Baked Bean Recipe for Your 4th of July!

Whether you're gathering with a group of friends or simply watching the fireworks from home, odds are you are going to enjoy some special foods to celebrate the 4th of July.

For those of us living in Washington State, that means there's a REALLY good chance baked beans will be involved. According to the Taste of Home website, baked beans are the most popular 4th of July food in Washington State. And the 2nd most popular 4th of July food in the country (following potato salad).

If you are responsible for bringing the baked beans this year, here's a flavorful recipe for you to try out (in case you lost great grandma's recipe) that is bound to please crowds big and small.

We wish you all a happy and safe Independence Day!

Celebrating The Women Behind Some of Toyota’s Most Innovative Patents for International Women in Engineering Day

Ask any engineer what motivates them, and the answer likely has something to do with solving problems. That drive is exactly what keeps Toyota — and its people — moving forward. It’s also one of the reasons why Toyota received more patents than any other automaker in 2021. In keeping with its pillar of Continuous Improvement, Toyota continues to invest in research and development (R&D) across the company.

Lauren Abro, principal engineer at Toyota Motor North America Research & Development (Toyota R&D), believes that anyone — from any department — can develop an idea for a patent. And in shifting from a car company to a mobility company, she says, Toyota is not limiting itself.

“We’re constantly trying to use each of our backgrounds and experiences to develop something more efficient and better for our customers,” she says. “Patents aren’t just for design. We all have the ability to come up with a patent when we think about what our customers need and how we can implement it.”

Abro is one of many female engineers at Toyota whose innovative ideas solve problems for customers every day. Women make up 14.5% of all engineers around the world, according to June 2021 data cited by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES). Boosting the numbers of women in the field is at the heart of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED). The celebration, which is in its ninth year, is organized annually by WES in June.

In honor of INWED, read more about Abro and some of her colleagues who are consistently bringing new ideas to life.

Making Lives Easier

Abro, who joined Toyota in 2003 and now works in the Product Development Office, is an example of why representation in engineering is important. She has 13 issued US patents, 13 defensive publications, one patent application currently pending at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and three more being considered by Toyota’s legal team. While a few of those patents came from her time in the Instrument Panel and Design group at Toyota, she’s developed just as many ideas since she transferred departments in 2011.

Lauren Abro

As a mom, many of the ideas she’s generated with colleagues solve problems she faces as a customer. For instance, she co-designed a headrest sleeve for tablets to entertain children in rear-facing car seats with Angie Piculi, principal engineer of Vehicle Performance Development at Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA). And she thought of a way to create more space in the second row to make room for a child’s car seat without impeding the driver’s seat, allowing the driver to sit comfortably.

“It seems like a small thing, but it’s going to make my life and many other parents’ lives better and easier,” Abro says. “That’s the goal. I want to develop something that makes it easier for somebody else to use their car.”

Innovating a Seat at the Table

Tangie Tolbert, product owner for Toyota’s Service Connect, started five years ago in the multimedia planning group at Connected Technologies. She developed a system for improving transportation infrastructure that includes a network access device to receive vehicle behavior data from multiple vehicles. The goal of this product is to help identify ways to improve transportation infrastructure, ultimately, helping to reduce traffic, increase driver comfort, and increase road safety. When it was patented, Tolbert says she felt like she earned her seat at the table.

“For me, it was a proud moment because my idea was something actually seen as valuable to the company and that would be useful for people in general,” says Tolbert. “Being awarded the patent, that was really big for me in terms of confidence.”

Tangie Tolbert

Tolbert, who has an electrical engineering degree from Purdue University and a master’s in marketing, knew she was interested in using her technical background for consumer products. She now works on the newly formed Product Development team.

“I’ve never had tunnel vision when it came to what I’ve wanted to do,” Tolbert says. “I’ve always wanted to dabble in various opportunities because of the engineer in me. I like to understand things and solve problems.”

