Today’s Executive Proclamation is a major set-back for American consumers, workers and the auto industry.
Toyota has been deeply engrained in the U.S. for over 60 years. Between our R&D centers, 10 manufacturing plants, 1,500-strong dealer network, extensive supply chain and other operations, we directly and indirectly employ over 475,000 in the U.S., and have invested over $60 billion in this country, including over $1 billion in philanthropic and community-outreach efforts.
Today’s proclamation sends a message to Toyota that our investments are not welcomed, and the contributions from each of our employees across America are not valued.
We have been a leader in R&D through open-sourcing of patents in critical technologies such as fuel cells, hybrid electrification and continue to be transparent and collaborative with our innovations. Our goal is to develop technologies that help society and contribute to sustaining the economy and jobs in the U.S. We continue to innovate in areas of AI, autonomous and robotics technologies that will further contribute and improve our American society.
Most every American has a Toyota story and we are very proud of the fact that over 36 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles are still on U.S. roads today. Our operations and employees contribute significantly to the American way of life, the U.S. economy and are not a national security threat.
History has shown that limiting import vehicles and parts is counterproductive in creating jobs, stimulating the economy and influencing consumer buying habits. These artificial limitations would reduce consumer choice and impact all automakers since vehicle parts used in U.S. manufacturing are sourced from around the globe. If import quotas are imposed, the biggest losers will be consumers who will pay more and have fewer vehicle choices.
We remain hopeful that the upcoming negotiations on trade can be resolved quickly and yield what is best for the American consumer, workers and the auto industry.
Monday, May 27, 2019
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Top Reasons Why Toyota is a Leading Company for Diversity
DiversityInc named Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) one of its Top 50 Companies for Diversity®, ranking 18th on the 2019 survey, up from number 25 last year. The company was also recognized for diverse leadership and its commitment to hiring women of color, LGBT and veteran team members.
The DiversityInc Top 50 list recognizes the nation’s top companies for diversity management. This year’s competition was improved by adding questions that connect talent programs and workplace practices to desired talent results.
“Our commitment to diversity and inclusion isn’t purely an internal or talent initiative - it’s part of our DNA as a company,” said Sandra Phillips Rogers, chief diversity officer and chief legal officer, TMNA. “It is more important than ever that we engage team members with diverse perspectives and experiences to help us develop innovative products, solutions and services that delight our customers and enrich our communities.”
Here are some of the reasons why Toyota is rated a top company for diversity:
- It’s part of the cultural fabric – Respect for People and Continuous Improvement are the two pillars that make up the foundation of the company and have since its inception more than 100 years ago.
- Commitment to team member development and D+I education – Dynamic in-house programs develop team members to their fullest capabilities, while educating them to foster a culture of inclusion.
- Learning from others to incorporate best practices – An external Diversity Advisory Board made up of diverse leaders was created to share knowledge and build accountability processes for insight, guidance and diversity of thought.
- Diverse executive leadership – Consecutive year-over-year growth in diverse Black, Latino and Asian leaders.
- LGBTQ+ inclusive culture – Toyota has received 12 consecutive perfect scores on Human Rights Corporate Equality Index.
- Values the importance of a diverse workforce – Continued focus on diversity as part of the recruitment process, to ensure diverse candidate pools are being reached.
- Robust veterans program – Recruit and support veterans by helping them translate their military skills to civilian work.
- Job creation through supplier diversity – 40,000 jobs created across the U.S. through Toyota’s Opportunity Exchange, helping build strong relationships among minority- and women-owned suppliers.
- Supporting an inclusive culture while strengthening the business – Over 85 team member-led Employee Resource Groups across North America, (known as Business Partnering Groups) connect, learn, and advance business through inclusion, engagement, and marketplace connection.
About DiversityInc
The mission of DiversityInc is to bring education and clarity to the business benefits of diversity. The DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list began in 2001, when many corporations were beginning to understand the business value of diversity-management initiatives. The 2019 Top 50 Companies for Diversity results will be featured on ?DiversityInc.com. DiversityInc is a VA certified veteran-owned business and a USBLN certified business owned by a person with a disability. For more information, visit www.diversityinc.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn @DiversityInc.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 38 million cars and trucks in North America, where we operate 14 manufacturing plants (10 in the U.S.) and directly employ more than 47,000 people (over 36,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold 2.8 million cars and trucks (2.4 million in the U.S.) in 2018.
