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Skoda Epiq Concept: 5 Things You Need To Know About The Small Electric SUV

This is certainly one of six upcoming Skoda electrical autos and it lays down the inspiration for the carmaker’s EV design language

Skoda Epiq

The Skoda Epiq lately made its international debut as an idea and it is without doubt one of the six new EVs Skoda is engaged on. While nonetheless in its early phases of growth, the Epiq showcases the design language of the long run Skoda EVs and in addition offers us an perception into the driving vary and options this EV will present. Here are 5 issues you might want to find out about this EV idea.

Futuristic Design

Skoda Epiq Front

The Skoda Epiq carries the carmaker’s Modern Solid design language, which will even be used within the upcoming Skoda fashions. It appears to mix modern fashionable components with sturdy shapes. If its proportions appear just like the Kushaq, it’s as a result of the Epiq measures 4.1 metres lengthy.

Also See: Hyundai Creta EV Spied Testing Overseas, India Launch Possible In 2025

The Epiq comes with an upright entrance profile that homes Skoda’s signature grille design which additional integrates illuminated components for the related LED DRL alongside the bonnet edge. It doesn’t have the Skoda badge however the lettering is illuminated.

Skoda Epiq Rear

The most noticeable a part of this design is the large bumper and skid plate that homes 8 vertical slats. This identical bumper design is seen on the rear profile as properly and it will get modern “T-shaped” lighting components on the again, together with an illuminated Skoda emblem.

Its profile design is comparatively less complicated with protruding wheel arches, cladding beneath the doorways and roof rails on the highest. However, essentially the most eye catching element right here is the design on the alloy wheels, which look like closed-off from the perimeters.

Minimalist Cabin

Skoda Epiq Cabin

Minimalism appears to be the route the place each carmaker is heading and Skoda is not any exception. The Epiq’s cabin has minimal design components and gives a plain but fashionable look. It will get a dual-tone cabin with a flat dashboard and a brand new two-spoke steering wheel which nonetheless has a bottom-rising factor. The centre console will get a U-shaped design factor which will get ambient lighting and right here you get sporty bucket seats as properly (which could not make it to the manufacturing prepared model).

Also Read: Tesla India Launch Timeline Accelerates With New EV Policy For Reduced Import Tariffs

It additionally has a sensible 490 litres of boot house.

Modern Features

Skoda Epiq Dashboard

The particulars of the Epiq idea’s characteristic record is slim however primarily based on the cabin, we all know that it will get a free floating 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system which could include wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It additionally will get a 5.3-inch digital driver’s show for simply the important info, automated local weather management, wi-fi cellphone charger, and a panoramic glass roof.

Also Read: Mahindra Files Trademarks For Even More Names

As for security, no particulars have been revealed, however it may possibly get 6 airbags, digital stability management (ESC), tyre stress monitoring system (TMPS), a 360-degree digicam, and some ADAS options as properly.

Over 400 Km Range

Skoda Epiq Seats

Skoda has not revealed the precise battery pack and motor specs of this EV idea, however it has mentioned that the Epiq will sport a claimed vary of over 400 km. More particulars of the battery pack capability and motor efficiency are anticipated to be out quickly. Of course, it is going to additionally include V2L capabilities to cost and energy different electrical methods as properly.

From E To Q

Skoda Epiq

Skoda has been following sure tips for naming its SUVs, i.e., begin with a ‘K’ and finish with a ‘Q’, as witnessed with the Kushaq, Kodiaq and Karoq. Even the lately introduced subcompact SUV for India will observe the identical nomenclature. Well, for electrical SUVs, the carmaker has said that the title has to begin from the letter ‘E’ and finish with ‘Q’, just like the Enyaq. Hence, this small electrical SUV idea carries the title of ‘Epiq’ derived from the phrase ‘epic’. 

