The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid will drive into all the game-day action this Sunday with two humorous 30-second commercials on ESPN Deportes’.
See the commercial: Para Dormirse
See the commercial: Todos a la vez
Centering on the theme “same old story,” the campaign aims to spur people on to create original and exciting new stories with the RAV4 Hybrid as their enabler. In the spots “Lullaby” and “Gathering” – developed by Toyota’s Hispanic agency, Conill – viewers encounter individuals sharing their same old story with a friend, while those around them either fall asleep or finish their sentences because its all too familiar.
“Toyota continues to look at innovative ways to take our advertising beyond the norm, and to create engaging content,” said Dionne Colvin-Lovely, director of traditional and emerging media, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. “The campaign dares the new generation of drivers to explore the unknown with the RAV4 Hybrid and go as far as they’re willing to go.”
Wendell Scott, senior vice president of multimedia sales at ESPN, added, “The Super Bowl 50 coverage on ESPN Deportes represents a fantastic way to reach Spanish-language sports fans. Toyota and other marquee sponsors recognize the importance of this burgeoning audience and we look forward to debuting their ads during the game.”
In the next phase of the campaign, consumers will be invited to join in a social media play that encourages people to get out of their comfort zone and do things that they don’t usually do.
The effort will include a RAV4 Hybrid challenge, where three experts – a sports figure, a techy, and a musician – receive ideas from fans on how they can escape the tedium of their routines and find a new adventure.
ESPN Deportes will be the Spanish-language destination of Super Bowl 50, presenting coverage of the game on ESPN Deportes TV, ESPN Deportes Radio and WatchESPN, live from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA on Sunday, February 7 beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET. This is the first ever Super Bowl telecast for ESPN Deportes, brokered via an agreement with CBS, home of Super Bowl 50."
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206.243.0700
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206.243.0700
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206.243.0700
15025 1st Ave So, Burien, WA 98148
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Learning Program Changes Families, Education, and the Community
It’s not every day you find parents and children excited to work together on homework. But, take a look at families participating in Toyota Family Learning in Plano, Texas, and you’ll find a refreshing enthusiasm for learning.
See the video HERE.
The national family learning program provides a solution to the educational challenges facing low-income and ethnically diverse families. This week, Toyota and the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) unveiled its newest sites at two Plano schools – Plano Family Literacy School and Sigler Elementary. More than 200 parents and children have been enrolled in the program in Plano since September. It is being funded by a three-year, $175,000 grant from Toyota and NCFL.
Mireira Escobar, who attends classes with her pre-school daughter, Maggie, said the program is beneficial in many ways. “My life is better now than it was before. At school, I practice my English; now, when I go to the store or talk to teachers, I am much more comfortable. It has helped my entire life – both at home and out in the community.”
Toyota Family Learning empowers parents and caregivers, as well as their children, to become engaged in their schools and communities. It also leverages technology as parents and children learn together and serve their communities through NCFL’s Family Service Learning approach, Parent and Child Together (PACT) Time®, and family-to-family mentoring.
Independent evaluations show that among families participating in Toyota Family Learning in 2015:
- 90% of parents increased their engagement in their children’s education
- 96% of parents became better teachers to their children
- 75% of parents increased their English language skills
- 34% of parents got a better job
“Toyota Family Learning makes an impact that will be seen and felt for decades to come,” said Sharon Darling, president and founder of NCFL. “As parents and children are elevated through education and technology training, they realize they can make a difference in their own lives, as well as the community.”
Plano is the 11th community to become part of Toyota Family Learning. Four other cities will be unveiled this year. In total, Toyota has committed $10 million over a six-year period for this national education initiative.
“We are proud to stand with NCFL to make a real difference in the lives of families across the country,” said Latondra Newton, group vice president and chief social innovation officer for Toyota Motor North America, Inc. “It is especially exciting to bring this program to Plano, site of our new headquarters. By offering ways to learn that are innovative and engaging, we are able to bridge the gap between classroom and lifelong learning so that people can find success on the road of life.”
This year, NCFL and Toyota celebrate 25 years of partnership. Since 1991, more than 2 million families across the country have been impacted by Toyota-funded programs developed by NCFL – a pioneer in the concept of families learning and serving together to raise literacy levels, build workforce skills, and improve communities. These various programs have been brought to life in nearly 60 cities across the U.S.
The Toyota Family Learning initiative also includes two online learning communities: Family Time Machine, which encourages grantee site families to learn and thrive together, and Toyota Family Trails, a website that inspires families nationwide to learn through family exploration and adventure.
Toyota’s Engine
Jim Bolte and Team Members Power TMMAL
When Jim Bolte first began dating his wife, Tami, in college, there was a bit of a language barrier.
See, Tami, was a sign language major.
“I would go out with Tami and her friends and they would sign to each other and point at me and laugh,” says Bolte, who has been president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama (TMMAL) since 2009. “And I wouldn’t have a clue what they were saying.”
To fix the problem, Bolte took a sign language class of his own to make sure they weren’t saying anything too bad. Nowadays, Bolte can use sign language to communicate with hearing impaired team members.
