Tag Archives: employees

Celebrating Earth Month: Toyota’s Environmental Employees Share How Their Efforts Help Drive the Company Forward

Passion is what fuels many individuals’s careers. For some workers who’re contributing to Toyota Motor North America’s (TMNA) ongoing environmental efforts, it’s been the driving power.

“I have always been fascinated by the outdoors and environmental issues,” says Colin Boswell, a supervisor of emissions compliance technique and enterprise technique at TMNA. “I pursued researching air quality’s effects on human health during college and then, prior to Toyota, worked at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).”

For many who work in environmental roles at Toyota, it’s not only a job — it’s a part of their life’s work.

That type of dedication enhances TMNA’s dedication to serving to the planet with a give attention to 4 key areas: carbon, water, supplies, and biodiversity. Together, it gives a office setting the place contemporary concepts, ingenuity, and innovation flourish to create a extra sustainable future.

When Passion and Purpose Collide 
When Boswell had the chance to work at TMNA, he was immediately drawn to the corporate’s company ambiance and the environmental priorities and targets.

“I was excited by the prospect of leveraging my expertise and enthusiasm to contribute to Toyota’s environmental leadership and direction,” he says.

Boswell’s work over the previous seven years has supported and additional pushed TMNA’s environmental efforts, significantly on the carbon precedence problem.

“We lead development for Toyota’s strategy to comply with many different environmental regulations our vehicles face, including greenhouse gas and zero-emissions vehicle regulations,” he says. “We work closely with multiple different areas of the company to make sure our product plan is optimized to meet the requirements we face while balancing the needs of our customers.”

Like Boswell, Nikki Tanzer’s ardour for environmental efforts began lengthy earlier than she joined Toyota Texas (TMMTX).

“My love for conservation came from books I read as I was growing up,” says Tanzer, a senior environmental specialist. “My ‘dreams’ were about the great scientists and researchers in Africa. I had a fascination for seeing the African bush.”

Today, Tanzer performs a key position serving to to deal with the corporate’s 4 precedence points and striving to lower its environmental influence whereas selling sustainability all through the group.

“A typical day for me includes managing water permits, overseeing the ISO 14001 management system and coordinating wildlife habitat projects,” she says. “I also provide support for the day-to-day operations of these activities to ensure compliance and sustainability objectives are achieved.”

In addition to her obligations, Tanzer can also be the chairperson of the TMMTX chapter of Toyota Environmental Resources for Responsible Actions (TERRA), a enterprise partnering group (BPG) that focuses on environmental actions. She’s additionally the lead individual for TMMTX’s Harmony with Nature Wildlife Habitat Conservation initiatives, in addition to for the group’s Earth Month actions.

“I am proud to be a part of a company that prioritizes sustainability and environmental stewardship,” says Tanzer, who’s labored at Toyota for 11 years. “Toyota’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainability aligns perfectly with my own values and beliefs. I am excited to be able to contribute to these efforts and help ensure that our operations meet all necessary environmental compliance requirements.”

Sparking Innovative Thinking
While some TMNA workers engaged on environmental groups have had a ardour for environmental efforts since childhood, others developed an affinity for inexperienced initiatives extra just lately.

“My interest in environmental work really started when I had the opportunity to become the product planner for Prius about 9 years ago,” says Barbie Liang, a enterprise growth supervisor, electrical automobile charging options at TMNA.

Liang loved sharing the advantages of the fuel-efficient hybrid automobile and the way she didn’t want to alter her driving habits in any respect.

“It has become my mission to educate anyone willing to listen how the transition to alternative-fuel vehicles can fit into their daily life,” says Liang, who’s labored at TMNA for 13 years.

Educating and enlightening individuals on eco-conscious developments makes her job significant, says Liang.

“As a part of my role, I have the opportunity to help support initiatives tied to Toyota’s ‘Empact’ vision in which we are working to address [electric vehicle] charging equity in underserved communities,” she says.

And her zeal for schooling doesn’t cease there. For Earth Month, Liang taught her two younger sons about the place their meals comes from.

“The impact their food sources have on the environment is important to me and my family,” Liang says. “We are a big gardening family and have plans to celebrate Earth Month by refreshing our garden beds.”

Merging Nature and Manufacturing 
Although Lisa Chiffolo, an environmental engineer at TMNA, has been a self-proclaimed longtime “tree hugger,” the eight-year TMNA veteran by no means imagined that her enthusiasm for the setting would contribute to her present place on the firm.

“I honestly never anticipated being fortunate enough to secure a role that provided such an opportunity each day,” she says.

