers on three key areas designed to expand literacy and language resources, build education and industry partnerships, and address transportation barriers.

“The Driving Possibilities framework provides a holistic approach to ensure all children have equal access to opportunities and a pathway to high-growth careers,” said Kerry Creech, president of Toyota Kentucky. “In collaboration with community partners and businesses, we are focusing resources inside and outside the classroom to help students overcome barriers.”

In 2022, the Toyota USA Foundation announced Driving Possibilities, a $110 million national, career readiness and community engagement initiative, launched to prepare youth for the careers of tomorrow. It is a unique approach that brings together educators, local and national nonprofits, and communities to create limitless possibilities for all. With efforts across the PreK-12 education continuum, the program is the largest and most comprehensive in Toyota’s history. The initiative is funded by Toyota USA Foundation, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA), and Toyota Financial Services (TFS).

Kentucky is the second site to launch programming based on more than 60 years of active support in communities across the U.S. and builds off the successful model in West Dallas.

About Toyota USA Foundation

The Toyota USA Foundation is a charitable endowment created to support education programs serving PreK through 12th-grade students and their teachers in the United States, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). For more information about the Toyota USA Foundation, visit www.toyotaeffect.com/impact.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 24 electrified options.

About Toyota Financial Services

Toyota Financial Services (TFS) is the brand for finance and related products for Toyota in the United States, offering retail auto financing and leasing through Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC) and Toyota Lease Trust. TFS also offers vehicle and payment protection products through Toyota Motor Insurance Services (TMIS). The company services Lexus dealers and customers using the Lexus Financial Services brand.

As of March 31, 2022, TFS employed approximately 3,700 team members nationwide, and had assets totaling over $135 billion. It is part of a worldwide network of comprehensive financial services offered by Toyota Financial Services Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation.

ToyotaUk

Toyota Captivates with an Action-Packed Campaign for the Gold Cup

Tundra supports small Latino businesses alongside their communities

PLANO, Texas (July 20, 2023) – Legions of fans packed stadiums across the U.S. to watch their beloved teams give their all during the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, which reached its thrilling conclusion on Sunday in Los Angeles, California. As the official automotive sponsor of the tournament, Toyota commanded attention with the presence of the powerful Toyota Tundra in the matches.

Building on the success of last year’s “Born to Lend a Hand” campaign, Toyota embarked on a multifaceted marketing effort focused on supporting small businesses. During the tournament, Toyota engaged with Latino small business owners and shared their stories, solidifying their commitment to the community and reaffirming the Tundra’s reliability in lending a hand when people need it most.

“Football is deeply rooted in Hispanic culture, bringing together diverse generations as they rally behind their beloved teams,” said Russ Koble, Executive Manager of Sports Sponsorships at Toyota Motor North America. “We were delighted to once again participate in the Gold Cup tournament and share this experience with small businesses and local artists.”

The businesses highlighted on the Gold Cup stage appeared in various elements, including mentions on video screens, on-field signage, and public announcements. In select matches, the Tundra brought small businesses into the action. In Dallas, two businesses stood out: Castillo’s Barbershop and Hola Café. Each business showcased their services and products to fans during pre-match activities. For more information about all the highlighted businesses during the tournament, visit: https://www.toyota.com/espanol/brand/.

Toyota also teamed up with legendary footballer Luis “El Matador” Hernández, a former player for the Mexican National Team, who shared his inspiring story and helped spread the message of support for Latino small businesses during the tournament. In Dallas, Texas, on July 8, Hernández posed with fans and the Gold Cup trophy outside the stadium.

Fan Zone, Trophy Exhibition, and More

Copa Oro attendees enjoyed a diverse range of pre-match activities in the Fan Zone, where the Toyota Fútbol Club took center stage. This area attracted football enthusiasts of all ages with games, music, and local art centered around the football theme. Fans also had the opportunity to take photos with the Gold Cup trophy in select spaces.

The campaign was carried out through various channels, including television and digital and social platforms, as well as pre-match activations. The creative and sponsorship elements were developed by Conill, Toyota’s Hispanic marketing partner.

This is the fourth consecutive Concacaf Gold Cup that Toyota has supported as the official automotive sponsor. The tournament showcased the top teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Now in its 17th edition, the tournament featured 16 national teams competing in 15 stadiums across 14 U.S. and Canadian cities from June 24 to July 16. And in 2024, Toyota will join in the excitement of the inaugural Women’s Gold Cup.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been part of America’s cultural fabric for over 65 years and is committed to advancing next-generation, sustainable mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, as well as our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota employs over 48,000 people in North America, who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin producing automotive batteries for electric vehicles. With more electric vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 24 electric options.

Through the “Start Your Impossible” campaign, Toyota highlights how it partners with community, civic, academic, and governmental organizations to address the most pressing mobility challenges for our society. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

ToyotaUk

Toyota’s Successful Gold Cup Campaign

Tundra supports Latino small businesses and their communities

PLANO, Texas (July 20, 2023) – The 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup concluded in Los Angeles, Calif., with enthusiastic fans cheering for their favorite teams. Toyota, the official automotive sponsor of the tournament, showcased the powerful Toyota Tundra at the games.