Bolte’s professional life now revolves around building V-8, V-6 and 4-cylinder engines for Toyota vehicles. In September, TMMAL built its 4 millionth engine, so things are going pretty well.
Tell me about life growing up.
I was born in Louisville, Ky. My father was transferred to Buffalo, N.Y. He was with an oil company. Then he got transferred to Ashland, Ky. I graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Computer Science degree and joined Ashland oil company right out of college as a computer programmer. Sad to say, this was before the Internet even existed.
Why did you decide to get into computers?
I thought someday everyone would own a computer. I had no idea how or why. Back then it was just big mainframes.
How did you get to Toyota?
When Toyota came to Georgetown, I was the 351st person they hired. Even before the plant was finished, I was working in information systems and ended up becoming the vice president of IS for Toyota North America on the manufacturing side. Then I got a call one day from the TEMA president asking if I would be willing to go to the new plant in Alabama. I ended up double capping as VP of IS and VP of the Alabama plant for three years.
Talk about the demands of double duty.
For three years, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, I was in Alabama. Thursday I was in Erlanger and Friday I was in Georgetown.
It’s tough because you really can’t do either job 100 percent as well as you could or should because you’re dividing your time. But sometimes you have to do it. Just to bridge the gap until someone else is named.
In July 2006 I decided to stay here in Alabama full time, and in April 2009 I became president. Despite my involvement, it’s gone really well so far.
Why did they tap an IS guy to run a manufacturing plant?
I have no clue. But really, I think it’s because IS people are pretty good at problem solving. This plant, with 1,300 people and 1.2 million square feet is very dynamic. Something is changing all the time.
Humans are going to make mistakes and machines are going to break down. It’s a given. I think IS people have that kind of logical thinking that helps solve the problems. But it has got to be someone that can communicate well because you’re leading a big organization. So I’m not sure why I was sent to Alabama, but I like to think it was because of communication and problem solving experience.
What event in your life meant the most to your current success?
I left IS for about four years from 1994 to 1998 and did a corporate strategy function at TEMA, which really gave me a lot of exposure to all the plants in North America. That really opened the door to movement in my career. But it was really scary to leave my area of training and expertise to do something totally different, but I think it really grew me in terms of the breadth of my experience and exposure to the regional organization.
What is the biggest challenge you face in your current role?
Sales are very strong in North America, so our demand is very high. Team members are working 10-hour days. In some cases on Saturdays, Sundays and over a holiday weekend.
I’m so impressed with their willingness to do that. But it’s hard and nobody wants to do it forever. For us, it’s balancing team member morale, keeping motivation high and staying focused on good quality, safety and productivity.
What’s the most effective way to lead people?
Build personal relationships. I’ve probably met with hundreds of people individually. My assistant will schedule one-on-one meetings randomly several times a week. We just sit down and chat about whatever they want to talk about. I think that resonates with people. I always ask if they’ve heard any rumors. It’s a great way for me to hear what’s going on. And I hear a lot.
Does that affect how you do your job at all?
It affects the decision making. As a management team, we look at team members as our customers. I want to be able to try to remove any obstacles that prevent them from doing their job the best they can. Every decision we make is predicated around how it’s going to impact the team members. I can lead all day long, but without the team members, we don’t get one engine built. So it’s important to understand who is really running the company. It’s really the team members.
When Jim Bolte first began dating his wife, Tami, in college, there was a bit of a language barrier.
See, Tami, was a sign language major.
“I would go out with Tami and her friends and they would sign to each other and point at me and laugh,” says Bolte, who has been president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama (TMMAL) since 2009. “And I wouldn’t have a clue what they were saying.”
To fix the problem, Bolte took a sign language class of his own to make sure they weren’t saying anything too bad. Nowadays, Bolte can use sign language to communicate with hearing impaired team members.
Bolte’s professional life now revolves around building V-8, V-6 and 4-cylinder engines for Toyota vehicles. In September, TMMAL built its 4 millionth engine, so things are going pretty well.
Tell me about life growing up.
I was born in Louisville, Ky. My father was transferred to Buffalo, N.Y. He was with an oil company. Then he got transferred to Ashland, Ky. I graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Computer Science degree and joined Ashland oil company right out of college as a computer programmer. Sad to say, this was before the Internet even existed.
Why did you decide to get into computers?
I thought someday everyone would own a computer. I had no idea how or why. Back then it was just big mainframes.
How did you get to Toyota?
When Toyota came to Georgetown, I was the 351st person they hired. Even before the plant was finished, I was working in information systems and ended up becoming the vice president of IS for Toyota North America on the manufacturing side. Then I got a call one day from the TEMA president asking if I would be willing to go to the new plant in Alabama. I ended up double capping as VP of IS and VP of the Alabama plant for three years.
Talk about the demands of double duty.
For three years, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, I was in Alabama. Thursday I was in Erlanger and Friday I was in Georgetown.
It’s tough because you really can’t do either job 100 percent as well as you could or should because you’re dividing your time. But sometimes you have to do it. Just to bridge the gap until someone else is named.
In July 2006 I decided to stay here in Alabama full time, and in April 2009 I became president. Despite my involvement, it’s gone really well so far.