Tolbert helped create the infrastructure system as a part of Patent-A-Thon, an event organized regularly by Connected Technologies that assembles Toyota employees from different departments into teams to develop new ideas based on a theme.

“There’s value in versatility of thought, so you may have someone on your team from the business side, someone from engineering, someone from another country on your team,” Tolbert says. “Patent-A-Thon is the perfect melting pot for the new ideas that are important to be at the forefront of change.”

A Team Effort

Like many Toyota employees, Lindsay Anne-Allor Babian, a principal engineer who specializes in seat design, often comes up with ideas for patents outside of her normal responsibilities at Toyota. According to Babian, she and Abro spent a weekend with two other engineers developing patent concepts. The group ultimately came up with 11 proposals that went to Toyota Legal One: Seven became defensive publications and two are proceeding through the patent office.

“We went into this discussion purposefully trying to keep ourselves in check from squashing ideas early,” says Babian. “As engineers, while we often require proof of everything, sometimes we can get ahead of ourselves or get in our own way and say, ‘We can’t do that.’ or ‘That won’t work.’. It is important to pause, consider the idea or challenging proposal and ask ‘but why can’t we?’”

Because each of the women work in different departments at Toyota, they brought a unique perspective to the conversation. But because of their similarities, they often have the same challenges they’re looking to solve.

Lindsay Anne-Allor Babian

“We’re all moms to children under nine. We’re all engineers and married to Toyota engineers, actually,” Babian says. “There are a lot of similarities, but we work in different groups, so we also have very different, diverse technical skills, all with mom insight.”

One of Babian’s favorite projects is Toyota for Families, an innovation that she created with coworker Jennifer Pelky, that helps parents install car seats correctly. According to the engineers, a huge percentage of parents install car seats incorrectly — and Babian understood how complicated it was when she became a mother. The duo wanted to create a digital tool to get the information into the palm of customers’ hands and more accessible than an owner’s manual in the glovebox.

“With my coworker’s experience in seat safety and my experience in seat design, we started off on a mission to gather the data and evidence to show why this is a big problem,” Babian says. “In less than two years, we were able to tackle this massive innovation project and launch it to the website and app.”

The duo started by creating a fake app in an effort to grow awareness and publicize the possibilities of a digital tool. This led to them identifying key partnerships within Toyota to help develop the tool. Babian says they discovered teams they didn’t even know existed — people who had the skills and capabilities to take their idea to the next level.

“My role was as one of the subject matter experts in seat design, but one of us alone couldn’t do this,” says Babian. “We had to partner with a fully functioning team, each with different strengths and weaknesses that complemented each other.”

Babian had a similar experience while working on the second-row seats in the Sienna. She said the seats slide almost two and a half times closer to the rear than any standard seat Toyota offers in other vehicles. The problem? Sliding the seat that far back puts the passenger too far away from fixed objects in the vehicles, like the cupholders in the center console. Babian was challenged by Monte Kaehr, group vice president of Advanced Mobility Research & Development at TEMA, to figure out a way to integrate those features into the seat, so she took to her sewing machine to cobble together a design good enough to get some more direction from the chief engineer.

“Through experience as the customer, a mother, a seat designer and just general curiosity about sewing, I was able to patch this together,” says Babian. “And because Toyota has such a talented pool of people with so many different experiences and capabilities, if you don’t have the skill, you can find someone who can fill in that gap. So as a team, you come up with a solution.”

Live Legendary with the All-New 2023 Sequoia Full-Size SUV

 

• All-New Sequoia Builds Upon Three-Row Toyota SUV Heritage
• Capstone Luxury Grade Leads Extensive Lineup of Full-Size SUVs
• Impressive 437 hp, 583 lb.-ft. of Torque
• Maximum Towing Capacity of up to 9,520 lbs.
• Assembled in the U.S. at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas in San Antonio
• On Sale Late Summer 2022
• Starting MSRP of $58,300

The all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia lives up to its powerful and legendary namesake, thanks to a head-turning new look, luxurious comfort, impressive technology and the perfect blend of performance and efficiency. Coupled with Toyota’s long-lasting quality, durability and reliability, the three-row SUV is sure to stand tall in the large-size SUV segment when it hits dealerships at the end of the summer with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing (MSRP) starting at $58,300.