Building on the success of last year’s “Born to Lend a Hand” campaign, Toyota launched a multi-faceted marketing effort focused on empowering small businesses. Throughout the tournament, Toyota connected with and shared the stories of Latino small business owners, highlighting its dedication to the community and the reliability of the Tundra.

“Soccer holds a significant place in Hispanic culture, bringing together diverse generations as they support their beloved teams,” said Russ Koble, Senior Manager of Sports Sponsorships at Toyota Motor North America. “We were thrilled to be part of the Gold Cup tournament once again and share the journey with small businesses and local artists.”

The Gold Cup stage featured various businesses through video board mentions, field signage, and public announcements. At select games, the Tundra towed in small businesses to participate in the action. In Dallas, Castillo’s Barbershop and Hola Café were showcased. These businesses showcased their services and products to fans during pre-game activities. More information about the businesses featured during the tournament can be found at https://www.toyota.com/espanol/brand/.

Toyota also partnered with soccer legend Luis “El Matador” Hernández, a former Mexican National team player, who shared his inspiring story and helped promote support for Latino small businesses during the tournament. In Dallas, Texas, on July 8, Hernández posed with fans and the Gold Cup trophy outside the stadium.

Exciting Fan Zone and Trophy Appearances
Attendees at the Gold Cup enjoyed a lively pre-game Fan Zone, featuring the Toyota Fútbol Club. This engaging area offered games, music, and locally curated soccer-themed artwork to entertain soccer enthusiasts of all ages. Fans also had the opportunity to take photos with the Gold Cup Trophy at select venues.

The campaign was executed through various channels, including broadcast, digital, and social media platforms, as well as on-site activations. The sponsorship and creative elements were developed by Conill, Toyota’s Hispanic marketing partner.

This marks Toyota’s fourth consecutive Concacaf Gold Cup as the official automotive sponsor. The tournament featured the best teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. In 2024, Toyota will also be part of the inaugural Women’s Gold Cup tournament, adding to the excitement.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.  

Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 24 electrified options.

Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed $110 million to create innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved and diverse communities near the company’s 14 U.S. operating sites.

ToyotaUk

Toyota Racing Development Presents the First Global Simulation Summit

The inaugural Toyota Global Simulation Summit, organized by Toyota Racing Development (TRD), took place earlier this year in Salisbury, North Carolina. The event brought together professionals from the motorsports industry and Toyota affiliates to explore the potential of simulation technology. The summit highlighted the role of driver-in-the-loop simulators in improving chassis designs for race cars and discussed how simulation can expedite the development of advanced mobility solutions for production vehicles.

Steve Wickham, TRD’s business development director, played a crucial role in organizing the summit. He recognized the need to connect simulation enthusiasts within Toyota and create a platform for knowledge exchange. Wickham’s efforts paid off as the event was attended by approximately 40 individuals in person and an equal number virtually, representing five countries and various Toyota affiliates.

The three-day summit consisted of presentations, open discussions, hands-on experience with TRD’s simulation capabilities, and a tour of Toyota’s high-tech facilities in North Carolina. The gathering provided an opportunity for attendees to share their challenges and learn from each other’s approaches.

Command Center — Here’s the business end to TRD’s driver-in-loop simulator.

Simulation technology combines hardware and software components to replicate driving experiences and test virtual vehicles. This technology is not only valuable for motorsports teams seeking to enhance race car performance but also holds immense potential for Toyota’s engineers in developing safer and more advanced production vehicles. It can aid in the development of autonomous driving systems and expedite the time from concept to finished product, resulting in cost reductions.

Taking It for a Spin — Vangelis Kokkevis, director of simulation for Woven Planet North America, takes a seat behind the wheel of TRD’s driver-in-loop simulator

Regarding future possibilities, Wickham envisions a significant transformation for Toyota. He believes that reducing reliance on physical prototypes and utilizing simulation technology could lead to substantial savings and faster time-to-market. The success of the inaugural summit has set a strong foundation for future collaborations and follow-up meetings.

ToyotaUk

Toyota Recalls Certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Highlander, Tacoma, and Lexus RX and 2024 NX Models

PLANO, Texas (July 12, 2023) – Toyota is conducting a safety recall in the U.S. for certain 2023 model year Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross hybrid, Highlander, Highlander hybrid, Tacoma, as well as Lexus RX and RX hybrid and 2024 model year NX and NX hybrid vehicles. This recall affects approximately 110,000 vehicles in the U.S.

The issue with the affected vehicles is with the spiral cable assembly in the steering column. There is a possibility that it may lose its electrical connection on the circuit that controls the driver’s airbag. If this happens, the airbag warning light will turn on, and the driver’s airbag may not deploy in the event of a crash. This non-compliance with federal motor vehicle safety requirements could increase the risk of injury to the driver.

To address this issue, Toyota and Lexus dealers will inspect the serial number of the spiral cable and, if necessary, replace it with a new cable free of charge for customers. Affected owners will be notified about this recall by early September 2023.

For the latest information on automotive recalls and to check if your vehicle is involved, you can visit Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information.

If you have any further questions, you can contact Toyota customer support at the Toyota Brand Engagement Center (1-800-331-4331) for Toyota vehicles, or the Lexus Brand Engagement Center (1-800-255-3987) for Lexus vehicles.