Chiffolo’s important position focuses on carbon and supplies enhancements and biodiversity enhancements. She’s additionally the founding father of the TERRA Georgetown, Kentucky, chapter and at present serves because the communications chair.

“Creating spaces for people to experience and enjoy nature, especially through youth outreach, is the most gratifying aspect of my job,” Chiffolo says. “I have been most impacted by individuals who tell me stories of how their first field trip to a nature trail was on Toyota property and now they come back with their families to experience the landscape.”

Proud Stewards for the Planet
TMNA’s ongoing efforts of making a optimistic influence on the planet, society and their enterprise is what makes some workers on the environmental groups thrilled to lend their experience and ranging ability units.

“When I look at how Toyota approaches the challenge of reducing carbon emissions, I am proud of how impactful Toyota is in using multiple vehicle technologies to impact carbon reductions while also being able to provide our customers with choices to fit their varying needs,” says Boswell.

Tanzer provides, “I take pride in being part of a company that is working with others on some of the negative impact on the environment. Together, we can make a positive impact on our planet and work towards a more sustainable future.”

Making an Impact: Toyota Women Recognized for Industry Leadership

Manufacturing Institute honors three workers with 2024 Women MAKE Awards

WASHINGTON (April 23, 2024) – On April 18, three Toyota manufacturing leaders acquired nationwide recognition on the Women MAKE Awards in Washington, D.C. The honorees have been amongst 130 excellent girls leaders acknowledged by the Manufacturing Institute for delivering management within the business and making contributions to the communities wherein they dwell.

The MAKE Awards (previously generally known as the STEP Ahead Awards) acknowledge girls game-changers and establish prime expertise in manufacturing, and additional encourage award winners to mentor and help the subsequent technology of feminine expertise to pursue fashionable manufacturing careers.

“There has never been a better time for young women to pursue opportunities in modern manufacturing,” mentioned Toyota Senior Vice President of Electric Vehicle Supply and incoming Women MAKE Awards Vice Chair Susan Elkington. “As a previous Honoree, I know the power of this program to motivate and mentor the next generation, and I am excited to continue to be part of this initiative highlighting the amazing Women who MAKE America.”

Toyota Honorees:

Kristen Tabar, group vice chairman, Research and Development Toyota Motor North America (TMNA)
With greater than 30 years of expertise within the auto business, Tabar is a trailblazer in TMNA R&D, at present main mobility options. Name a task in automotive electronics, and Tabar has probably stuffed it. She’s additionally steered course of and design enhancements and led the company high quality division for Toyota’s North American operations.

Natalie Wilkinson, vice chairman, Manufacturing Production Innovation Center, TMNA
As a feminine trailblazer in Toyota manufacturing engineering, Wilkinson is a transformative chief at TMNA. She’s held key roles in plant manufacturing and regional headquarters, overseeing the automotive manufacturing revolution. Leading the cross-functional manufacturing manufacturing innovation middle and the manufacturing digital transformation group, she employs revolutionary methods and applied sciences, steering Toyota towards competitiveness, electrification and carbon neutrality.

Toyota Emerging Leaders:

Patricia Pastrana Arroyo, pilot engineer, Toyota Indiana (Emerging Leader Award)
Arroyo’s repute as a motivated engineer with abilities for establishing methods and coaching groups at Toyota Indiana is well-founded. During her time because the plastics division principal chief, she educated 55 group members whereas implementing quite a few kaizens and a paint-jig enchancment, growing effectivity and high quality whereas considerably decreasing prices for 2 mannequin launches.

Each 12 months, the Manufacturing Institute, the workforce growth and schooling accomplice of the National Association of Manufacturers, acknowledges girls within the science, expertise, engineering and manufacturing areas of the manufacturing business who exemplify management and excellence of their careers.

About Toyota 
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been part of the cultural material in North America for greater than 65 years, and is dedicated to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility by way of our Toyota and Lexus manufacturers, plus our greater than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota instantly employs greater than 63,000 individuals in North America who’ve contributed to the design, engineering, and meeting of almost 47 million automobiles and vans at our 13 manufacturing crops. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will start to fabricate automotive batteries for electrified autos. With extra electrified autos on the highway than another automaker, Toyota at present gives 27 electrified choices.

For extra details about Toyota, go to www.ToyotaNewsroom.com. 

Five Highlights From Toyota’s 2023 Annual North American Environmental Report

Imagine a group of staff producing a hybrid transaxle within the hills of West Virginia powered by a five-acre photo voltaic array maintained by 20 sheep. Toyota West Virginia did simply that once they welcomed the herd in 2023. The photo voltaic technology reduces the plant’s CO2 emissions, helps energy worker service buildings, and three EV charging stations.