Why did they tap an IS guy to run a manufacturing plant?
I have no clue. But really, I think it’s because IS people are pretty good at problem solving. This plant, with 1,300 people and 1.2 million square feet is very dynamic. Something is changing all the time.
Humans are going to make mistakes and machines are going to break down. It’s a given. I think IS people have that kind of logical thinking that helps solve the problems. But it has got to be someone that can communicate well because you’re leading a big organization. So I’m not sure why I was sent to Alabama, but I like to think it was because of communication and problem solving experience.
What event in your life meant the most to your current success?
I left IS for about four years from 1994 to 1998 and did a corporate strategy function at TEMA, which really gave me a lot of exposure to all the plants in North America. That really opened the door to movement in my career. But it was really scary to leave my area of training and expertise to do something totally different, but I think it really grew me in terms of the breadth of my experience and exposure to the regional organization.
What is the biggest challenge you face in your current role?
Sales are very strong in North America, so our demand is very high. Team members are working 10-hour days. In some cases on Saturdays, Sundays and over a holiday weekend.
I’m so impressed with their willingness to do that. But it’s hard and nobody wants to do it forever. For us, it’s balancing team member morale, keeping motivation high and staying focused on good quality, safety and productivity.
What’s the most effective way to lead people?
Build personal relationships. I’ve probably met with hundreds of people individually. My assistant will schedule one-on-one meetings randomly several times a week. We just sit down and chat about whatever they want to talk about. I think that resonates with people. I always ask if they’ve heard any rumors. It’s a great way for me to hear what’s going on. And I hear a lot.
Does that affect how you do your job at all?
It affects the decision making. As a management team, we look at team members as our customers. I want to be able to try to remove any obstacles that prevent them from doing their job the best they can. Every decision we make is predicated around how it’s going to impact the team members. I can lead all day long, but without the team members, we don’t get one engine built. So it’s important to understand who is really running the company. It’s really the team members.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
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Sunday, February 21, 2016
Toyota Again the 'Most Admired' Motor Vehicle Company in FORTUNE’s Study
Automaker earns #28 spot in “World’s Most Admired Companies“ list
Toyota was once again named the top motor vehicle company in Fortune Magazine’s annual list of the “World’s Most Admired Companies.” Toyota is also ranked at #28 overall out of all companies surveyed and was in the top ten in both talent and running a global business.
The “World’s Most Admired Companies” survey measures nine attributes considered critical to a company’s global success, including quality of management, social responsibility, people management and global competitiveness, among others. Toyota ranked No.1 across all categories in the motor vehicles sector. The list, widely considered to be the definitive report card on corporate reputation, is based on company surveys and peer ratings from senior executives, directors and analysts.
"Toyota is honored to once again be recognized as a most admired company,” said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor North America chief executive officer. “All of our team members and partners worldwide contribute to enhancing Toyota’s reputation by creating the future of mobility and contributing to a better society through safer, greener, and more fun driving experiences. This recognition is a reflection of their dedication to continuous improvement and exceeding customers’ expectations.”
The full list appears in the magazine’s March issue, available now on Fortune’s website atfortune.com/WMAC and on newsstands February 22.
FORTUNE’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” Methodology
Korn Ferry Hay Group started with approximately 1,500 companies with revenues of $10 billion or more, then selected the 15 largest for each international industry and the 10 largest for each U.S. industry, surveying a total of 652 companies from 30 countries.
To arrive at the top 50 Most Admired Companies overall, Korn Ferry Hay Group asked 4,000 executives, directors, and securities analysts to select the 10 companies they admired most. They chose from a list made up of the companies that ranked in the top 25% in last year’s surveys, plus those that finished in the top 20% of their industry. Anyone could vote for any company in any industry. To create the 54 industry lists, participants were asked to rate companies in their own industry on nine criteria.
Toyota was once again named the top motor vehicle company in Fortune Magazine’s annual list of the “World’s Most Admired Companies.” Toyota is also ranked at #28 overall out of all companies surveyed and was in the top ten in both talent and running a global business.
The “World’s Most Admired Companies” survey measures nine attributes considered critical to a company’s global success, including quality of management, social responsibility, people management and global competitiveness, among others. Toyota ranked No.1 across all categories in the motor vehicles sector. The list, widely considered to be the definitive report card on corporate reputation, is based on company surveys and peer ratings from senior executives, directors and analysts.
"Toyota is honored to once again be recognized as a most admired company,” said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor North America chief executive officer. “All of our team members and partners worldwide contribute to enhancing Toyota’s reputation by creating the future of mobility and contributing to a better society through safer, greener, and more fun driving experiences. This recognition is a reflection of their dedication to continuous improvement and exceeding customers’ expectations.”
The full list appears in the magazine’s March issue, available now on Fortune’s website atfortune.com/WMAC and on newsstands February 22.
FORTUNE’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” Methodology
Korn Ferry Hay Group started with approximately 1,500 companies with revenues of $10 billion or more, then selected the 15 largest for each international industry and the 10 largest for each U.S. industry, surveying a total of 652 companies from 30 countries.