Skoda EV Launch Timelines

Upcoming Skoda Models

The Skoda Epiq will probably be launched within the worldwide market someday in 2025 at an anticipated beginning worth of 25,000 Euros (roughly Rs 22.6 lakh). If launched in India with a high-level of localisation, will probably be priced equally and will probably be a rival to the likes of Tata Curvv EV and the Hyundai Creta-based EV. But first, Skoda will probably be introducing the Enyaq as its first all-electric mannequin in India whereas the following EV to succeed in international markets would be the Skoda Elroq.

Everything To Know About The Bell AH-1 TremendousCobra Attack Helicopter

Such a strong basis resulted within the first Cobra being additional adopted, tailored, and improved upon. Perhaps essentially the most vital addition to the household was the AH-1J or SeaCobra. This mannequin, tailored to be used by the Marine Corps, was geared up with two Pratt & Whitney T400-CPs, which additional boosted its pace as much as 207 mph.

The AH-1J contributed to high-profile operations all through the Seventies, seeing the United States out of the Vietnam War and past. 1978 marked the introduction of the AH-1T, a mannequin that was an extra step above with improved Model 309 engines and transmission. The thought appeared to be for essentially the most potent and succesful AH-1 but, however one thing even higher would arrive eight years later: The TremendousCobra.

This mannequin, named the AH-1W, first entered service with the Marine Corps in 1986. It embraced the frequent idea that two engines are higher than one. Specifically, it was geared up with two General Electric T700-GE-401 engines, which gave it a variety of just below 300 miles and the facility to hit 169 mph. Needless to say, although, one of the crucial vital elements of the TremendousCobra’s improvement was the broadening of its arsenal of weapons. It was expanded to incorporate the likes of Sidewinder and Hellfire missiles, thereby giving the helicopter additional choices in opposition to harder armored targets.

Advancing STEM Education: Toyota Provides Up To $9.3 Million In Arizona Schools

Toyota USA Foundation

The Toyota USA Foundation is a charitable endowment created to assist education schemes serving PreK by Twelfth-grade college students and their lecturers within the United States, with an emphasis on science, know-how, engineering, and math (STEM). For extra details about the Toyota USA Foundation, go to www.toyotaeffect.com/impact.

About Toyota Financial Services
Toyota Financial Services (TFS) is the model for finance and associated merchandise for Toyota within the United States, providing retail auto financing and leasing by Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC) and Toyota Lease Trust. TFS additionally affords car and fee safety merchandise by Toyota Motor Insurance Services (TMIS). The firm companies Lexus sellers and clients utilizing the Lexus Financial Services model.

As of March 31, 2023, TFS employed roughly 3,800 crew members nationwide, and had belongings totaling over $137 billion. The firm is a part of a worldwide community of complete monetary companies supplied by Toyota Financial Services Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation.

We announce materials monetary info utilizing the investor relations part of our web site (www.toyotafinancial.com) and SEC filings. We use these channels, press releases, and social media to speak about our firm, our companies and different points. While not all info we publish on social media is of a fabric nature, some info could possibly be materials. Therefore, we encourage these considering our firm to evaluate our messages on X, previously referred to as Twitter, at www.x.com/toyotafinancial and posts on Facebook at www.facebook.com/toyotafinancial.

MAZDA FOUNDATION (USA), INC. AWARDS GRANTS TO ALLEVIATE HUNGER AND CREATE EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE OPPORTUNITIES IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE U.S.

MAZDA FOUNDATION (USA), INC. AWARDS GRANTS TO ALLEVIATE HUNGER AND CREATE EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE OPPORTUNITIES IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE U.S.

Grants totaling over $500,000 awarded to assist organizations throughout the United States

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Board of Trustees of the Mazda Foundation (USA) Inc., has awarded funding for seven applications this 12 months, renewing the group’s dedication to addressing meals insecurity and a few of its many root causes, notably equitable entry to schooling and job alternatives. In complete, the Mazda Foundation awarded over $500,000 to organizations throughout the United States.

Toyota Mobility Foundation Shortlists 10 Cities in $9 Million Global Challenge to Drive Innovation in City Mobility

  • 150 cities from 46 countries around the world entered the Toyota Mobility Foundation Sustainable Cities Challenge.
  • Shortlist includes cities in Brazil, Colombia, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
  • The Challenge aims to help cities improve access to opportunities, apply data-driven approaches for more resilient transport systems, and reduce carbon.

