How the Future is Made: Behind the Scenes of Toyota ‘Mirai’ Production

In November 2014, Toyota Motor Corporation ushered in the future with the launch of the Toyota “Mirai” fuel cell sedan, followed by the Japan start of sales one month later. Today, Toyota held a production ceremony to mark the milestone of a new age of vehicles at its Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, Japan.

See several videos on the process HERE.

Production first started at the Motomachi Plant in 1959, and over its 56 year history, the manufacturing facility played a central role in realizing the dream of Toyota founder Kiichiro Toyoda: to foster an automotive industry in Japan and benefit society at large.

The plant started life as Japan’s first dedicated passenger car production facility. It has been home to some of Toyota’s most notable models, including the “Publica”, “Corona”, “Cresta”, “Soarer”, “Supra”, “RAV4”, and the Lexus “LFA” supercar.

The former “LFA Works” – where highly skilled craftspeople hand-built each of the 500 series limited Lexus supercars to some of the highest standards in the industry – has now become the home of the Mirai, just over two years since the last LFA exited the factory.

This small but dedicated facility is now charged with producing the hydrogen-powered sedan with the same care and attention to detail, with an estimated three units coming off the production line every day.

For the first time, go behind the scenes to see how the future1 is made. A description of the manufacturing process can be found at the bottom of this page.

Amy Purdy to Pace Daytona 500 In Bold, New Toyota Camry

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc. and Daytona International Speedway today announced that ‘Dancing With the Stars’ finalist and Paralympics bronze medalist Amy Purdy will serve as the official pace car driver for the 2015 Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 22.

Purdy, a top-ranked adaptive snowboarder in the U.S., will pace ‘The Great American Race’ in the bold, new Toyota Camry that was redesigned for 2015.

“Another exciting moment in my relationship with Toyota,” said Purdy. “As a race fan, I’m thrilled to be invited to be the Honorary Pace Car driver at the biggest race of the NASCAR season – the Daytona 500. This is another opportunity to try something new and be bold in my own life. I can’t wait to visit my fellow Toyota athletes and step into their world by getting behind the wheel of the Camry pace car.”

Purdy had a typical childhood until losing her legs at the age of 19 as a result of meningitis, which led to an adulthood of extraordinary accomplishments. The Las Vegas native is a three-time World Cup Para-Snowboard winner, founded the non-profit Adaptive Action Sports organization and appeared on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in 2014 where she competed in the finals.

Purdy recently appeared in a Toyota television commercial during the 2015 Super Bowl that featured Purdy snowboarding and dancing to a voiceover of Muhammad Ali’s ‘How Great I Am’ speech.

“Amy is a tremendous athlete and she is an amazing ambassador for Toyota,” said Ed Laukes, vice president marketing, performance and guest experience for Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. “It’s great that she’s going to join us in Daytona and serve as the official pace car driver for ‘The Great American Race.’ Amy’s story is very American – one of hard work, determination and overcoming incredible odds – so it made sense to give her the opportunity to pace the Daytona 500 to start our season behind the wheel of the American made Toyota Camry.”

This year’s Daytona 500 will mark the second time the Toyota Camry has paced ‘The Great American Race’ (2012, 2015). Camry drivers have combined for five wins in Daytona – one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory and four in the NASCAR Xfinity Series – but Toyota is yet to win the Daytona 500.

In addition to the Camry victories, Toyota Tundra drivers have won eight-straight NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races in Daytona dating back to 2007.

Toyota is an official partner of Daytona International Speedway and is working closely with the track and its parent company, International Speedway Corporation, to enhance the fan experience at the famed facility. Toyota became the first founding partner of the track’s ‘Daytona Rising’ redevelopment project when they signed an 11-year agreement for the naming rights to one of the track’s new fan injectors, which will serve as primary entry points into the 2.5-mile speedway.
  
The Toyota fan injector at Daytona will include over 20,000 square feet of Toyota engagement and fan experience that will vertically span four concourse levels.

Prior to the Daytona 500 on Feb. 22, the official Toyota Camry pace car will be on display in the Toyota Pit Pass display area in the vendor midway outside of Daytona International Speedway’s Turn Four.