To arrive at the top 50 Most Admired Companies overall, Korn Ferry Hay Group asked 4,000 executives, directors, and securities analysts to select the 10 companies they admired most. They chose from a list made up of the companies that ranked in the top 25% in last year’s surveys, plus those that finished in the top 20% of their industry. Anyone could vote for any company in any industry. To create the 54 industry lists, participants were asked to rate companies in their own industry on nine criteria.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro - - Dirtier Than Ever!
Toyota Kicks Up More Dust with the Debut of the Newest Tacoma TRD Pro Off-Road Pickup
Whether tackling treacherous snow-covered terrain, driving off the beaten path, or surviving extreme conditions where roads fear to tread, the adrenaline-pumping TRD Pro Series from Toyota is up for any challenge. Two years ago, the TRD Pro Series arose from Toyota’s storied off-road racing heritage, with its numerous victories in the grueling Baja off-road endurance races. Born from this experience, the Toyota TRD Pro Series Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner have helped serious off-roaders go places they never dreamed possible.
This fall, the Toyota Tacoma will rejoin the 2017 model year TRD Pro family with all-new factory-installed off-road equipment designed by the experts at Toyota Racing Development (TRD) to make it even more off-road capable than before.
Aimed squarely at extreme off-roading enthusiasts who challenge themselves and their trucks and SUV’s in some of the harshest conditions, the new 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro will raise the bar on TRD Pro performance. Courtesy of TRD, the new Tacoma TRD Pro will add an array of new performance equipment and features, making this a truly second-generation TRD Pro product, and the new benchmark for challenging off-road terrain.
Extreme Exterior for Extreme Performance
The 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro is designed to not only look tough, but to perform in the toughest off-road environment. Based on the Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4x4 Double Cab Short Bed model in either 6-speed manual (with clutch start-cancel switch) or 6-speed automatic transmission, the new Tacoma TRD Pro will be available in three exterior colors: Cement, Barcelona Red Metallic, and Super White. The exterior of each Tacoma TRD Pro model will also include:
Each Tacoma TRD Pro will also come equipped with a heritage-inspired TOYOTA front grille with color-keyed surround, blacked out hood scoop and graphic, color-keyed power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, color-keyed door handles, black overfenders, and a color-keyed rear bumper.
Interior Sportiness Combined with Convenience Technology
Driving a sporty package in rugged off-road conditions does not mean you can’t ride in comfort and with the latest safety and convenience technologies. The new Tacoma TRD Pro combines sportiness and convenience with standard features that include:
The new Tacoma TRD Pro also includes an analog instrumentation that features a 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display (MID) with an integrated inclinometer and tilt gauge. The MID also adds outside temperature, odometer, tripmeters, and average fuel economy.
As in all Tacoma models, a GoPro® mount is located on the windshield for serious off-roaders who like to document their exploits with GoPro® HERO cameras.
Pro Performance
The new 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro continues to be all about off-road performance as it strives to raise the bar from the original. The Tacoma TRD Pro will be powered by a 3.5-Liter V6 DOHC 24-valve direct-injection Atkinson-cycle engine with VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) intake and VVT-I exhaust.
Tacoma TRD Pro really earns its off-road cred through its TRD-installed suspension and exhaust enhancements that include:
Every Tacoma TRD Pro will be equipped with 4WDemand part-time 4WD with a transfer case and Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD) that are both electronically-controlled. Also standard will be a V6 Tow Package that includes a Class-IV towing receiver hitch, ATF cooler (automatic only), engine oil cooler, power steering cooler, 130-amp alternator, 4- and 7-pin connector with convertor, and Trailer-Sway Control (TSC).
An electronically controlled locking rear differential is also standard to help distribute engine power evenly to both rear wheels so they move at the same speed, providing more grip in low-traction conditions.
When the trail gets challenging, Tacoma TRD Pro’s Crawl Control (CRAWL) will help drivers conquer their off-road adventure. Equipped on automatics only, this advanced system automatically modulates the throttle and brakes on five low-speed settings so you can keep your focus on navigating across difficult terrain.
Equipped on Tacoma TRD Pro automatic is the Toyota Multi-terrain Select system. With five modes to choose from, the system helps regulate wheel spin by automatically adjusting the engine throttle and traction control. When combined with the standard Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain tires with tough Kevlar construction, Multi-terrain Select helps enhance traction dramatically, meaning you can get back to the fun more quickly.
Tacoma TRD Pro’s Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), equipped on automatic transmission models only, helps you safely get up those hills. This technology helps minimize Tacoma from rolling backward when you move your foot from the brake to the gas pedal, so you can move upward with confidence.
The added traction of 4WD is great, but with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), it’s even better! Equipped only on the Tacoma TRD Pro manual, A-TRAC is a 4WD traction control system that uses the 4-channel ABS system to control power flow to the front and rear wheels, all without cutting throttle input, to help make traction no matter where you may be.
Street Cred On and Off-Road
The TRD Pro Series is the most-advanced yet in a long line of TRD packages for Toyota trucks that dates back to 1998 when the first Off-Road package was introduced for Tacoma.