The mission of DiversityInc is to bring education and clarity to the business benefits of diversity. The DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list began in 2001, when many corporations were beginning to understand the business value of diversity-management initiatives. The 2019 Top 50 Companies for Diversity results will be featured on ?DiversityInc.com. DiversityInc is a VA certified veteran-owned business and a USBLN certified business owned by a person with a disability. For more information, visit www.diversityinc.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn @DiversityInc.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 38 million cars and trucks in North America, where we operate 14 manufacturing plants (10 in the U.S.) and directly employ more than 47,000 people (over 36,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold 2.8 million cars and trucks (2.4 million in the U.S.) in 2018.
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Toyota Displays Commitment to Community and Mobility Through Partnership With Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas
Toyota and Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas organize second annual Bring Girl Scouts to Work Day
Toyota hosted over 100 Girl Scouts at their Plano campus for the second annual Bring Girl Scouts to Work Day. Developed in partnership with Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (GSNETX), this inspiring day of learning gives Girl Scouts a unique opportunity to experience life as a corporate executive. Girls learned the importance of financial inclusion while being challenged to think creatively and exercise teamwork through curated activities.
“Toyota does more than make cars. We are committed to mobility for all, giving people the tools necessary to get where they want to be through financial education, career exploration and skills training,” says Elena Sacca Smith, Toyota group manager – corporate social responsibility. “We are proud to partner with Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas and Girl Scouts of the USA to empower this and future generations to succeed.”
Toyota has been a sponsor and active partner of Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) for nearly five years, working with GSUSA to provide financial education programs that support the Girl Scouts’ mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character. Through regional events, such as Bring Girl Scouts to Work Day, and Driving My Financial Future, Toyota creates lasting positive impact that speak to the company’s commitment to getting people where they want to be – physically, socially, economically, and aspirationally.
“Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas values our partnership with Toyota and the company’s commitment to girls across the country through Girl Scouts of the USA,” says Jennifer Bartkowski, CEO, GSNETX. “We are fortunate to have partners like Toyota that go beyond corporate giving. They work with our organization to build capacity and impact, and really make a difference in the community by giving Girl Scouts the skills and confidence they need to be their best selves.”
Bring Girl Scouts to Work Day took place at the Toyota North American headquarters in Plano, Texas. Over 100 Girl Scouts and 60 Toyota employee volunteers participated in a robust itinerary that included a STEM teamwork activity, sustainability tour of the Toyota campus, and career possibility discussions with female executives at Toyota.
For more news about Toyota's commitment to Girl Scouts of the USA, click here.
Toyota hosted over 100 Girl Scouts at their Plano campus for the second annual Bring Girl Scouts to Work Day. Developed in partnership with Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (GSNETX), this inspiring day of learning gives Girl Scouts a unique opportunity to experience life as a corporate executive. Girls learned the importance of financial inclusion while being challenged to think creatively and exercise teamwork through curated activities.
“Toyota does more than make cars. We are committed to mobility for all, giving people the tools necessary to get where they want to be through financial education, career exploration and skills training,” says Elena Sacca Smith, Toyota group manager – corporate social responsibility. “We are proud to partner with Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas and Girl Scouts of the USA to empower this and future generations to succeed.”
Toyota has been a sponsor and active partner of Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) for nearly five years, working with GSUSA to provide financial education programs that support the Girl Scouts’ mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character. Through regional events, such as Bring Girl Scouts to Work Day, and Driving My Financial Future, Toyota creates lasting positive impact that speak to the company’s commitment to getting people where they want to be – physically, socially, economically, and aspirationally.
“Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas values our partnership with Toyota and the company’s commitment to girls across the country through Girl Scouts of the USA,” says Jennifer Bartkowski, CEO, GSNETX. “We are fortunate to have partners like Toyota that go beyond corporate giving. They work with our organization to build capacity and impact, and really make a difference in the community by giving Girl Scouts the skills and confidence they need to be their best selves.”
Bring Girl Scouts to Work Day took place at the Toyota North American headquarters in Plano, Texas. Over 100 Girl Scouts and 60 Toyota employee volunteers participated in a robust itinerary that included a STEM teamwork activity, sustainability tour of the Toyota campus, and career possibility discussions with female executives at Toyota.
For more news about Toyota's commitment to Girl Scouts of the USA, click here.