PLANO, Texas (Nov. 7, 2023) – The Toyota Mobility Foundation, in partnership with Challenge Works and World Resources Institute, announces the shortlist for the $9-million Sustainable Cities Challenge. Launched in June 2023, the global mobility challenge aims to help cities prepare for the future and has the potential to transform the lives of millions of people around the world.

Cities were invited to enter the Challenge by identifying areas in which innovation would help them expand access to safe, affordable, and inclusive modes of transportation; harness the power of data to create connected and resilient mobility ecosystems; and reduce environmental impact through low-carbon and renewable solutions.

Over 200 entries were received during this entry period from over 150 cities in 46 countries globally. They were assessed on the impact the Challenge would have, the receptiveness of the issue to open innovation approaches, capacity within the city, and the focus of the entry. The shortlist includes cities in Brazil, Colombia, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The 10 shortlisted cities are:

Bengaluru, India 

Bengaluru is predicted to be the fastest-growing city in the Asia-Pacific and is the second most congested city in the world where traffic accidents are common. The ever-expanding city is looking for innovative ways to enhance road safety by crowdsourcing the identification of road safety concerns such as faulty traffic signals and accident-prone areas.

Detroit, United States 

Detroit, known as the first motor city, has a heavy manufacturing and commercial freight industry. High vehicle traffic has led to severe health and environmental problems, particularly poor air quality. To combat these issues, Detroit aims to address growing freight emissions as global trade expands.

Fortaleza, Brazil 

Fortaleza, has revolutionized its urban mobility systems in the last 10 years. However, there are still challenges to be overcome, such as access to public transport for low-income communities. Now, the city is seeking ways to make transportation more affordable and efficient.

Medellín, Colombia 

Nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellín’s mountainous terrain and sloping streets create significant mobility challenges for people with disabilities and those who care for them – the majority of whom are women and low-income workers. The region is looking for integrated approaches to make mobility more inclusive and accessible.

Mexico City, Mexico 

The historic center of Mexico City is not only a World Heritage Site, but also the largest commercial hub in the city. Its heritage status means that it is difficult to carry out substantial modifications to the urban landscape or its infrastructure. The city needs to find innovative ways to improve its transport systems to meet the needs of its residents.

New Orleans, United States 

Known for its French and Spanish Creole architecture and rich culture, the “Big Easy” faces a huge challenge: evacuations ahead of rapidly intensifying hurricanes. As the increase of rapidly intensifying hurricanes threaten coastal communities, the City of New Orleans and stakeholder partners seek an innovative solution to the challenge of evacuating vulnerable residents as hurricanes become increasingly dangerous on a much shorter timeline.

Seberang Perai, Malaysia 

Evidence points to a settlement in Seberang Perai since the Neolithic era. Today, industrial parks consume large amounts of energy and produce high levels of emissions, creating health risks for nearby communities. As the Batu Kawan Industrial Park in Seberang Perai expands, the city aims to work with local businesses and industry to reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact of freight.

Varanasi, India 

One of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities, Varanasi has seen the use of e-rickshaws grow exponentially in recent years. However, the sector is currently highly disorganized and poorly regulated. The city is looking for ways in which efficiency can be optimized, with routes more evenly distributed across the city.

Venice, Italy 

Venice’s exceptional historical and cultural heritage is integrated into a unique environment made of dry land and water. In recent years, the City administration has invested resources to increase sustainable mobility options within the City. The Challenge faced by the City of Venice is to overcome cultural, technological, and operational barriers to enhance sustainable transportation options and encourage behavior change towards more sustainable choices.

York, United Kingdom

York is a perfect mix of heritage and hi-tech, with a Viking past and Roman roots, the ancient city of York is seeking to use existing and future innovation to future-proof mobility in the city. It wants to combine its fragmented modes of public, shared and private transportation into a single, cohesive fleet to increase accessibility, affordability, reduce emissions and journey times.