TRD has been an in-house engine and chassis developer for successful Toyota racing activities around the world for nearly four decades. It also develops motorsport-derived accessories for Toyota, Lexus and Scion street cars and trucks. TRD’s U.S. operations were first established in 1979 and are headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., with an additional facility in Salisbury, N.C.
Toyota Factory Warranty
Like all Toyota vehicles, the Tacoma TRD Pro receives a 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. The Tacoma also comes standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.
The Tacoma TRD Pro will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc. (TMMTX) in San Antonio.
The Tacoma TRD Pro Series will start getting down and dirty in the fall of 2016.
2017 TACOMA TRD PRO PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
Whether tackling treacherous snow-covered terrain, driving off the beaten path, or surviving extreme conditions where roads fear to tread, the adrenaline-pumping TRD Pro Series from Toyota is up for any challenge. Two years ago, the TRD Pro Series arose from Toyota’s storied off-road racing heritage, with its numerous victories in the grueling Baja off-road endurance races. Born from this experience, the Toyota TRD Pro Series Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner have helped serious off-roaders go places they never dreamed possible.
This fall, the Toyota Tacoma will rejoin the 2017 model year TRD Pro family with all-new factory-installed off-road equipment designed by the experts at Toyota Racing Development (TRD) to make it even more off-road capable than before.
Aimed squarely at extreme off-roading enthusiasts who challenge themselves and their trucks and SUV’s in some of the harshest conditions, the new 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro will raise the bar on TRD Pro performance. Courtesy of TRD, the new Tacoma TRD Pro will add an array of new performance equipment and features, making this a truly second-generation TRD Pro product, and the new benchmark for challenging off-road terrain.
Extreme Exterior for Extreme Performance
The 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro is designed to not only look tough, but to perform in the toughest off-road environment. Based on the Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4x4 Double Cab Short Bed model in either 6-speed manual (with clutch start-cancel switch) or 6-speed automatic transmission, the new Tacoma TRD Pro will be available in three exterior colors: Cement, Barcelona Red Metallic, and Super White. The exterior of each Tacoma TRD Pro model will also include:
- 16-inch TRD black alloy wheels with Goodyear Wrangler® All-Terrain Kevlar®-reinforced tires
- TRD Pro aluminum front skid plate
- Rigid Industries® LED fog lights
- Projector-beam headlights with black bezels, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and auto on/off feature
- Taillights with black bezels
- TRD Pro badge on front door with diamond-pattern knurled finish
- Black TRD Pro and 4x4 rear tailgate badging
Each Tacoma TRD Pro will also come equipped with a heritage-inspired TOYOTA front grille with color-keyed surround, blacked out hood scoop and graphic, color-keyed power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, color-keyed door handles, black overfenders, and a color-keyed rear bumper.
Interior Sportiness Combined with Convenience Technology
Driving a sporty package in rugged off-road conditions does not mean you can’t ride in comfort and with the latest safety and convenience technologies. The new Tacoma TRD Pro combines sportiness and convenience with standard features that include:
- Black TRD Pro leather-trimmed heated front seats with TRD Pro logo located in the headrest
- 4-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and 4-way adjustable front passenger seat
- Entune™ Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite
- TRD shift knob
- TRD Pro floor mats
- Leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth® hands-free phone controls
- Rear parking assist sonar
- Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
The new Tacoma TRD Pro also includes an analog instrumentation that features a 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display (MID) with an integrated inclinometer and tilt gauge. The MID also adds outside temperature, odometer, tripmeters, and average fuel economy.
As in all Tacoma models, a GoPro® mount is located on the windshield for serious off-roaders who like to document their exploits with GoPro® HERO cameras.
Pro Performance
The new 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro continues to be all about off-road performance as it strives to raise the bar from the original. The Tacoma TRD Pro will be powered by a 3.5-Liter V6 DOHC 24-valve direct-injection Atkinson-cycle engine with VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) intake and VVT-I exhaust.
Tacoma TRD Pro really earns its off-road cred through its TRD-installed suspension and exhaust enhancements that include:
- FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks tuned by TRD
- TRD-tuned front springs with a 1-inch lift
- TRD-tuned rear suspension with progressive-rate off-road leaf spring
Every Tacoma TRD Pro will be equipped with 4WDemand part-time 4WD with a transfer case and Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD) that are both electronically-controlled. Also standard will be a V6 Tow Package that includes a Class-IV towing receiver hitch, ATF cooler (automatic only), engine oil cooler, power steering cooler, 130-amp alternator, 4- and 7-pin connector with convertor, and Trailer-Sway Control (TSC).
An electronically controlled locking rear differential is also standard to help distribute engine power evenly to both rear wheels so they move at the same speed, providing more grip in low-traction conditions.
When the trail gets challenging, Tacoma TRD Pro’s Crawl Control (CRAWL) will help drivers conquer their off-road adventure. Equipped on automatics only, this advanced system automatically modulates the throttle and brakes on five low-speed settings so you can keep your focus on navigating across difficult terrain.
Equipped on Tacoma TRD Pro automatic is the Toyota Multi-terrain Select system. With five modes to choose from, the system helps regulate wheel spin by automatically adjusting the engine throttle and traction control. When combined with the standard Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain tires with tough Kevlar construction, Multi-terrain Select helps enhance traction dramatically, meaning you can get back to the fun more quickly.