Friday, May 17, 2019
"Sway" by Snarkitecture Debuts at Intersect by Lexus - NYC
INTERSECT BY LEXUS and Snarkitecture partner to create an interactive and engaging cultural experience, bridging technology, creativity and design
This month, INTERSECT BY LEXUS-NYC unveiled “Sway” by Snarkitecture, a New York-based collaborative design practice established to investigate the boundaries between creative disciplines. With some of INTERSECT’s core pillars of design and technology in mind, Snarkitecture will create a fully immersive environment that engages the visual and tactile senses, offering New Yorkers and tourists a truly unique and interactive experience. The installation will use materials such as acrylic sphere diffusers, LED lights, glass mirror and white cork floor to bring the concept to life. Aiming to make architecture, art and technology more accessible to the New York community, the installation will be free and open to the public.
Located on the third-floor gallery of INTERSECT, Sway consists of a parabolic field of 168 responsive LED spheres that are mounted on flexible sway poles that appear to be infinitely above and below each guest. Each sphere reveals a change in hue and intensity in response to the human touch. As visitors move through the field, light will ripple through the space as if moving through still water as Sway’s responsiveness, precision and reflection are all directly altered by physical presence. The installation will complement INTERSECT’s commitment to supporting creativity on a local, national and international scale.
"As mentors for the 2016 and 2017 Lexus Design Awards, we were excited to continue our partnership with Lexus to create a new immersive installation,” explains Alex Mustonen, Snarkitecture’s Co-Founder. “Snarkitecture has always been interested in making architecture engaging and accessible, and we’re looking forward to inviting the public to explore the unexpected within the space."
Snarkitecture’s work focuses on the reinterpretation of everyday materials, structures and programs to new and imaginative effect. With a conceptual approach centered on the importance of experience, the studio designs unexpected and memorable moments that invite people to explore and engage with their surroundings. In its search for the unknown, Snarkitecture creates work that includes large-scale projects, installations and objects.
“Snarkitecture embodies many of INTERSECT’s core principles and we’re thrilled to collaborate with a team so committed to our same ideals,” says Kirk Edmondson, General Manager of INTERSECT BY LEXUS - NYC. “INTERSECT is dedicated to bringing innovative experiences to New York and finding ways to bridge art, technology and hospitality. This installation allows us to continue this process.”
Sway by Snarkitecture is open daily from 11am to 10pm until June 2, 2019.
INTERSECT BY LEXUS – NYC is the brand’s third global location. Crafted by world-renowned interior designer Masamichi Katayama of Wonderwall, who also led design in Tokyo and Dubai, the 16,500 square foot, three-story Manhattan space is the largest of the three properties, with unique elements and experiences that evolve with each distinct floor. The street level is anchored by the Café area, the CRAFTED FOR LEXUS retail area and a Public Gallery space, which features everything from product concepts to custom exhibitions and installations. The inaugural full-service Restaurant at INTERSECT BY LEXUS – NYC and Cocktail Bar and Lounge is located on the second floor. The Café, Restaurant, and Cocktail Bar and Lounge are managed by Union Square Hospitality Group. Finally, the third floor Private Gallery rounds out the space and transforms for a multitude of culturally relevant programming concepts such as: full immersion events, art installations, film screenings, panels, performances and other inviting experiences.
INTERSECT BY LEXUS - NYC is located at 412 West 14th Street New York, New York 10014. “Sway” will be open to the public from May 3, 2019 through June 2, 2019. To reserve a time slot to see the installation visit www.intersectnyc.eventbrite.com. For more information on the space please visit www.Intersect-NYC.com.
Located on the third-floor gallery of INTERSECT, Sway consists of a parabolic field of 168 responsive LED spheres that are mounted on flexible sway poles that appear to be infinitely above and below each guest. Each sphere reveals a change in hue and intensity in response to the human touch. As visitors move through the field, light will ripple through the space as if moving through still water as Sway’s responsiveness, precision and reflection are all directly altered by physical presence. The installation will complement INTERSECT’s commitment to supporting creativity on a local, national and international scale.
"As mentors for the 2016 and 2017 Lexus Design Awards, we were excited to continue our partnership with Lexus to create a new immersive installation,” explains Alex Mustonen, Snarkitecture’s Co-Founder. “Snarkitecture has always been interested in making architecture engaging and accessible, and we’re looking forward to inviting the public to explore the unexpected within the space."
Snarkitecture’s work focuses on the reinterpretation of everyday materials, structures and programs to new and imaginative effect. With a conceptual approach centered on the importance of experience, the studio designs unexpected and memorable moments that invite people to explore and engage with their surroundings. In its search for the unknown, Snarkitecture creates work that includes large-scale projects, installations and objects.