That’s simply one of many noteworthy advances revealed within the Toyota North American 2023 Environmental Report. Over the previous yr, the corporate noticed progress inside its 4 core precedence areas: water, supplies, carbon, and biodiversity.

These efforts display Toyota Motor North America’s (TMNA) dedication to positively contributing to society, discovering new methods to develop sustainably, and lowering its environmental footprint. The firm’s objectives additionally ladder as much as Toyota’s Environmental Challenge 2050.

TMNA’s dedication to environmental sustainability continues to be a precedence. The firm repeatedly works towards cultivating providers and operations that work in concord with nature and the surroundings.

In honor of Earth Month, listed here are 5 standout achievements from the Toyota North American 2023 Environmental Report.

Driving Electrification Forward 
Toyota’s and Lexus’ numerous electrified lineups are increasing. In 2023, 66% of the manufacturers’ fashions in North America included an electrified choice or had been solely out there as a hybrid, plug-in, gasoline cell or battery-electric car.

Now, extra drivers can attain their locations in fashion and luxury figuring out that they’re doing their half to create a extra sustainable world.

Accelerating a Harmonious Existence
Remember, there’s just one Earth. To protect it, everybody can contribute to its conservation. At TMNA, these endeavors embody collaborating with the Pollinator Partnership and National Environmental Education Foundation to help biodiversity.

The collaboration has resulted within the enhancement of 10,337.9 acres of pollinator habitat over the previous yr.

Protecting native species of their pure habitats is vital. The pollinator initiative underscores the corporate’s Respect for the Planet — exemplifying the understanding that the whole lot on the planet works collectively for the better good.

Going With the Flow 
Hardly something can work or survive with out water. About 158 million gallons of water has been launched to the Hardy River as a part of Toyota’s help of The Nature Conservancy to revive water to the Colorado River Delta.

While water conservation is a chief concern, it isn’t the one focus. The firm additionally addresses different water-related impacts, together with serving to to guard water sources and sharing its strategies and strategies about conservation with different companies and organizations.

Revving Up Renewable Energy 
To assist fight local weather change, TMNA invests in a mixture of on- and off-site renewable vitality tasks. The firm goals to supply at the very least 45% of the electrical energy wanted for its operations from renewable vitality by 2026.

TMNA continues to spend money on renewable vitality for his or her operations with an goal of turning into carbon impartial in any respect their amenities by 2035.

Wasting No Time 
Goods offered by suppliers or waste generated by the corporate’s actions are known as “materials.” Simply put, folks and companies depend on items of all types, however sadly, these items sometimes are available packages.

From elements being assembled at vegetation to paper used at places of work throughout North America, supplies make up many of the planet’s waste.

By persevering with to recycle or reuse over 90% of the waste TMNA generates annually, the corporate has diminished using single-use packaging supplies by roughly 15%, in comparison with the 2018 baseline a number of years in the past. The firm can also be exploring methods to construct a round ecosystem round its electrified car batteries and different supplies.

For extra data on the most recent North American Environmental Report, click on here.

In Celebration of Black History Month: Two Toyota Employees Reflect on the Power of Diverse Leadership and Volunteerism

At Toyota, cultivating an surroundings the place staff can accomplish their skilled targets and have their private endeavors acknowledged and supported is a precedence.

From the corporate’s enterprise partnering teams (BPGs) to its neighborhood outreach applications, there are quite a few alternatives to share, study, develop, and provides again. It’s one of many causes Pamela Bass and Terence Proctor are proud to work at Toyota.

Amplifying Diverse Leadership
After seeing the constructive influence the African American Coalition (AAC) had on Toyota Kentucky (TMMK), Bass knew that she wished to hitch the group.

Bass, who’s been with the corporate for practically 30 years, works with the Body Weld Production group. She is an AAC member and presently serves because the group’s senior supervisor advisor.

She stated the group’s mission is to assist and help the event of African Americans, whereas additionally bridging the hole between African American communities and the corporate by way of neighborhood outreach.

The AAC’s imaginative and prescient is to make sure African American staff are represented and acknowledged in any respect ranges of the corporate and function key contributors to the success of Toyota.

“Diversity in leadership is crucial as it brings a greater depth of experience and perspective, fostering innovation and a better understanding of employees,” Bass says. “Diversity in leadership brings enhanced innovation, creates smarter decisions and inclusive leaders, and advances company culture while improving employee satisfaction. Diverse leadership will also attract diverse talent and foster better working relationships.”