Toyota and Scion 'Presente' at Hispanicize 2015

World’s largest auto maker returns as Official Automotive Sponsor of the largest gathering of Latino trendsetters in digital and entertainment media.

Toyota and Scion will be present at Hispanicize 2015 when the company returns as the official automotive and transportation sponsor of the annual conference, March 16 to 20 in Miami.  This will be the second consecutive year at Hispanicize for the world’s leading automotive manufacturer, whose powerful brand presence at the 2014 conference was highlighted by vehicle displays, iPad giveaways, social media contests, ride-and-drive experiences and an autograph session with Toyota NASCAR drivers. 
 
Patricia Salas Pineda, group vice president of the Hispanic Business Strategy Group of Toyota North America, affirmed the success of last year’s participation and the affinity of Hispanicize attendees with the Toyota brand.  “Toyota and Scion’s engagement with Latino bloggers, journalists, marketers, filmmakers and entertainment professionals is an extension of our decades-long relationship with the Hispanic market overall,” Pineda said.  “It is brand loyalty we value greatly and look to strengthen with new generations of consumers and influencers at the cutting edge of digital communication.”
 
At the helm of the Hispanic Business Strategy Group at Toyota, Pineda is tasked with helping to maintain Toyota’s leadership position among Latinos and ensuring that the Hispanic perspective is fully integrated into growth strategies for all of its brands: Toyota, Lexus and Scion. 
 
“Participating in marquee events such as this provides our company access to Latino influencers who are shaping the digital landscape, and we’re proud to be a partner again.
Toyota has been marketing to and engaging with the Latino community for more than 20 years, and Hispanicize offers a unique opportunity to draw from that multi-decade commitment,” Pineda added.
 
Doug Murtha, Scion group vice president stated, ” Hispanicize is a great opportunity for Scion to reach the opinion shapers of a key market for us. We look forward to sharing our Scion products and Scion experience in this creative environment. ”
 
Now in its sixth year, Hispanicize 2015 Week (www.HispanicizeEvent.com) (#Hispz15) is the iconic, largest annual event for Latino trendsetters and newsmakers in journalism, blogging, marketing, entertainment and tech entrepreneurship. To join the conversation follow us @ToyotaLatino, @Scion and use #vayamosjuntos.  
 
Hispanicize 2015 is expected to gather more than 2,100 of the nation’s most influential Latino professionals and is a launch pad for creative endeavors, new products, technologies, marketing campaigns, films, books and more targeting Latinos in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
 
The sixth anniversary edition of Hispanicize will again highlight the presence of Toyota and Scion through vehicle driving experiences, panel discussions, and social events.
 
“Toyota is the frontrunner and market leader in the Hispanic community and it is reflected in the fact that Latinos trust and support Toyota by making it their preferred brand,” said Manny Ruiz, founder and creative director of Hispanicize.  “Having the eighth largest company in the world partner with Hispanicize again makes us proud that we have arrived at the right mix of engagement for brands, influencers and consumers.”

500,000th Corolla Speeds Off the Line at Toyota Mississippi

Blue Springs plant celebrates milestone achieved at record pace

Toyota Mississippi is celebrating the 500,000th Corolla coming off the line at the Blue Springs, Miss., production facility. The production accomplishment was achieved faster than any other Toyota plant in the U.S. – a testament to the 2,000 hardworking team members who have answered increasing consumer demand since the plant opened in 2011.
 
“The 500,000th Corolla vehicle is a milestone we’re excited to be celebrating,” said Fred Volf, Toyota Mississippi, vice president of manufacturing. “We are proud to produce the Corolla, and it wouldn’t have been accomplished without the 2,000 dedicated team members who support this operation.”
 
The milestone is one more to add to the long list of achievements for Toyota Mississippi and the Corolla. Toyota has sold more than 10 million Corollas in the U.S. and 40 million worldwide since the vehicle debuted here in 1968. The success of Corolla contributes to Toyota’s accomplished domestic manufacturing footprint and represents Toyota’s commitment to producing vehicles where they are sold. Since 1986, more than 21 million Toyota vehicles have rolled off the line in the U.S. and including dealers and suppliers, Toyota has generated 365,000 U.S. jobs.
 