The shortlisted cities are invited to attend a capacity building academy and will receive support developing their challenge design, becoming part of a wider network of other innovative city teams. Open innovation Challenges often develop and evolve throughout the process as the city’s specific needs are understood more closely.

Three cities from the shortlist will be selected to launch their own City Challenges and in mid-2024, the call will be launched to global innovators to work with the winning cities. Innovators could be homegrown – living in the city or country chosen – or may be from anywhere across the globe, but with solutions applicable and tailored to the winning cities.

The semi-finalist innovators for each city will be decided in late 2024, and the winning cities and innovators who are announced in 2026 will share $9 million in funding to test and roll out their solutions.

“This shortlist shows how cities of all sizes around the world face a wide variety of mobility challenges,” said Ryan Klem, director of programs at the Toyota Mobility Foundation. “We can see how these cities are already making efforts to improve their transportation systems and we are very excited to begin supporting them directly in the next stage of the Sustainable Cities Challenge.”

“These cities have highlighted different areas where innovation has the potential to make mobility systems more sustainable, resilient, and accessible,” said Kathy Nothstine, head of future cities at Challenge Works. “The Sustainable Cities Challenge will bring cities and innovators together with city residents to tailor solutions to real world challenges through open innovation.”

“By making transport systems safer, more sustainable and affordable, cities can improve access to jobs and education, and improve people’s health,” said Ben Welle, director of integrated transport and innovation at WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities. “The Sustainable Cities Challenge will help to improve the quality of life for people living in cities all over the world.”

The Sustainable Cities Challenge is funded by the Toyota Mobility Foundation and has been designed in partnership with Challenge Works and World Resources Institute. Challenge Works is an international leader in developing challenge programs to drive new thinking and find creative solutions to problems facing society. World Resources Institute is a global research organization which works with partners to develop practical solutions that improve people’s lives and ensure that nature can thrive.

To find out more, visit the Sustainable Cities Challenge website.

About Toyota Mobility Foundation

The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) was established in August 2014 by the Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) to support the development of a more mobile society in which everyone can move freely. The Foundation underscores Toyota’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and respect for people. It utilizes Toyota’s expertise and technologies to support strong mobility systems while eliminating disparities in mobility. TMF works in partnership with universities, governments, non-profits, research institutions and other organizations, creating programs that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address mobility issues around the world.

In the past, TMF has led a range of Challenges, including the global Mobility Unlimited Challenge, CATCH in Malaysia, InoveMob Challenge in Brazil and STAMP Challenge in India. You can find out more about TMF and how it is governed at toyotamobilityfoundation.org.

About Challenge Works

Challenge Works is a global leader in design and delivery of open innovation challenges that incentivizes diverse innovative thinkers to solve pressing problems and unlock change. The most promising solutions are rewarded with seed funding and expert support, and the innovation that is the best or quickest to solve the problem wins the grand prize. This approach levels the playing field for innovators from any background or experience to apply their ingenuity for societal impact. Founded by Nesta, the UK’s innovation foundation for social good, they are a social enterprise that has delivered 87 challenges to date and distributed more than £124 million to winning innovators. Visit them at challengeworks.org.

About World Resources Institute

World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization with offices in Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States, and regional offices for Africa and Europe. WRI’s 1,700 staff work with partners to develop practical solutions that improve people’s lives and ensure nature can thrive. Learn more: WRI.org and on X (formerly Twitter) @WorldResources.

Diana Llamas named newest BMW Hole-in-One Scholar.

+++ Diana Llamas from Chicago receives scholarship from the Evans Scholars Foundation +++ BMW donates on behalf of Viktor Hovland (NOR) for his hole-in-one at the BMW Championship 2022 +++ Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management for People and Places, BMW AG, visits oldest Evans Scholars House in Chicago +++


Chicago.
A hole-in-one is a significant achievement in any golf tournament, but Viktor Hovland’s hole-in-one at the BMW Championship last year has had a much greater impact. As part of their tradition, BMW sponsors a full four-year scholarship for the Evans Scholars Foundation (ESF) for the first hole-in-one at the penultimate playoff tournament on the PGA TOUR. Diana Llamas has been announced as the sixth recipient of this scholarship in the history of the tournament. She is from Chicago, a first-generation college student, and the third member of her family to receive the Evans Scholarship. She will be pursuing a degree in Environmental Technology at the University of Illinois.