Making Time To Give Back
Giving again is a typical thread all through Toyota that extends past BPGs — it’s woven into the material of the corporate. It resonates and rings true for Terence Proctor, a web site companies supervisor at Toyota West Virginia. The longtime Toyota worker is enthusiastic about volunteering his time to assist those that are deprived in his neighborhood — and world wide.

“While growing up, I was taught that no one makes it in life on their own, especially the disadvantaged,” he says. “I am drawn to paying back the help I received growing up.”

When it involves volunteering, Proctor chooses to dedicate his time helping the smallest members of society: youngsters. So, he gravitates towards alternatives that immediately help youngsters, like colleges, orphanages, meals applications and housing.

Proctor plans two or three mission journeys a yr to help youngsters. Last yr, he supported the schooling of youngsters by establishing pc labs in area people facilities and colleges.

“Some volunteer efforts span a weekend, and others cover a couple of weeks, but I support education programs throughout the year,” Proctor says.

Common Ground 
Bass and Proctor imagine Toyota supplies the help and assets to assist them accomplish their skilled and private targets. Whether it’s inspiring different organizations to implement extra range initiatives or encouraging staff to volunteer within the communities Toyota serves, the corporate is constantly working to enhance entry to alternatives.

While making an influence is at all times the driving drive behind progress, Bass acknowledges that breaking boundaries isn’t at all times simple. She typically refers to Shirley Chisholm’s (the primary African American girl to be elected to the United States Congress) well-known quote for inspiration: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”

Originally printed on February 29, 2024

You Can Order A Black Or White Tesla Cybertruck From The Factory

Tesla has begun production of its new Cybertruck pickup and delivered the first few to employees during a special event hosted by Elon Musk. The automaker has also updated its website with pricing, specs, and options, including a $6,500 factory-installed paint protection film for the stainless steel body, available in white or black.

According to Tesla’s website, the self-healing, urethane-based film protects against scratches and is more environmentally friendly compared to standard vinyl wraps. Selecting this option will result in every stainless steel surface being exposed in either satin white or satin black.

Tesla Cybertruck white wrap

If you prefer to maintain the stainless steel look but still want an extra layer of protection, Cybertruck buyers can also opt for a “premium satin clear paint film” for $5,000.

The availability of the wrap comes as a surprise, as Musk previously mentioned that the “Cybertruck can have any color you want, so long as it’s nothing,” and wraps would not be available “at first.”

Tesla already offers factory paint protection film wrap installations for the Model 3 and the Model Y, with prices starting from $7,500. This isn’t the first time a Cybertruck has been seen from the factory in a color other than naked stainless steel. Tesla chief designer Franz von Holzhausen made an appearance in a black-colored Cybertruck at a Cars & Coffee event in Malibu earlier this month. InsideEVs got a close-up look. Hopefully the production-spec wraps look better than this example.

Watch The Tesla Cybertruck Beat A Porsche 911 In A Drag Race While Towing A 911

Tesla has finally started delivering its new Cybertruck pickup to a select group of employees. CEO Elon Musk also shared some specs for the stainless steel-bodied truck, including its straight-line speed. To demonstrate its capabilities, Tesla released a video of the Cybertruck beating a Porsche 911 in a drag race, all while towing another 911.

The exact distance of the race is unclear, and the specific trim of the Cybertruck in the video is unknown. It’s also uncertain which type of 911 was used for the race, but it appears to be a 992-generation car without side intakes, indicating a Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera T, or Carrera GTS. Based on the color, wheels, and grey mirror caps, it’s likely a 379-hp Carrera T, the least powerful in the lineup.

Following the video, a graphic displayed claimed quarter-mile and 0-60 times of under 11 seconds and 2.6 seconds respectively, matching the most expensive “Cyberbeast” trim on Tesla’s website.

At the event, Tesla’s display boards mentioned a “Beast Mode” for the Cybertruck, which, according to the board, enables the tri-motor drivetrain to produce a maximum 845 horsepower. With a claimed curb weight of 6850 pounds, it seems plausible that a Cybertruck towing a vehicle could outpace a 911 in a straight line, at least momentarily.

While the Cybertruck’s speed is impressive, a selectively filmed and edited video from Tesla may not provide the full picture. It’s possible the company used a Carrera T with a manual gearbox, the slowest combination, to achieve the desired result. Only testing the Cybertruck in the real world will reveal its true abilities.

Sam Altman No Longer At The Helm Of OpenAI As Board Expresses Dissatisfaction

Altman’s departure came as a surprise to people outside and inside the company. According to Bloomberg, Altman was still sending regular emails to employees as of late Friday morning. He had not shown any signs of trouble and had recently met with world leaders to discuss the responsible use of generative AI.