Toyota’s local presence is felt by those in Northeast Mississippi through substantial economic investment, employment, philanthropic efforts and environmental responsibility. 
 

• Toyota and its Mississippi-based suppliers have created nearly 3,700 jobs and invested more than $1.26 billion in the state’s economy.
• Toyota Mississippi has partnered with more than 15 parts and materials suppliers in Mississippi.
• To date, Toyota has donated more than $700 million to non-profits across the U.S. In Mississippi, Toyota has contributed more than $2 million to organizations, including:
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Mississippi; Catch Kids, Inc.; Habitat for Humanity; Mississippi BEST Robotics; NAACP; Regional Rehabilitation Center; The Family Resource Center of Northeast Mississippi and Tree of Life Clinic.
• Chosen by Toyota Motor Corporation in 2008 to be a model sustainable plant, Toyota Mississippi focuses on four key environmental areas: performance, biodiversity, renewable energy and education.
• Eight of Toyota’s U.S. plants have achieved zero-landfill targets and Toyota Mississippi is working to become a zero-landfill facility.

 
In 2014, Toyota Mississippi produced nearly 180,000 Corollas. Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) expects Corolla’s popularity to stay strong with its new contemporary style, value, premium interior and upgrades; and will once again compete for top-selling model in the segment.

Toyota Earns Three Spots in Kelley Blue Book's 15 Best Family Cars of 2015

The votes are in and the people have spoken!  Three popular Toyota models, Camry mid-size sedan, Highlander mid-size crossover and Sienna van, have made the list of “15 Best Family Cars” by KBB.com.

Judges for the 15 Best Family Cars was made up of recruited families and the expert editors from KBB.com. Together, each vehicle evaluation was based on real-life testing, including comfort and driving, safety, child seats, cargo space, rear-seat entertainment, and extra features.

Camry, the best-selling car in America for the last 13 years, received a new design for the 2015 model year.  Toyota went bumper to bumper and floor to roof, changing or re-engineering nearly 2,000 parts, making it the boldest Camry ever.

The 2015 Highlander sets itself apart from its competitors with a distinct balance of style, comfort, performance and utility.  Highlander offers families three powertrain choices, head-turning exterior styling, and a roomy and refined interior with advanced technologies and exceptional utility.

Sienna was refreshed for 2015 with a more expressive exterior design and upgraded interior comfort and styling.  Sienna oozes fun and function as it has something for every member of the family.  Kids enjoy Sienna’s Blu-Ray Dual View Entertainment Center while parents easily communicate with them through Toyota’s Driver Easy Speak system.  For parental peace of mind, Sienna was named a 2015 IIHS Top Safety Pick +, and is the only van in its segment to offer all-wheel drive.

Toyota Has Two "No-Death" Vehicles on IIHS List

We recently wrote an article about how Toyota had ZERO vehicles on the IIHS list of vehicles with the most related deaths.

Well, IIHS also unveiled a list of vehicles that had the fewest number of deaths...and there were two Toyota vehicles on that list.

"This study shows that Toyota vehicles truly are some of the safest vehicles on the road," said Ted Klarich, general sales manager at Burien Toyota. "To have no cars on the "death-list" and have two on the "safest" list, just proves what we all know."

See whole article by IIHS here.

On the "Lowest Rates of Driver Deaths" list is the Toyota Highlander (zero deaths) and the Toyota Sequoia (also zero deaths).

If safety is one of your biggest concerns, then stop by Burien Toyota today to check out some of the safest vehicles on the road!

First Look in the 'Second City:' The Refreshed 2016 Toyota Avalon Premium Mid-Sized Sedan

• Updated Styling
• Retuned Suspension for Enhanced Comfort
• New LED Headlights and Taillights
• Upgraded Convenience Features
• 2016 Camry and Corolla Special Editions Also Unveiled

Call it a trio of firsts in the Second City as the refreshed Toyota Avalon and sporty Camry and Corolla Special Editions made their world debuts at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. The three models rode into Chicago with a head of steam as the Avalon, Camry and Corolla are each the sales leaders in their respective segments, a first for Toyota. All three vehicles are 2016 models and will go on sale later this fall. 