“I’m incredibly honored to be named the BMW Hole-in-One Scholar. It means everything to my family, and my brothers are very proud,” said Llamas, who plans to study environmental engineering. “The Evans Scholarship presents endless opportunities, especially the chance to meet Viktor Hovland, who played a role in making this possible for me.”

Llamas had the opportunity to meet Hovland and Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management for People and Places, BMW AG, during the third round of the BMW Championship at Olympia Fields Country Club. “We are proud of our longstanding partnership with the Western Golf Association, and the positive impact the BMW Championship has on the lives of many young scholars,” said Horstmeier. “BMW strongly believes in the role that corporations can play in supporting organizations like the Evans Scholars Foundation, which provides opportunities for young people to achieve their full potential.”

All proceeds from the 2023 BMW Championship will go towards the ESF, which grants full college tuition and housing scholarships to deserving caddies across the country. Since 2007, the BMW Championship has raised over $45 million to support the ESF, enabling more than 3,300 students to fulfill their dreams of attending college.

Horstmeier also visited the Evans Scholars House at Northwestern University, the oldest ESF house in the USA, where the scholars live together on campus. Joined by John Kaczkowski, the CEO of the Western Golf Association and the Evans Scholars Foundation, Horstmeier engaged in meaningful discussions with Evans Scholars and alumni.

The History Of LimeWire: How It Worked And What Happened To It

While LimeWire was built on the foundation laid by file-sharing systems like Gnutella, none were as influential as Napster. Napster, a peer-to-peer (P2P) platform, revolutionized the music industry by allowing users to share and download MP3 files from each other’s computers. It offered an alternative to traditional music consumption, where individuals had to buy CDs, vinyl, or cassettes.

Napster, which launched on June 1, 1999, quickly gained popularity and attracted millions of users. It provided listeners with the ability to download their favorite artists’ entire discography, and its growth was unprecedented. However, the platform faced legal battles and controversy due to copyright infringement. Users were freely sharing copyrighted music without permission from artists or record labels, leading to legal action from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and bands like Metallica suing Napster.

The RIAA’s legal actions dealt a heavy financial blow to Napster. With no legal way to continue operating, the company ultimately shut down in 2001. However, this created an opportunity for LimeWire to enter the scene.

LimeWire, building on the advancements made by Napster and other file-sharing systems, offered a similar P2P experience. It allowed users to search for and download various files, including music, videos, documents, and more. Like its predecessors, LimeWire functioned by connecting users directly with each other and enabling them to share files from their personal computers.

Unfortunately, LimeWire also faced legal challenges. In 2006, the RIAA filed a lawsuit against LimeWire for copyright infringement, alleging that the software enabled users to illegally share copyrighted content. After a lengthy legal battle, LimeWire was found liable for copyright infringement in 2010.

The court ordered LimeWire to shut down its operations and pay substantial damages, totaling over $1 billion. This marked the end of LimeWire’s era as a popular file-sharing platform.

Since then, other legal music streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music have emerged, providing a legal and convenient way for users to access and enjoy music. These services compensate artists and copyright holders for their work while ensuring that users can listen to their favorite songs legally and ethically.

The story of LimeWire highlights the transformative impact of file-sharing platforms like Napster and the subsequent legal battles they faced. Although they changed the way people consumed music, ultimately, the music industry adapted and developed new legal avenues for music distribution, allowing artists to be fairly compensated for their creations.

Volkswagen Group strengthens key personnel positions

In fall 2022, the Volkswagen Group laid the foundation for the fundamental transformation of Volkswagen to become a leader in digital and fully electric mobility with its 10-point plan. One focus of Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume is on strengthening the brands by means of attractive vehicles, quality and design. In order to consistently pursue this goal, Volkswagen Group is continuing to strengthen the brands, also in terms of personnel. As part of this, there will be personnel changes at CARIAD SE, Bentley Motors Ltd, Volkswagen AG, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Volkswagen Group Components from September 1, 2023.