“Snarkitecture embodies many of INTERSECT’s core principles and we’re thrilled to collaborate with a team so committed to our same ideals,” says Kirk Edmondson, General Manager of INTERSECT BY LEXUS - NYC. “INTERSECT is dedicated to bringing innovative experiences to New York and finding ways to bridge art, technology and hospitality. This installation allows us to continue this process.”
Sway by Snarkitecture is open daily from 11am to 10pm until June 2, 2019.
INTERSECT BY LEXUS – NYC is the brand’s third global location. Crafted by world-renowned interior designer Masamichi Katayama of Wonderwall, who also led design in Tokyo and Dubai, the 16,500 square foot, three-story Manhattan space is the largest of the three properties, with unique elements and experiences that evolve with each distinct floor. The street level is anchored by the Café area, the CRAFTED FOR LEXUS retail area and a Public Gallery space, which features everything from product concepts to custom exhibitions and installations. The inaugural full-service Restaurant at INTERSECT BY LEXUS – NYC and Cocktail Bar and Lounge is located on the second floor. The Café, Restaurant, and Cocktail Bar and Lounge are managed by Union Square Hospitality Group. Finally, the third floor Private Gallery rounds out the space and transforms for a multitude of culturally relevant programming concepts such as: full immersion events, art installations, film screenings, panels, performances and other inviting experiences.
INTERSECT BY LEXUS - NYC is located at 412 West 14th Street New York, New York 10014. “Sway” will be open to the public from May 3, 2019 through June 2, 2019. To reserve a time slot to see the installation visit www.intersectnyc.eventbrite.com. For more information on the space please visit www.Intersect-NYC.com.
ABOUT INTERSECT
INTERSECT BY LEXUS is a unique space in select global cities where people can experience the ethos of the Lexus lifestyle. Opened in New York City on November 15, 2018, guests are able to engage with Lexus through events, activities, food and culture. The design of the space was developed by Masamichi Katayama (Wonderwall Inc., the world-renowned Interior designer.) A destination within a destination, INTERSECT offers a restaurant featuring a revolving global chef residency, allowing New Yorkers and world travelers to consistently embark upon a new gastronomic adventure. Through the vision of Lexus and Union Square Hospitality Group, INTERSECT’s restaurant showcases handpicked top chefs from around the world. INTERSECT’s New York location joins the existing experiential venues in Tokyo and Dubai. Lexus also acknowledges the lead creative contributions and guidance of Inform Ventures in the creation of INTERSECT BY LEXUS - NYC in providing programming ideas for this space.
ABOUT SNARKITECTURE
Snarkitecture is a New York-based collaborative design practice established to investigate the boundaries between disciplines. The name is drawn from Lewis Carroll’s The Hunting of The Snark, a poem describing the “impossible voyage of an improbable crew to find an inconceivable creature.” In its search for the unknown, Snarkitecture creates work that includes large-scale projects, installations and objects. Snarkitecture’s work focuses on the reinterpretation of everyday materials, structures and programs to new and imaginative effect. With a conceptual approach centered on the importance of experience, the studio creates unexpected and memorable moments that invite people to explore and engage with their surroundings.
INTERSECT BY LEXUS is a unique space in select global cities where people can experience the ethos of the Lexus lifestyle. Opened in New York City on November 15, 2018, guests are able to engage with Lexus through events, activities, food and culture. The design of the space was developed by Masamichi Katayama (Wonderwall Inc., the world-renowned Interior designer.) A destination within a destination, INTERSECT offers a restaurant featuring a revolving global chef residency, allowing New Yorkers and world travelers to consistently embark upon a new gastronomic adventure. Through the vision of Lexus and Union Square Hospitality Group, INTERSECT’s restaurant showcases handpicked top chefs from around the world. INTERSECT’s New York location joins the existing experiential venues in Tokyo and Dubai. Lexus also acknowledges the lead creative contributions and guidance of Inform Ventures in the creation of INTERSECT BY LEXUS - NYC in providing programming ideas for this space.
ABOUT SNARKITECTURE
Snarkitecture is a New York-based collaborative design practice established to investigate the boundaries between disciplines. The name is drawn from Lewis Carroll’s The Hunting of The Snark, a poem describing the “impossible voyage of an improbable crew to find an inconceivable creature.” In its search for the unknown, Snarkitecture creates work that includes large-scale projects, installations and objects. Snarkitecture’s work focuses on the reinterpretation of everyday materials, structures and programs to new and imaginative effect. With a conceptual approach centered on the importance of experience, the studio creates unexpected and memorable moments that invite people to explore and engage with their surroundings.