Tacoma TRD Pro’s Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), equipped on automatic transmission models only, helps you safely get up those hills. This technology helps minimize Tacoma from rolling backward when you move your foot from the brake to the gas pedal, so you can move upward with confidence.
The added traction of 4WD is great, but with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), it’s even better! Equipped only on the Tacoma TRD Pro manual, A-TRAC is a 4WD traction control system that uses the 4-channel ABS system to control power flow to the front and rear wheels, all without cutting throttle input, to help make traction no matter where you may be.
Street Cred On and Off-Road
The TRD Pro Series is the most-advanced yet in a long line of TRD packages for Toyota trucks that dates back to 1998 when the first Off-Road package was introduced for Tacoma.
TRD has been an in-house engine and chassis developer for successful Toyota racing activities around the world for nearly four decades. It also develops motorsport-derived accessories for Toyota, Lexus and Scion street cars and trucks. TRD’s U.S. operations were first established in 1979 and are headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., with an additional facility in Salisbury, N.C.
Toyota Factory Warranty
Like all Toyota vehicles, the Tacoma TRD Pro receives a 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. The Tacoma also comes standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.
The Tacoma TRD Pro will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc. (TMMTX) in San Antonio.
The Tacoma TRD Pro Series will start getting down and dirty in the fall of 2016.
2017 TACOMA TRD PRO PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
| Tacoma TRD Pro | |
| Wheels | -16” TRD black alloy -Aggressive wheel offset widens the track +1.0-inches front and rear |
| Tires | -Goodyear Wrangler® All-Terrain Kevlar®-reinforced tires |
| Shocks | FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks Tuned by TRD - Front: TRD-tuned FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass Coil-overs with TRD coil springs - Rear: TRD-tuned FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass Shocks with TRD Off-Road specification Leaf Springs - 2.5-inch diameter aluminum bodies - FOX patented Internal Bypass technology - Position-sensitive Damping - Internal Floating Pistons (IFP) - Hardened, oversized shock shafts are protected by redundant dust boots - Improved suspension droop travel and bottom out resistance |
| Springs | -Unique TRD-Tuned front springs provide a 1-inch lift -TRD-tuned rear suspension includes progressive-rate leaf springs from TRD Off-Road models. |
| Fog Lights | - Rigid Industries® LED fog lights - Cool white (6500K) light color -35-degree high intensity beam pattern - Instant On/Off |
| Skid Plate | - TRD PRO front skid plate - Constructed of ¼-inch aluminum |
| Exterior | - Unique heritage-inspired “TOYOTA” front grille with color-keyed surround - Blacked-out hood scoop and graphic - Black bezel headlights, taillights, and overfenders - Color-keyed mirrors, door handles, rear bumper - Black “TRD PRO” badge on front door with diamond-pattern knurled finish - TRD Pro and 4x4 rear tailgate badging |
| Exterior Colors | -Cement, Barcelona Red Metallic, Super White |
| Interior | - Black TRD Pro Leather-trimmed heated front seats - TRD Pro logo located in headrest - TRD Shift Knob - TRD Floor Mats |
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Toyota Gets the Spotlight with Big Game Ad Starring the All-New 2016 Prius
Toyota Launches Prius Campaign with Comedic Spot Highlighting the Reinvention of the World’s Best-Selling Hybrid
#GoPriusGo. The striking all-new 2016 Toyota Prius steals America’s heart in an entertaining, light-hearted 90-second commercial that aired during the first half of Super Bowl 50.
See the hilarious commercial here.
Nearly two decades after introducing the American public to the everyday benefits of hybrid technology, and selling more than two million of the iconic vehicles, the fourth-generation model unveils radical styling, an advanced interior not seen before in a Prius. What’s more, the new Prius boasts advanced technology throughout, including a suite of safety features. Each of these innovations complements a new platform that features a double-wishbone rear suspension and a lower center of gravity than previous generations for dramatically-improved handling.
In an amusing storyline showcasing four loveable rebels, adoringly coined, “The Prius 4,” Toyota’s Big Game ad, “The Longest Chase,” puts the Prius into a thrilling, action-packed pursuit. The spot, meant to serve more as a Hollywood caper movie than a commercial, follows the comedic adventure, as the public rallies together to cheer on the group’s exciting rendezvous across the country in the dramatically-redesigned Prius.
The hybrid leader’s in-game ad simultaneously boasts about the vehicle’s notable fuel economy while touting the car’s advanced platform design.
“Super Sunday is truly one of America’s most talked about cultural moments of the year. At Toyota, we think there is no better way to not only introduce the edgier new Prius in an entertaining way, but also to show off the innovative features that we hope will inspire a new generation of energy-conscious guests,” said Jack Hollis, group vice president, Marketing, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “Prius is the industry’s hybrid hero, and the tongue-in-cheek creative idea surrounding our spot plays on that analogy.”
Developed by Toyota’s agency of record, Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles, the commercial, as well as the post-game ads that continue the story, were shot under the direction of esteemed film director, Lance Acord.