Gunnar Kilian, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Human Resources and Truck & Bus: “We will further expand the competitiveness of our Group and accelerate the transformation. We are now also continuing to lay the groundwork for this in terms of personnel. The appointed colleagues will further strengthen customer orientation, entrepreneurship and team spirit in the brands. Their experience and excellent know-how will be both their tool and their compass.”

Personnel changes as of September 1, 2023

CARIAD SE
Dr. André Stoffels, First Vice President (Finance) FAW-VW Automotive will be the new Chief Financial Officer of CARIAD SE. He succeeds Dr. Thomas Sedran, who will take on other responsibilities within the Group. Following the appointment of Peter Bosch as the new CARIAD CEO as of June 1, 2023, this is now the next step in the realignment of the Volkswagen Software subsidiary.

Bentley Motors Ltd.
Peter Bosch will be succeeded as Member of the Board for Manufacturing at Bentley Motors Ltd. by Andreas Lehe, the current Head of Strategic Planning for the business division Production & Logistics of AUDI AG.

Volkswagen AG
Simon Bracco, Head of Corporate Quality at AUDI AG, will take over as Head of Group Quality at Volkswagen AG on September 1. He succeeds Michael Neumayer, who is retiring.
Dr. Stefan Weckbach, currently Head of the Mission X series at Porsche AG, will take over as Head of Group Strategy, Group Product Strategy and General Secretariat of Volkswagen AG on September 1, 2023. He will succeed Dr. Gernot Döllner, who will become the new CEO of AUDI AG on the same date.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Volkswagen Group Components
Dr. Astrid Fontaine’s successor as Member of the Board for Human Resources at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be Wolfgang Fueter, the current Chief Human Resources Officer of Volkswagen Group Components. Dr. Astrid Fontaine will take up new responsibilities in Human Resources at Volkswagen Group. As of September 1, Wolfgang Fueter will be succeeded as Chief Human Resources Officer of Volkswagen Group Components by Dr. Anika Stappenbeck, who will transfer from Skoda Auto a.s.

Dr. Anika Stappenbeck began her career in 2010 at Volkswagen in Wolfsburg in Technical Development. In 2012, the graduate industrial engineer moved to Technical Development at FAW-VW Automotive in Changchun, China. In 2015, Dr. Anika Stappenbeck returned to Wolfsburg and took on various and, from 2018, leading functions in Group Human Resources Top Management. In 2021, Dr. Anika Stappenbeck moved to Skoda Auto a.s. to take over as Head of Management Care and Employer Branding. On September 1, she will become Member of the Board for Human Resources at Volkswagen Group Components in Wolfsburg.

$9 Million Global City Challenge Launched to Drive Safe, Inclusive, and Sustainable Innovation in City Mobility

  • The Toyota Mobility Foundation has launched a three-year Sustainable Cities Challenge
  • The Challenge aims to help cities reduce carbon, improve access, and enhance data-driven concepts for transport systems
  • Three cities will work with innovators to overcome their mobility barriers

LONDON (June 21, 2023) – The Toyota Mobility Foundation, in partnership with Challenge Works and World Resources Institute, has launched a $9 million global challenge to help cities adapt to the future, with the potential to transform the lives of millions around the world.

As cities grow and evolve, the challenges of moving people and goods in reliable, efficient, and inclusive ways have never been more essential. At the same time, opportunities to apply advances in transport modes, infrastructure design, operations, energy options, and connected data systems have never been more promising.

The Sustainable Cities Challenge aims to improve the lives of people by increasing access to jobs, education, and other essential services. It will bring cities and innovators together to implement mobility solutions that could reduce carbon, improve accessibility, and use data to build more resilient transport systems.

“Our experience over the past decade has underscored the importance of local cities’ buy-in and engagement with our activities,” Ryan Klem, director of programs at the Toyota Mobility Foundation, said. “Throughout the Sustainable Cities Challenge, we are looking to work alongside cities to find innovative solutions in the areas they identify as critical to develop a scalable model for the cities of tomorrow.”