“We are excited to write the next chapter in our truck family story with the all-new 2023 Sequoia,” said Joe Moses, general manager of Toyota’s Vehicle Marketing Team. “A three-row SUV must be excellent at many things to succeed in this highly competitive market, and we’ve got that with Sequoia. Our customers will have room for their whole crew, the technology they want to stay connected, and the heavy-duty power and efficiency they need for both on and off road.” 

Premium and Powerful

The third-generation Sequoia is completely redesigned and worthy of the “all-new SUV” description. All 2023 Sequoia will feature the powerful twin-turbo V6 hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain. First unveiled on Tundra, this exceptional hybrid produces 437 horsepower and 583 lb.-ft. of torque.

The i-FORCE MAX is a cleverly engineered powertrain featuring a unique motor generator within the bell housing between the twin-turbo engine and the 10-speed automatic transmission. This design combines maximum performance with amazing efficiency, and it is built with heavy-duty performance in mind. Sequoia’s fuel economy is expected to be extremely competitive at the top of the segment – and a huge improvement over the previous generation.

Setting Sights on the Open Road

The full-size SUV segment demands a lot, which means the all-new 2023 Sequoia needs to handle – and succeed – at a multitude of tasks. Built with this in mind, the Sequoia is rooted in a modern body-on-frame chassis with a fully boxed frame that shares architecture with the all-new Tundra and all-new global Land Cruiser (which shares its platform with the Lexus LX). The core objective of this platform is to provide excellent handling, supreme comfort and impressive capability.

The engineering team behind this next-generation frame was able to increase rigidity and improve ride comfort by using new techniques, such as new laser welding technology that helps reduce mass and weight in areas it’s not needed while reinforcing the areas that need them most.

Sequoia features an independent front suspension and adopts a new rack-mounted electronic power steering system for improved steering feel. A modern multi-link rear suspension is employed out back to offer a smooth ride and create opportunity to add the available Load-Leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) for those looking to tow regularly.

The three-row SUV offers a range of configurations for seating and cargo. Depending upon the grade, second-row passengers get bench seating or captain’s chairs, either of which recline for passenger comfort or fold down/tumble forward if larger cargo space is needed. The third-row passengers benefit from a spacious reclining backseat with available power folding, but the third row also gets one of the most noteworthy new features on Sequoia: the exclusive Sliding Third Row with Adjustable Cargo Shelf System. This segment-first feature allows the third row to slide with 6 inches of adjustment range. The third row can also fold down to complement the different storage positions of the new Adjustable Cargo Shelf System, a removeable shelf that can be set in a variety of storage positions depending upon the situation. The Cargo Shelf System offers the ultimate flexibility in rear cargo and storage needs.

Since full-size SUVs need to do it all, towing – whether it be a trailer, boat or RV – is high on that list of demands. That’s why the all-new Sequoia offers up to an impressive 9,520-pound maximum towing capacity, a 26 percent increase over the previous generation model.

Towing can be an intimidating proposition for some drivers. Not to worry, thanks to impressive technology available on Sequoia. The Tow Tech Package, standard on TRD Pro and Capstone and available on all other grades, offers a suite of features that include Trailer Backup Guide to aid in backing up the SUV with a trailer, and Straight Path Assist, which helps provide steering control to keep the trailer straight on its intended path when backing up.

Drive Mode Select is an all-new feature on Sequoia offering different driving modes depending upon driver preference, and it includes standard settings Eco, Normal and Sport. With available Load-Leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension and Adaptive Variable Suspension, settings expand to include Comfort, Sport S+ and Custom. Using the SPORT or SPORT S+ settings, for example, the i-FORCE MAX powertrain makes use of the electric motor’s instantaneous responsiveness. While the electric motor does the bulk of the work at lower speeds, once above 18 mph, the gasoline engine assumes primary operation for excellent performance in the mid- and high-speed range. When in TOW/HAUL mode, the i-FORCE MAX system is constantly in tandem operation to provide impressive acceleration and torque for towing.