“We worked with Lance to create a film that could be edited into consumable pieces of episodic content,” said Jason Schragger, chief creative officer, Saatchi & Saatchi LA. “It was very important for us to create more than a series of advertisements. We wanted to author a piece of branded entertainment with a story that would extend long beyond the conversation about the big game.”
Toyota also engaged viewers socially at the end of their official in-game ad with a real-time activation. Viewers were encouraged to tweet with the designated “#GoPriusGo” hashtag for a chance to have their tweets featured in “Phenomenon” – one of Toyota’s post-game spots, which depicts the protagonists captivating the public as they experience the journey of a lifetime.
Further elevating hype in the social media sphere, Toyota – with the help of Hispanic agency partner, Conill – partnered with social famous celebrities reacting to incredible plays, including the new Prius pursuit. Actor and model Kellan Lutz along with actress and Nickelodeon star, Daniella Monet, joined social rock stars @MattJCutshall, @BarronBoedecker and @BryantEslava to share real-time creative content featuring playful banter around Prius and Game Day action. Mexican-American singer Becky G and 11-time NBA All Star, Chris Bosh along with wife Adrienne Bosh, added to the groundswell of Super Bowl chatter with social content tagged #GoPriusGo.
“Social media helps us tell the Prius story in an instantaneous way, all while enhancing the multi-screen experience for consumers,” said Lisa Materazzo, corporate manager, Media Strategy & Digital Engagement, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “The next-generation Prius driver lives each moment to the fullest – and what bigger adventure to embark on, than to be featured on the biggest stage in sports.”
Friday, February 5, 2016
Scion Brand to Transition to Toyota
Valuable Insights Will Aid Toyota in Attracting New, Young Customers
Scion, established as a separate brand in 2003 as a laboratory to explore new products and processes to attract youth customers, is now transitioning back to the Toyota brand. Scion achieved its goals of developing unique products and processes, and bringing in new, younger customers to Toyota. With more than a million cars sold, 70 percent of Scions were purchased by customers new to Toyota and 50 percent were under 35 years old.
“This isn’t a step backward for Scion; it’s a leap forward for Toyota. Scion has allowed us to fast track ideas that would have been challenging to test through the Toyota network,” said Jim Lentz, founding vice president of Scion and now CEO, Toyota Motor North America. “I was there when we established Scion and our goal was to make Toyota and our dealers stronger by learning how to better attract and engage young customers. I’m very proud because that’s exactly what we have accomplished.
“We could not have achieved the success we have had without the incredible support of Scion’s customers, dealers and team members, so supporting them throughout this transition process will be one of our top priorities,” said Lentz.
Toyota’s decision was made in response to customers’ needs. Today’s younger buyers still want fun-to-drive vehicles that look good, but they are also more practical. They, like their parents, have come to appreciate the Toyota brand and its traditional attributes of quality, dependability and reliability. At the same time, new Toyota vehicles have evolved to feature the dynamic styling and handling young people desire.
Scion has consistently been the youngest brand in the auto industry with an average age of 36 years old. At 29, the tC sports coupe has the lowest-average age buyer in the industry. The most recent additions to the line-up, the iA sedan and iM 5-door hatchback, are bringing in new buyers with 70 percent being first-time new car purchasers. Additionally, more than 50 percent of iM and iA buyers are under 35 years old.
As part of the brand transition, beginning in August 2016, MY17 Scion vehicles will be rebadged as Toyotas. The FR-S sports car, iA sedan and iM 5-door hatchback will become part of the Toyota family. The tC sports coupe will have a final release series edition and end production in August 2016. The C-HR, which recently debuted at the L.A. Auto Show, will be a part of the Toyota line-up.
The service and repair process for Scion customers will be unaffected by this change as customers will continue to visit Toyota dealerships’ service departments.
“We appreciate our 1,004 Scion dealers and the support they’ve given the brand,” said Bob Carter, Toyota senior vice president of automotive operations. “We believe our dealers have gained valuable insights and have received a strong return on their investment. During this time of transition, we will work closely with them to support this process and help communicate this change to customers.”
Scion’s 22 dedicated team members, who represent sales, marketing, distribution, strategy, and product and accessories planning, will have the opportunity to take on new jobs at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. in Torrance. Scion regional representatives will assume different responsibilities in their respective Toyota sales offices.
“Scion has had some amazing products over the years and our current vehicles are packed with premium features at value prices,” said Andrew Gilleland, Scion vice president. “It’s been a great run and I’m proud that the spirit of Scion will live on through the knowledge and products soon to be available through the Toyota network.”
Scion Accomplishments:
Scion Processes - Scion served as a laboratory for products and key sales and marketing processes that have provided valuable lessons for other Toyota brands:
Scion Executives -- Scion served as an important training ground for Toyota vice presidents, many of whom have been promoted to other roles:
Scion sales by model and year:
Scion, established as a separate brand in 2003 as a laboratory to explore new products and processes to attract youth customers, is now transitioning back to the Toyota brand. Scion achieved its goals of developing unique products and processes, and bringing in new, younger customers to Toyota. With more than a million cars sold, 70 percent of Scions were purchased by customers new to Toyota and 50 percent were under 35 years old.