 
Refreshed 2016 Avalon
Unveiled as all-new in 2012, the fourth-generation Avalon was the first vehicle to meet Toyota President Akio Toyoda’s challenge to create cars that spark people’s emotions. Toyota mixed its legendary Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR) with a strong dose of emotion through fresh new styling, improved performance, and high-tech features. They proved to be winning ingredients as Avalon quickly grabbed the attention of mid-size premium car buyers in segment leading numbers. 

Five distinct grades on the V6 models will give customers a wide array of choice (XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Limited and Touring). Hybrid customers can choose from three separate grades, adding luxury features and technology options as they move up the chain from XLE Plus to XLE Premium and Limited.

Two unique suspension systems were developed for the 2016 Avalon to better align with diverse customer preferences. One retuned suspension prioritizes a comfortable ride for the XLE through Limited grades. The other, provides a more dynamic and responsive driving experience for the Touring grade.   

Both of these suspension tunings are new and represent significant improvements over the current production Avalon.

The refreshed 2016 Avalon adds more refinement with an array of styling, performance and technology enhancements. New features on all Avalon grades will include:

• Wider lower front grille with narrow upper grille design
• Newly-designed turn signals (replacing fog lights)
• Refined LED taillights
• Chrome rear bumper accent
• New gray accent stitching with light gray interior

Additional new standard features on the XLE and XLE Plus grades include:

• Redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels
• 7-inch Entune Audio Plus screen
• Premium woodgrain dash ornamentation
• Tire-specific Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Technology upgrades are added to the Avalon XLE Premium grade as it receives Entune™ Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite and the Qi Wireless Charging as standard equipment. The performance-tuned Avalon Touring grade adds to its sporty styling with new standard features that include:

• Redesigned 18-inch dark gray painted alloy wheels
• New sporty front fascia
• New LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Unique “Touring” badge

The top-of-the-line Avalon Limited rounds out the updates with the addition of new 18-inch alloy Super Chrome wheels on gas models, and new 17-inch alloy Super Chrome wheels on the Limited hybrid (also optional on gas Limited). The Limited adds optional advanced safety features including automatic high beam headlights, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, and Lane Departure Alert.   
 
Camry Special Edition
When redesigning the Camry for 2015, Toyota went bumper to bumper and floor to roof, changing or re-engineering nearly 2,000 parts. Only the roof remained unchanged, and it capped off the boldest Camry ever. Now, only one year after this major redesign, America’s best-selling car will offer the 2016 Camry Special Edition for owner’s looking for an extra dose of both aggressiveness and technology. Based on the youthful Camry SE, the limited production Camry will add sporty interior and exterior features. In addition to features found on the Camry SE, standard equipment on the Special Edition will include:

• Unique 18-inch alloy wheels with machined face contrasted with gloss black painted accents
• Power tilt/slide moonroof
• Smoked tail lamp treatment
• High contrast blue stitching on the seats, shift boot and dash
• Exclusive sport appearance seats trimmed with black SofTex® bolsters and blue patterned inserts
• Sport meter cluster with blue details and white background
• Entune Audio Plus
• Available Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite
• Smart Key with pushbutton start
• Qi Wireless Charging
• Two exterior colors: Blizzard Pearl and new Blue Streak Metallic
• Floor mats with logo and unique exterior badge

The Camry Special Edition will be powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Like all Toyota vehicles, the Camry Special Edition will come standard with the Star Safety System.

Production of the Camry Special Edition will be limited to approximately 12,000 units and will run from August 2015 to January 2016.
 
Corolla Special Edition
The iconic Toyota Corolla is the world’s best-selling name plate of all-time with over 40 million sold since 1966.  With its all-new 11th generation introduced in 2014, the current Corolla is the roomiest and most fuel-efficient ever.   