The view around this stunning SUV is improved as well due to Sequoia’s plethora of cameras, displaying multiple exterior angles that are viewable from the available 14-inch touchscreen or the available digital display rearview mirror. Those trailering will appreciate Panoramic View Monitor, which displays a top-down view of the SUV and its surrounding area. Options include a rear split view to show what’s nearby on each side of the trailer, and a hitch view to assist with connecting a trailer. For the first time on Sequoia, factory available power folding, extending and retracting tow mirrors can provide added peace. 

Three Rows, Five Grades

Sequoia offers space for families who need it – whether that be to haul passengers, gear or both. It will be available in five unique grades that include SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and the new Capstone grade.

Sequoia’s grade lineup starts with the well-equipped SR5 that offers a strong foundation of power, efficiency and technology. It touts impressive standard features that include the i-FORCE MAX powertrain that is mated to the standard 10-speed automatic transmission, standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, moonroof, heated seats and more. It also features a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument display and Panoramic View Monitor (PVM). When upgrading to the SR5 Premium package, Sequoia adds the 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia display, power third row, hands-free liftgate, SofTex-trimmed seats, and cabin and cargo 120-volt power outlets.

Also available on SR5 models is the TRD Sport package, which upgrades the standard 18-inch wheels to 20-inch matte black TRD wheels. To complement sporty handling, it adds TRD sport-tuned Bilstein® monotube shocks, TRD-tuned springs, aluminum pedals and a red TRD push-button start.

Limited builds upon the SR5 with an emphasis on added convenience. Not only does it gain a standard 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, but it also adds standard heated/ventilated front seats with memory settings, standard heated steering wheel, power-folding third row and a hands-free power liftgate. Limited also receives standard second- and third-row manual sunshades to help keep the back half of the SUV sun-free.

Available for both SR5 and Limited 4×4 models is the first-for-Sequoia TRD Off-Road package. This package enhances off-road capability with the addition of a selectable locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select that helps controls wheel spin for improved traction, and Downhill Assist Control to aid with steep descents. Crawl Control also comes standard, functioning as an off-road cruise control for low-speed trail navigation in 4WD Low. TRD Off-Road also comes with Multi-Terrain Monitor to provide the driver a better view of hard-to-see spots on the trail. TRD-tuned Bilstein® monotube shock absorbers and TRD-tuned springs are added, and a red front axle driveshaft provides added flair. Inside, aluminum gas/brake pedals are included, and a red TRD push-button start button adds to the performance look and feel. Both SR5 and Limited are outfitted with unique 18-inch alloy wheels unique to the package.

Stepping up to the Platinum grade puts an emphasis on added comfort and premium features, thanks to heated and ventilated front and second-row, second-row captain’s chairs, standard 14-speaker JBL® Premium Audio system, standard panoramic moonroof, standard Head-Up Display and more. High-grade LED headlights and taillights are added, along with sequential turn signals. Rain-sensing wipers are added to Platinum, as is standard Qi wireless charging.

TRD Pro is a great option for adventure-minded families that plan to get off the beaten path regularly. TRD Pro is not just an off-roader though, as it is loaded with premium features such as standard second-row captain’s chairs, TRD heated steering wheel, and TRD accents on the seats and shift knob. TRD Pro comes with additional cargo hauling options thanks to the TRD roof rack. TRD-tuned FOX internal bypass shocks offer a smooth on-road ride, but most importantly they can confidently handle off-road terrain when the trail gets rough. A 1/4-inch aluminum TRD front skid plate offers added trail protection. Sequoia TRD Pro also offers additional trail capability with a standard selectable locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, CRAWL Control and Downhill Assist Control. TRD Pro proudly sports a heritage-inspired “TOYOTA” grille with an embedded TRD light bar and marker lights toward the top of the grille. It’s equipped with Pro-specific black 18-inch TRD alloy wheels with an increased offset to provide a wider stance. A dual TRD Pro exhaust tip provides added growl and visual appeal.