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
2020 Toyota Prius Prime: A Solution to Rising Gas Prices
5th Seat Now Available Plus Loads of Connectivity for Toyota’s Most Efficient Hybrid Yet
Toyota Prius Prime gets many upgrades for 2020 and remains the most efficient Toyota hybrid and one of the best options to protect drivers from price hikes at the gas pump. Available this summer, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the LE grade will be $27,600, the MSRP for XLE grade will be $29,500 and the MSRP for Limited grade will be $33,500.
The word “Prime," which is defined as being the best, or at the top, is a natural fit for the Prius model as it’s the most technologically advanced, best-equipped Toyota Prius in the model’s nearly two-decade global history. With the power to run in either EV or hybrid driving modes, Prius Prime strikes a harmonious balance between necessity and desire.
New upgrades for 2020 include:
Wondering how much you can really save with Prius Prime? Enter your one-way commute mileage, and we’ll crunch the numbers and estimate the annual savings and benefits you may see by commuting with Prius Prime, click here.
Toyota Prius Prime gets many upgrades for 2020 and remains the most efficient Toyota hybrid and one of the best options to protect drivers from price hikes at the gas pump. Available this summer, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the LE grade will be $27,600, the MSRP for XLE grade will be $29,500 and the MSRP for Limited grade will be $33,500.
The word “Prime," which is defined as being the best, or at the top, is a natural fit for the Prius model as it’s the most technologically advanced, best-equipped Toyota Prius in the model’s nearly two-decade global history. With the power to run in either EV or hybrid driving modes, Prius Prime strikes a harmonious balance between necessity and desire.
New upgrades for 2020 include:
- New 5th seat for even more room
- Standard Apple CarPlay®, SiriusXM® and Amazon Alexa compatibility
- Two additional 2.1A USB ports for the rear passengers
- Black interior accents to replace previous white accents for a more premium feel
- A new sun visor extender
- A relocation of seat heater buttons for front seat passengers for easier usability
- New grade strategy that offers LE, XLE and Limited Grades
Wondering how much you can really save with Prius Prime? Enter your one-way commute mileage, and we’ll crunch the numbers and estimate the annual savings and benefits you may see by commuting with Prius Prime, click here.
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
2020 Toyota Prius Prime: A Solution to Rising Gas Prices
5th Seat Now Available Plus Loads of Connectivity for Toyota’s Most Efficient Hybrid Yet
Toyota Prius Prime gets many upgrades for 2020 and remains the most efficient Toyota hybrid and one of the best options to protect drivers from price hikes at the gas pump. Available this summer, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the LE grade will be $27,600, the MSRP for XLE grade will be $29,500 and the MSRP for Limited grade will be $33,500.
The word “Prime," which is defined as being the best, or at the top, is a natural fit for the Prius model as it’s the most technologically advanced, best-equipped Toyota Prius in the model’s nearly two-decade global history. With the power to run in either EV or hybrid driving modes, Prius Prime strikes a harmonious balance between necessity and desire.
New upgrades for 2020 include:
Wondering how much you can really save with Prius Prime? Enter your one-way commute mileage, and we’ll crunch the numbers and estimate the annual savings and benefits you may see by commuting with Prius Prime, click here.
Toyota Prius Prime gets many upgrades for 2020 and remains the most efficient Toyota hybrid and one of the best options to protect drivers from price hikes at the gas pump. Available this summer, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the LE grade will be $27,600, the MSRP for XLE grade will be $29,500 and the MSRP for Limited grade will be $33,500.
The word “Prime," which is defined as being the best, or at the top, is a natural fit for the Prius model as it’s the most technologically advanced, best-equipped Toyota Prius in the model’s nearly two-decade global history. With the power to run in either EV or hybrid driving modes, Prius Prime strikes a harmonious balance between necessity and desire.
New upgrades for 2020 include:
- New 5th seat for even more room
- Standard Apple CarPlay®, SiriusXM® and Amazon Alexa compatibility
- Two additional 2.1A USB ports for the rear passengers
- Black interior accents to replace previous white accents for a more premium feel
- A new sun visor extender
- A relocation of seat heater buttons for front seat passengers for easier usability
- New grade strategy that offers LE, XLE and Limited Grades
Wondering how much you can really save with Prius Prime? Enter your one-way commute mileage, and we’ll crunch the numbers and estimate the annual savings and benefits you may see by commuting with Prius Prime, click here.
