Tag Archives: Commits

Toyota Indiana Celebrates First-Ever Grand Highlander with the Announcement of a Multimillion-Dollar Community Investment

Toyota’s Driving Possibilities Commits Up to $11.1 Million to Local Schools and Organizations to Prepare Youth for the Careers of Tomorrow

PRINCETON, Ind. (Aug. 2, 2023) – Toyota Indiana today celebrated the start of production of the first-ever Grand Highlander, an all-new three row SUV. In 2021, Toyota announced an $803 million investment in Indiana to produce two all-new SUV’s. First up, the 2024 Grand Highlander, featuring the latest technology, a spacious, adult-sized third row, and plenty of cargo space for family adventures.

Today’s announcement also included a five-year, multimillion-dollar commitment to help create limitless possibilities for Indiana schools. The Toyota USA Foundation announced Driving Possibilities grants of up to $11.1 million to prepare students 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. The initial funds will be distributed through Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation, North Gibson School Corporation, Building Blocks and Youth First Inc. to provide access to quality PreK education, resources to support student mental health, multi-language learning, and hands-on STEM programs for students and teachers.

“Toyota is always looking to the future, by introducing new products like the Grand Highlander, and innovative community initiatives like Driving Possibilities,” said Toyota Indiana president, Leah Curry. “Driving Possibilities sets the foundation for powerful learning experiences to prepare area students for future STEM careers.”

“Today is another Toyota Terrific day for the state as they roll out their first Grand Highlanders down the production line,” said Governor Eric J. Holcomb. “And not only that—we also celebrate Toyota’s continued contribution in early learning programs, which will further help strengthen investments we’re making across the state and set the stage for some of our youngest Hoosiers to pursue a future in STEM.”

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).

“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. “It’s exciting to see the expansion of Driving Possibilities near our Toyota Indiana plant with up to $4.2 million in the first year and more in years to come.”

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.

To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

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.

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.

To learn more about Toyota’s $110 million dollar commitment to Driving Possibilities, visit ToyotaEffect.com for the latest information.

Lexus Heats up the Summer in Partnership with Beyoncé’s RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR and BeyGOOD Foundation

Lexus Commits Nearly Half a Million Dollars to Small, Minority-Owned Businesses

PLANO, Texas (July 26, 2023) – Lexus is joining forces with Beyoncé’s RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR and her BeyGOOD Foundation as the exclusive automotive partner for the U.S. leg of the tour. As part of this partnership, the leading luxury car brand will make a donation to support small, minority-owned businesses.

Lexus will collaborate with BeyGOOD Foundation and its Black Parade Route to provide assistance to small business owners affected by economic disparities, through grants and sustainability support services. In addition to BeyGOOD’s existing commitment, Lexus’ contribution will provide an extra $10,000 each to two grant recipients in all tour cities.

“Lexus is honored to be part of Beyoncé’s RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR and to contribute to BeyGOOD Foundation’s mission of economic equity,” said Mia Phillips, senior manager of advertising and media for Lexus. “We believe that this collaboration will have a significant impact on entrepreneurs in every city we visit.”

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s BeyGOOD Foundation launched the Black Parade Route in 2020 to amplify and promote Black-owned and small businesses. Carter pledged $1 million to support small businesses in 10 U.S. cities and regions in the United Kingdom. Throughout the RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR, business impact luncheons will be held in Chicago, New York, Charlotte, N.C., Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, and New Orleans to celebrate the grant recipients.

“We are delighted that Lexus is providing support for small business owners across the country through BeyGOOD’s Black Parade Route,” said Ivy McGregor, executive director of BeyGOOD Foundation. “This partnership benefits entrepreneurs, families, and communities as a whole. We believe that everyone deserves economic equity.”

To honor the tour sponsorship and enhance the futuristic theme of the tour, Lexus has created a unique LC 500 vehicle. The car features a premium chrome-wrapped exterior with jewel accents on the mirrors, headlamp surrounds, wheel center caps, and license plate frame. The vehicle will travel with the RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR and will be showcased at an interactive Lexus display within the venues. Concertgoers will have the opportunity to engage with the brand through a photobooth featuring virtual icons from the tour set and an entertaining karaoke booth.

The RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR in the U.S. began on July 12 in Philadelphia and will conclude in Kansas City, Mo., on October 1.

About Lexus

Lexus is a luxury lifestyle brand that is passionate about bold design, innovative technology, and exhilarating performance. Established in 1989, Lexus initially offered two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Today, Lexus vehicles are available in over 90 countries, catering to the needs of global luxury customers. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 244 dealerships, offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With a strong focus on hybrid technology, Lexus leads the industry in luxury hybrid vehicles with seven models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive. Additionally, Lexus offers eight F SPORT models, one F performance model, and one F model. Committed to being a visionary brand, Lexus anticipates the future needs of luxury customers.

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Note to Editors: Lexus product information and images are available online via our news media website https://pressroom.lexus.com/MO

About BeyGOOD Foundation

The BeyGOOD Foundation was founded by Beyoncé in 2013 during the Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. It serves as an extension of Beyoncé’s charitable efforts, focusing on economic equity and education. As a 501(c)(3) Public Charity, the foundation is involved in various programs addressing education, health, housing, water scarcity, disaster relief, and more. BeyGOOD’s initiatives span the globe, including countries like South Africa, Haiti, Burundi, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Caribbean, and the United States. The foundation believes in the collective effort to make a difference and that everyone can contribute by giving back.