In October, reports indicated that OpenAI was in discussions to sell shares that would value the company at $86 billion. As for Altman, a Y-Combinator alum and a prominent figure in AI development, he has not yet issued a statement regarding his departure from OpenAI and his future plans. This is not the first turbulent chapter in OpenAI’s history. Founded with support from Elon Musk, the billionaire Tesla owner departed soon after. Rumors suggest Musk’s attempt to acquire the company was rejected, while he claims he disagreed with the company’s shift away from its non-profit focus.

In addition to his involvement with OpenAI, Altman is also an investor in other high-profile companies, including Humane, co-founded by former Apple executives, which recently launched its first AI-infused wearable product. He is also an investor in Neuralink, Reddit, Patreon, Asana, CodeAcademy, and InstaCart, among others. Neuralink is known for its development of human brain interface chip implants and has received FDA approval for human testing.

Elon Musk Announces Date for First Tesla Cybertruck Deliveries

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has set a date for the first deliveries of the highly anticipated Cybertruck. While the exact number of reservations received by Tesla has not been disclosed, it is expected that company employees will have priority based on previous models like the Model 3. However, the long line of reservations and production challenges indicate that the wait for customers will likely be quite lengthy.

In Tesla’s third fiscal quarter report, it was revealed that the Giga Texas facility will have an initial pilot production capacity of 125,000 Cybertruck units per year. This number is expected to increase to 250,000 units in the future. However, achieving mass production capacity of this scale is projected to take until 2025.

Musk acknowledged the significant challenges involved in reaching volume production with the Cybertruck during an earnings call. Tesla is investing billions of dollars to bring this ambitious ride to the market. Meanwhile, potential customers have expressed concerns as Tesla’s website has removed all details regarding pricing and configurations.

While the company initially announced a sticker price of $39,900 for the single-motor RWD model, with the dual-motor and triple-motor versions priced around $60,000 and $70,000 respectively, these figures have not been officially confirmed. Kelley Blue Book estimates that the base variant could be priced around $50,000. This places the Cybertruck in the same price range as competitors like the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Chevy Silverado. The higher-spec versions of the Cybertruck are expected to compete in the market segment dominated by GMC and Rivian.

Back to School: Toyota Supports Students in Need

To help students in need as the new school year starts, Toyota employees across the country are giving back.

For the second consecutive year, Toyota partnered with the Kids In Need Foundation (KINF) for the Big Summer Giveback. This national service and parts promotion allowed Toyota customers to donate $3 to KINF’s Supply a Student program during their August oil change appointment.

The program aims to provide school supplies to children in under-resourced elementary schools nationwide.

This year’s results:

  • 429 Toyota dealerships raised over $600,000.
  • 21 dealers donated $10,000 or more each.
  • More than 24,000 elementary students benefited from the initiative.

Dealers will personally deliver the donated backpacks filled with school supplies to students at an elementary school in their community.

“Toyota is delighted to announce our continued support of KINF for the second year of our Big Summer Giveback campaign,” said Mark Nazario, Vice President of Guest Experience and Retention at Toyota Motor North America. “Together, we are committed to empowering students in under-resourced schools nationwide, ensuring every child receives an equal opportunity to thrive in their classrooms.”

Toyota employees also volunteered over the summer to pack backpacks with school supplies during an event at the company’s headquarters in Plano.

Social Innovation and nonprofit organization Team IMPACT organized a June event where 76 volunteers packed 450 backpacks. These backpacks were then delivered in July to the Boys and Girls Club of Collin County.

In addition, in July, 17 employees stuffed over 300 backpacks at Community Partners of Dallas, an event also hosted by Social Innovation and Team IMPACT.

Automobili Lamborghini Celebrates 60 Years with a Video Tribute to Its Employees

Company’s Success Attributed to Dedicated Employees

Sant’Agata Bolognese, June 23, 2023 – Putting people first. That is the underlying principle behind Automobili Lamborghini’s latest video, which pays homage to its employees in honor of the company’s 60th anniversary. Throughout its illustrious history, Lamborghini has accomplished remarkable feats, introduced groundbreaking innovations, and achieved unprecedented milestones – all thanks to its invaluable human capital. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without a group of individuals driven by a shared vision, possessing exceptional skills and unwavering passion for the brand. Their meticulous attention to detail and relentless dedication have allowed Lamborghini to offer its fans the absolute best products on the market. Through this video, the company aims to express its gratitude and celebrate the unwavering commitment of the countless individuals who have contributed to making Lamborghini a globally recognized icon. After all, as the video proclaims, “Lamborghini is a reflection of all those who have shaped it.”