The Capstone grade sits atop the Sequoia lineup, building upon the great features of Platinum while adding additional top-shelf features to make it the most luxurious Sequoia to date. Capstone features unique chrome accents to provide an upscale appearance, with the most eye-catching feature being the standard 22-inch chrome wheels – a first for Sequoia and exclusive to Capstone. The premium cabin experience begins at the first step with standard power running boards that provide access to the standard semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats. Not only are the seats luxury-grade, but they also tout stylish perforation and a Capstone-exclusive black-and-white color combination. The center console and passenger-side dash are accented with authentic American Walnut with an open-pore finish that highlights the wood grain. On the dash, the Walnut pieces surround a Capstone logo that is accentuated with LED mood lighting when the doors are opened. For an even quieter cabin, Capstone is the only Sequoia grade to feature acoustic glass in the front doors for more exterior sound deadening.

A wide variety of colors are available on the all-new Sequoia, including White, Wind Chill Pearl, Celestial Silver, Lunar Rock, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Blueprint, Army Green, Midnight Black Metallic, Smoked Mesquite, Supersonic Red and the TRD-exclusive Solar Octane. Premium paint colors* Wind Chill Pearl and Supersonic Red are available, and the premium color Solar Octane is exclusive to TRD Pro models.

*Premium paint colors will be available for an additional cost.

New Toyota Audio Multimedia

Sequoia will be fitted with the new multimedia system first launched in Tundra. It is headlined by large 8-inch or available 14-inch touchscreen that controls the all-new Toyota Audio Multimedia system designed and engineered by Toyota’s Texas-based Connected Technologies team. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system offers an improved user experience thanks to new sight, touch, and voice activation. With Intelligent Assistant available through Drive Connect*, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awakens the system for voice-activated commands to search for directions, find POIs, adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more. The cloud-based native navigation system offered through Drive Connect allows for real-time Over the Air updates for mapping and Points of Interest (POI), and Google POI data is integrated to ensure up-to-date search capability. It also supports standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto compatibility.

Toyota Audio Multimedia allows for simultaneous dual Bluetooth phone connectivity. A Wi-Fi Connect subscription offers 4G connectivity for up to 5 devices by turning Sequoia into an AT&T Hotspot*, and it also offers the ability to link your separate Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions to your vehicle with Integrated Streaming.

Active Safety System: Toyota Safety Sense

All Sequoia grades come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. This active safety system includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection that features multiple enhancements over the previous generation, including not only detecting the vehicle ahead but also a pedestrian in low light, bicyclist in daytime, an oncoming vehicle and a pedestrian at intersections when making a turn. At intersections, the system is designed to detect an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian when performing a left-hand turn and provide audio/visual alerts and automatic braking in certain conditions. Emergency steering assist is an additional function designed to detect pedestrians and stabilize the driver’s emergency evasive steering maneuvers and help prevent lane departure.

Sequoia will be equipped with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist is designed to notify the driver via audible and visual alerts and slight steering force if it senses the vehicle is leaving the lane without engaging a turn signal. When DRCC is set and engaged, Lane Tracing Assist uses visible lane markers or a preceding vehicle to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.

Automatic High Beams are designed to detect preceding or oncoming vehicles and automatically switch between high beam and low beam headlights. Road Sign Assist is designed to recognize certain road sign information using a forward-facing camera and display them on the multi-information display (MID).

Toyota’s Rear Seat Reminder comes standard on all 2023 Sequoias. The feature can note whether a rear door was opened within 10 minutes of the vehicle being turned on, or at any time after the vehicle has been turned on, with a reminder message in the instrument cluster after the engine is turned off, accompanied by multitone chimes.