“This isn’t a step backward for Scion; it’s a leap forward for Toyota. Scion has allowed us to fast track ideas that would have been challenging to test through the Toyota network,” said Jim Lentz, founding vice president of Scion and now CEO, Toyota Motor North America. “I was there when we established Scion and our goal was to make Toyota and our dealers stronger by learning how to better attract and engage young customers. I’m very proud because that’s exactly what we have accomplished.
“We could not have achieved the success we have had without the incredible support of Scion’s customers, dealers and team members, so supporting them throughout this transition process will be one of our top priorities,” said Lentz.
Toyota’s decision was made in response to customers’ needs. Today’s younger buyers still want fun-to-drive vehicles that look good, but they are also more practical. They, like their parents, have come to appreciate the Toyota brand and its traditional attributes of quality, dependability and reliability. At the same time, new Toyota vehicles have evolved to feature the dynamic styling and handling young people desire.
Scion has consistently been the youngest brand in the auto industry with an average age of 36 years old. At 29, the tC sports coupe has the lowest-average age buyer in the industry. The most recent additions to the line-up, the iA sedan and iM 5-door hatchback, are bringing in new buyers with 70 percent being first-time new car purchasers. Additionally, more than 50 percent of iM and iA buyers are under 35 years old.
As part of the brand transition, beginning in August 2016, MY17 Scion vehicles will be rebadged as Toyotas. The FR-S sports car, iA sedan and iM 5-door hatchback will become part of the Toyota family. The tC sports coupe will have a final release series edition and end production in August 2016. The C-HR, which recently debuted at the L.A. Auto Show, will be a part of the Toyota line-up.
The service and repair process for Scion customers will be unaffected by this change as customers will continue to visit Toyota dealerships’ service departments.
“We appreciate our 1,004 Scion dealers and the support they’ve given the brand,” said Bob Carter, Toyota senior vice president of automotive operations. “We believe our dealers have gained valuable insights and have received a strong return on their investment. During this time of transition, we will work closely with them to support this process and help communicate this change to customers.”
Scion’s 22 dedicated team members, who represent sales, marketing, distribution, strategy, and product and accessories planning, will have the opportunity to take on new jobs at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. in Torrance. Scion regional representatives will assume different responsibilities in their respective Toyota sales offices.
“Scion has had some amazing products over the years and our current vehicles are packed with premium features at value prices,” said Andrew Gilleland, Scion vice president. “It’s been a great run and I’m proud that the spirit of Scion will live on through the knowledge and products soon to be available through the Toyota network.”
Scion Accomplishments:
Scion Processes - Scion served as a laboratory for products and key sales and marketing processes that have provided valuable lessons for other Toyota brands:
- Pure Pricing – dealers set a price for a car and customers did not need to negotiate
- Mono-Spec cars – providing cars with only two options: transmission and color
- Personalization – offering a large array of accessories to help customers customize their vehicles
- Pure Process – transparent financing process
- Pure Process Plus – an online system so much of the car-purchase process could be completed online
- Scion Service Boost – pre-paid maintenance plan
- Release Series – dynamic life cycle management through special features and options
- Grassroots marketing – initial Scion brand was “discovered” by customers through unique events
Scion Executives -- Scion served as an important training ground for Toyota vice presidents, many of whom have been promoted to other roles:
- Jim Lentz -- Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Motor North America
- Mark Templin – Managing Officer, Toyota Motor Corporation, Executive Vice President, Lexus International
- Jack Hollis – Group Vice President, Toyota Marketing
- Doug Murtha – Group Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Planning, Toyota Motor North America
- Andrew Gilleland – current Vice President, Scion
Scion sales by model and year:
| Scion Sales History 2003 - 2015 | ||||||||||||||
| 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | Total | |
| FR-S | 0 | 11,417 | 18,327 | 14,062 | 10,507 | 54,313 | ||||||||
| iQ | 0 | 248 | 8,879 | 4,046 | 2,040 | 482 | 15,695 | |||||||
| tC | 28,062 | 74,415 | 79,125 | 63,852 | 40,980 | 17,998 | 15,204 | 22,433 | 22,666 | 19,094 | 17,947 | 16,459 | 418,235 | |
| xB | 6,936 | 47,013 | 54,037 | 61,306 | 45,834 | 45,220 | 25,461 | 20,364 | 17,017 | 19,789 | 17,849 | 16,583 | 15,223 | 392,632 |
| xD | 10,948 | 27,665 | 14,499 | 10,110 | 9,573 | 10,756 | 9,005 | 7,377 | 794 | 100,727 | ||||
| xA | 3,962 | 24,184 | 28,033 | 32,603 | 9,547 | 39 | 3 | 98,371 | ||||||
| iA | 7,605 | 7,605 | ||||||||||||
| iM | 5,097 | 5,097 | ||||||||||||
| Total | 10,898 | 99,259 | 156,485 | 173,034 | 130,181 | 113,904 | 57,961 | 45,678 | 49,271 | 73,507 | 68,321 | 58,009 | 56,167 | 1,092,675 |
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