Call for Entries

Entry to the first stage of the Challenge is open to city leaders and municipal governments, transport departments and other related local and regional agencies. Entries should be submitted according to one or more of the following three themes:

  • Expanding access to safe, affordable, and inclusive modes of transportation
  • Harnessing the power of data to create connected and resilient mobility ecosystems
  • Reducing environmental impact through low-carbon and renewable energy solutions

Shortlisted cities will be invited to attend a capacity building academy in the U.S. and will receive support developing their challenge design, becoming part of a wider network of other innovative city teams.

In February 2024, three winning cities will be selected to host a City Challenge to attract entries from global innovators. Innovators could be homegrown – living in the city or country chosen – or from anywhere across the globe, but with solutions applicable and adapted to the winning cities.

The winning innovators for each city will be announced in late 2024, and the cities and innovators will share $9 million in funding to test and roll out their solutions.

Increase mobility solutions for a more sustainable future

Many cities are now adapting to new behaviors and lifestyles, as our lives move increasingly online, and patterns of work change. With more than half of the world’s population currently living in cities, the United Nations predicts this will increase to two-thirds by 2050. Additionally, cities are responsible for 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The Sustainable Cities Challenge is funded by the Toyota Mobility Foundation and has been designed in partnership with Challenge Works and World Resources Institute. Challenge Works is an international leader in developing challenge programs to drive new thinking and find creative solutions to problems facing society. World Resources Institute is a global research organization which works with partners to develop practical solutions that improve people’s lives and ensure that nature can thrive.

“Brilliant people all over the world are working hard to create innovative solutions to help mobility systems work better, and with a lower carbon footprint,” Kathy Nothstine, head of future cities at Challenge Works, said. “The Sustainable Cities Challenge will help those innovators interface with cities to test and adapt solutions according to local needs to improve people’s lives. Challenges like this can act as catalysts for change by accelerating innovation in real-world settings.”

In addition to helping cities decarbonize, transforming mobility systems will help cities become more inclusive and accessible for the people living in them. Currently, 1.2 billion people living in cities do not have access to one or more core services.

“Cities are in need of innovations to foster sustainable mobility that reduces emissions, improves health, and increases access to jobs and opportunity for all,” Ben Welle, director of integrated transport and innovation at World Resources Institute’s Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, said. “The Sustainable Cities Challenge is an excellent opportunity for cities globally to build capacity and support innovators to work hand in hand with officials.”

To find out more and to enter, visit the Sustainable Cities Challenge website.

About Toyota Mobility Foundation

The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) was established in August 2014 by the Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) to support the development of a more mobile society in which everyone can move freely. The Foundation underscores Toyota’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and respect for people. It utilizes Toyota’s expertise and technologies to support strong mobility systems while eliminating disparities in mobility. TMF works in partnership with universities, governments, non-profits, research institutions, and other organizations, creating programs that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address mobility issues around the world.

In the past, TMF has led a range of Challenges, including the global Mobility Unlimited Challenge, CATCH in Malaysia, InoveMob Challenge in Brazil and STAMP Challenge in India. You can find out more about TMF and how it is governed at toyotamobilityfoundation.org

About Challenge Works

For a decade, Challenge Works has established itself as a global leader in designing and delivering high-impact challenges that incentivize cutting-edge innovation for social good. Challenge Works is a social enterprise founded by the UK’s innovation agency Nesta. In the last 10 years, they have run more than 80 prizes, distributed £100 million in funding, and engaged with more than 12,000 innovators. Challenge Works believes no challenge is unsolvable, partnering with non-profits, governments, and other organizations around the globe to unearth the entrepreneurs and their innovations that can solve the greatest challenges of our time. Visit them at https://challengeworks.org/

About World Resources Institute

World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization with offices in Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United States, and regional offices for Africa and Europe. WRI’s 1,700 staff work with partners to develop practical solutions that improve people’s lives and ensure nature can thrive. Learn more: WRI.org and on Twitter @WorldResources.