In addition to the TSS 2.5 system, other standard safety features include Blind Spot Monitor which is designed to help detect and warn you of vehicles approaching or positioned in the adjacent lanes. Rear Cross Traffic Alert can offer added peace of mind by helping to detect vehicles approaching from either side while backing out and alerting you with a visual and audible warning. The Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is designed to implement brake control when there’s a possibility of a collision with a stationary object, approaching vehicle, or while parking.

Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare

Toyota’s 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. Hybrid-related components, including the battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty. Sequoia also comes with ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

*Certain features include a trial period at no extra cost upon original date of new vehicle purchase or lease. After the trial period ends, a paid subscription is required. More detail on trial-periods and subscription-based features can be found at https://www.toyota.com/connected-services/.

For more images and videos of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia, click here.

A Colorful Look at Artwork Inspired by the New 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross

Freedom, versatility and exploration are words that can be associated with the new 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, a vehicle that gives passengers the opportunity to pursue adventures with the adaptability and durability of an SUV. While those qualities are befitting for the compact crossover, they are also consistent with dedicated artists and their creations.

Nothing captured that idea more than Toyota’s recent “Just Right” campaign extension featuring three local influencer artists: Trav MSK in Los Angeles, Joseph “Sentrock” Perez in Chicago and ELLE in New York City.

ELLE’s Corolla Cross and mural in New York City

“My piece was focused on my favorite parts of New York City, which is the bright lights, reflections and finding beauty in the darkness,” said ELLE. “From my zoomed in perspective of life in the city, it was fun to take that inspiration and translate it both onto the vehicle as well as the wall in a way the encapsulates the beauty.”

For the activation, each artist was asked to create a unique and meaningful mural inspired by their respective city — while tying in Toyota. Additionally, a Corolla Cross was custom wrapped with a design reflecting the artist’s signature style to further amplify the partnership.

“The inspiration for all my work is documenting how technology is pushing business out of the physical space,” says Trav, who hides his face and prefers to let his artwork speak for itself. “And with this one specifically, I wanted to create something that almost felt like a road trip within the composition of the wall that it was going to live on.

Trav MSK’s Corolla Cross and mural in Los Angeles

With the vehicle, I wanted to create something that was a little bit more like the product. I wanted to have glimpses of the mural, but I didn’t want to pull the mural off and put it on the car because what works on a wall doesn’t necessarily work on a vehicle.”

In Chicago, Sentrock’s custom-wrapped car was parked outside the famed Wrigley Field baseball stadium for a couple of weeks to highlight Toyota’s ongoing partnership with the Chicago Cubs. For him, being able to create murals and display his artwork is a privilege. He also believes art can make a difference.

Sentrock’s Corolla Cross and mural in Chicago

“Chicago creatives, we have the key to the city,” he says. “If you’re honest and you have people who support you, it’s going to open a lot of doors. Artists are able to transcend so many different social levels. We’re able to unlock a lot of those challenges with our art.”

The creative works of the participating artists exemplified the Corolla Cross ethos — freedom in the form of artistic expression, versatility in unique perspectives and visual exploration for viewers. The murals represented the artists’ hometown appeal while staying true to their artistic roots and points of view — similar to how the new Corolla Cross complements the ever-popular sedan. Simply put, the creative artwork and the compact crossover are both extensions of beloved places and trusted legacies.

“Collaborating with these talented artists was the perfect way to elevate the 2022 Corolla Cross,” says Ann Dragovits, media manager for integrated marketing operations at Toyota Motor North America. “Their creative works illustrate what the SUV represents: boldness, versatility, and the freedom to move while also pulling inspiration from each artist’s local community. This partnership was a testament to our commitment to support initiatives, organizations and efforts in the community that are important to our customers and authentic to the Toyota brand.”

All the murals were on display throughout the month of April, and two are still up for street-art fans and passersby to enjoy.

Sentrock adds, “When I create a mural, when I put together a body of work, and then we have the show or we display it, it’s that perfect opportunity of, we worked, we grinded for this, and now we get to show our community what we’re doing.”