Monday, May 6, 2019
Team Members Learn to Make Better Cars in Legendary Road Race
Toyota Production Engineering (PE) and Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia (TMMWV) enter Teams in Tire Rack One Lap of America
It’s after midnight at a gas station somewhere between Denver and Fort Worth, a bleary-eyed driver pours the dregs from a Bunn-O-Matic and samples the roller grill fare. There’s still a hundred miles to go before he sleeps and a couple more days just like this before another One Lap of America is under his belt.
Successor to the infamous Cannonball Run of film and legend, the Tire Rack One Lap of America is a 3,500-mile, eight-day test of man and machine consisting of daily time trials on some of America’s most legendary race tracks with 500- to 700-mile transit drives between cities.
Two teams of engineers and technicians from Toyota Production Engineering and Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia are poised to do it all again May 4-11. This will be the fifth year for PE and the second for West Virginia.
PE will race a 2013 Toyota 86 in the SGT Small Bore class and a 2018 Camry in Mid-Priced Sedan. TMMWV will be running their own 2018 Camry (4cyl) in the Economy Class.
Why would otherwise stable automotive professionals endure this rigor year after year? “When you step back and think, it does sound a little crazy,” said Stephen Byington, Toyota engineer and veteran One-Lapper. “But, we share a love of cars and a passion for driving. It’s probably why we got into the auto manufacturing business in the first place.”
The teams understand that the lessons they learn on the track in vehicle safety, performance, problem-solving and teamwork hone their auto making skills and result in better products for their customers.
Starting and ending at Tire Rack’s South Bend, Indiana, headquarters, the One Lap of America, will visit the following tracks in 2019:
• Nelson Ledges, Garrettsville, OH
• Road America, Plymouth, WI
• Brainerd International Raceway, Brainerd, MN
• Motorsports Park Hastings, Hastings, NE
• Blackhawk Farms Raceway, South Beloit, IL
• National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park, Bowling Green, KY
Toyota team drivers
Toyota PE: Andrew Brownfield and Justin LaChausse in the Toyota 86; Kirk Barber, Chris Mahonski, Joe Bell and Becky Brophy aboard a 2018 Camry;
West Virginia: Dale Henry, Chris Furby, Mark Wageman and Brian Jacobs also piloting a 2018 Camry.
The Toyota teams have had some success in the event, winning first and second place in the alternate fuel class; third place in the economy class; and third place in the mid-priced sedan class in 2018 and a second-place finish in 2017 in the SGT Small Bore class.
Successor to the infamous Cannonball Run of film and legend, the Tire Rack One Lap of America is a 3,500-mile, eight-day test of man and machine consisting of daily time trials on some of America’s most legendary race tracks with 500- to 700-mile transit drives between cities.
Two teams of engineers and technicians from Toyota Production Engineering and Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia are poised to do it all again May 4-11. This will be the fifth year for PE and the second for West Virginia.
PE will race a 2013 Toyota 86 in the SGT Small Bore class and a 2018 Camry in Mid-Priced Sedan. TMMWV will be running their own 2018 Camry (4cyl) in the Economy Class.
Why would otherwise stable automotive professionals endure this rigor year after year? “When you step back and think, it does sound a little crazy,” said Stephen Byington, Toyota engineer and veteran One-Lapper. “But, we share a love of cars and a passion for driving. It’s probably why we got into the auto manufacturing business in the first place.”
The teams understand that the lessons they learn on the track in vehicle safety, performance, problem-solving and teamwork hone their auto making skills and result in better products for their customers.
Starting and ending at Tire Rack’s South Bend, Indiana, headquarters, the One Lap of America, will visit the following tracks in 2019:
• Nelson Ledges, Garrettsville, OH
• Road America, Plymouth, WI
• Brainerd International Raceway, Brainerd, MN
• Motorsports Park Hastings, Hastings, NE
• Blackhawk Farms Raceway, South Beloit, IL
• National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park, Bowling Green, KY
Toyota team drivers
Toyota PE: Andrew Brownfield and Justin LaChausse in the Toyota 86; Kirk Barber, Chris Mahonski, Joe Bell and Becky Brophy aboard a 2018 Camry;
West Virginia: Dale Henry, Chris Furby, Mark Wageman and Brian Jacobs also piloting a 2018 Camry.
The Toyota teams have had some success in the event, winning first and second place in the alternate fuel class; third place in the economy class; and third place in the mid-priced sedan class in 2018 and a second-place finish in 2017 in the SGT Small Bore class.