Corolla will add more driving excitement with the launch of the 2016 Corolla Special Edition. Sporty styling features, inside and out, complement a spirited driving experience made possible with steering wheel paddle shifters, rear disc brakes and Sport Driving Mode along with an array of additional standard features. 
  
Based on the sporty Corolla S Plus grade, the 2016 Corolla Special Edition will turn heads as it adds:

• Unique 17-inch alloy wheels with gloss black finish
• Black mixed media seats with red contrast stitching
• Red accented dash and door trim
• Smart Key System with pushbutton start
• Three colors: exclusive Absolutely Red, Black Sand Pearl and Super White
• Special Edition floor mats with logo and unique exterior badge

Toyota’s Entune™ Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite and power tilt/slide moonroof will be available as options.

The Corolla Special Edition will be produced between August and December 2015 and will be limited to 8,000 units.

Toyota to Create Turbulence in Windy City with Sporty Camry and Corolla Special Editions

• Camry and Corolla to Create Excitement With Special Edition Debuts
• Limited Production Models Equipped With Unique Sport-Themed Features
• Refreshed Avalon to be Unveiled at Chicago Auto Show

Winds of change will be blowing into the Chicago Auto Show. Toyota’s Camry mid-size sedan, the best-selling car in America for the past 13 years, and Corolla compact sedan, the world’s best-selling car of all time, will debut special edition models at next week’s Chicago Auto Show. The debuts will be part of a press conference that will also feature a refreshed Avalon sedan.

 
Camry Special Edition
When redesigning the Camry for 2015, Toyota went bumper to bumper and floor to roof, changing or re-engineering nearly 2,000 parts. Only the roof remained unchanged, and it capped off the boldest Camry ever. Now, only one year after this major redesign, America’s best-selling car will offer the 2016 Camry Special Edition for owner’s looking for an extra dose of both aggressiveness and technology. Based on the youthful Camry SE, the limited production Camry will add sporty interior and exterior features.  In addition to features found on the Camry SE, standard equipment on the Special Edition will include:

• Unique 18-inch alloy wheels with machined face contrasted with gloss black painted accents
• Power tilt/slide moonroof
• Smoked tail lamp treatment
• High contrast blue stitching on the seats, shift boot, and dash
• Exclusive sport appearance seats trimmed with black SofTex bolsters and blue patterned inserts
• Sport meter cluster with blue details and white background
• Entune Audio Plus
• Available Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite
• Smart Key with Pushbutton Start
• Qi Wireless Charging
• Two exterior colors: Blizzard Pearl and new Blue Streak Metallic
• Floor mats with logo and unique exterior badge

 
The Camry Special Edition will be powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Like all Toyota vehicles, the Camry Special Edition will come standard with the Star Safety System.

Production of the Camry Special Edition will be limited to approximately 12,000 units and will run from August 2015 to January 2016.
 
Corolla Special Edition
The iconic Toyota Corolla is the world’s best-selling name plate of all-time with over 40 million sold since 1966. With its all-new 11th generation introduced in 2014, the current Corolla is the roomiest and most fuel-efficient ever.   

Corolla will add more driving excitement with the launch of the 2016 Corolla Special Edition. Sporty styling features, inside and out, complement a spirited driving experience made possible with steering wheel paddle shifters, rear disc brakes and Sport Driving Mode along with an array of additional standard features.   

Based on the sporty Corolla S Plus grade, the 2016 Corolla Special Edition will turn heads as it adds:

• Unique 17-inch alloy wheels with gloss black finish
• Black interior with red contrast stitching
• Red accented dash and door trim
• Smart Key System with pushbutton start
• Three colors: exclusive Absolutely Red, Black Sand Pearl and Super White
• Special Edition floor mats with logo and unique exterior badge

Toyota’s Entune™ Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite and power tilt/slide moonroof will be available as options.

The Corolla Special Edition will be produced between August and December 2015 and will be limited to 8,000 units.

In addition to the Camry and Corolla Special Editions, Toyota will unveil the refreshed 2016 Avalon premium mid-size sedan during a press conference in the Toyota display at Chicago’s McCormick Place on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 2:30 p.m. CST.