Toyota Announces 2017 Prices on Select Models

Toyota has announced the 2017 prices, but don't forget that here at Burien Toyota we always give our customers the best deal we can! What 2017 model are you looking forward to?

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2017 Prius Liftback, Yaris and Yaris iA, RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna minivan, and Tundra full-size pickup truck. 
 
Prius Liftback
The 2017 Prius Liftback features Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P) as standard on all grades, reflecting an excellent value.  TSS-P includes four active safety technologies, including Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Automatic High Beams (AHB), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, and Full Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). 

The MSRP for the 2017 Prius Liftback will range from $24,685 for the Prius Two grade, to $30,015 for the Prius Four Touring.  The MSRP’s reflect an average overall increase of $374, or 1.4 percent.
 
Yaris
Value is enhanced for the 2017 Yaris with the addition of Toyota Safety Sense™ C (TSS-C) as standard equipment on all grades.  TSS-C includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Automatic High Beams (AHB), and Lane Departure Alert (LDA).  

The MSRP for the Yaris ranges from $15,250 for the L grade with a manual transmission to $18,000 for the sporty SE grade with an automatic transmission.  The MSRP’s reflect an average overall increase of $355, or 2.2 percent.
 
Yaris iA
The Scion iA joins the Toyota family as the Yaris iA for the 2017 model year.  Updates to the iA include Toyota interior and exterior badging.  Like all Toyota models, iA will include 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 Yaris iA will remain monospec for 2017 model year.  Key features include: choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions, 16-inch alloy wheels, 7-inch touchscreen display audio plus a remote interface commander in the center console, Remote keyless entry with push-button start, and backup camera.  One exterior color, Sterling Silver, will be replaced by a new silver, Chromium.

The Yaris iA base MSRP will increase $250, reflecting an increase of 1.5 percent.  Prices will range from $15,950 for the iA with a manual transmission and $17,050 for the automatic.
 
RAV4/RAV4 Hybrid
The 2017 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid will feature Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P) as standard on all grades.   TSS-P includes includes Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Automatic High Beams (AHB), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). 

One new grade, Platinum, joins the RAV4 gas lineup.  The RAV4 Platinum will offer a premium option to customers seeking the highest level of style, technology and luxury from a small SUV.  Standard features on the Platinum Grade will include:

• Full Body Color – Lower plastic cladding, color-keyed to top body color
• Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and JBL
• Foot-well ambient Lighting
• Heated steering wheel
• Five-door Smart Key
• Floor-activated, height-adjustable power back door
• Bird’s Eye View Camera
• Plush floor mats
• Door sill protectors (Platinum Badged)
• Interior ornamentation (five pieces)
• Platinum badging

One new exterior color, Galactic Aqua Mica, replaces Hot Lava and will be available on both gas and hybrid models.

The base MSRP for RAV4 gas models will range from $24,910 for the 4x2 LE to $36,150 for the 4x4 Platinum grade.  The MSRP’s reflect an average overall increase of $540, or 1.9 percent.  Prices do not include the new SE grade for both RAV4 gas and RAV4 Hybrid grades, which will be announced at a later date.

The base MSRP for the RAV4 Hybrid will range from $29,030 for the RAV4 Hybrid XLE, to $34,030 for the premium RAV4 Hybrid Limited.  The prices reflect an overall average increase of $353, or 1.2 percent.
 
Sienna
Standard across all Sienna models is a new 3.5-liter Direct Injection V6 engine and Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission.  The combination of this new powertrain will result in improved fuel economy and best-in-class horsepower and torque. Horsepower will increase from 266 to 296 while torque will improve from 245 to 263.

The base MSRP for the 2017 Sienna will range from $29,750 for the Siena L seven-passenger 4x2, to $47,310 for the Sienna Limited Premium seven-passenger all-wheel-drive.  The prices reflect an overall average price increase of $900, or 2.6 percent. 
 
Tundra
The Toyota Tundra, recognized for its value and dependability, offers detail changes for 2017, enhancing value and comfort in a hard-working, hard-playing full-size pickup truck.
A tow hitch receiver is added to the 4.6-liter V8, making this feature standard on all Tundra models.  Tundra Limited models will now include power front bucket seating as standard, including a four-way front passenger seat.
 
 Exterior color additions include Barcelona Red Metallic, Super White, and Black on SR grades.  Inferno has been discontinued on the TRD Pro grade but added to SR5 and Limited models.  The SR5 and Limited also new offer Quicksand.  The ultra-rugged Tundra TRD Pro adds two colors, Cement, Barcelona Red Metallic, joining Super White.

The base MSRP for the 2017 Tundra will range from $30,020 for the 2WD Extended Cab SR with a Standard Bed, 4.6-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission to $50,030 for the 4WD CrewMax 1794 Edition and Platinum grade, each with a short bed, 5.7-liter V8, and six-speed automatic.   The MSRP’s reflect an average overall increase of $535, or 1.4 percent.

Toyota MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling of $865 for Toyota passenger cars, $940 for small/medium SUV’s, van and small pickup, $1,095 for large SUVs, and $1,195 for large pickup truck.  All DPH fees became effective on July 27. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Toyota Celebrates Hispanic Community at 2016 National Council of La Raza (NCLR) Conference

Conference Marks Toyota’s Sixth Year as Title Sponsor; 
Toyota and the NCLR Have Been Partners for More Than 17 Years
 

Toyota, the No. 1 auto company among U.S. Hispanics for 12 consecutive years, returned as co-title sponsor of the 2016 NCLR Conference, which is taking place July 23-26, 2016 in Orlando, FL. As part of the celebration, Toyota gave away a brand new 2016 Corolla at the annual Latinas Brunch on Sunday, July 24.

 
“Toyota is proud to support NCLR’s important work, which continues to uplift the Hispanic community,” said Steve St. Angelo, Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Latin America and Caribbean Region. “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Corolla—the most popular vehicle among Hispanics— we are committed to deepening our relationship with this vibrant and dynamic community that has played such an important role in our success.”

NCLR is the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., reaching millions of Hispanics each year in 41 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia through its network of nearly 300 affiliated community-based organizations. Since 1999, Toyota has provided NCLR with grants of nearly $3 million.
 
“We thank Toyota for their steadfast commitment to the Hispanic community,” said Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO. “Latinos are an important part of the future of this country and together with partners like Toyota, we will keep championing on their behalf.”
 
During the conference, St. Angelo addressed the Latinas Brunch and awarded a brand new 2016 Corolla to Diane Arms-Signore of Houston, Texas. Arms-Signore serves as Director of Prevention and Counseling at the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans (AAMA), an organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering at-risk Latinos to pursue their potential and achieve success. She plans to use her new Corolla to support her organization’s Minorities in Action Program to help individuals with HIV maintain access to quality healthcare.
 
To date, Toyota has contributed $800 million to grassroots organizations and nonprofits, much of it going to organizations that support minority populations, including Hispanics.  For 25 years Toyota has run one of the leading minority procurement programs, Opportunity Exchange, that creates jobs and stimulates economic opportunity in Latino communities across the nation.
 
For more information about the 2016 NCLR Conference, please visit:  http://conference.nclr.org/. Make sure to follow the social conversation using #VayamosJuntos and #NCLR16.

Toyota Gets a Kick Out of US Youth Soccer

With the news of the Sigi Schmidt and the Seattle Sounders parting ways, here is some happier soccer news!

Toyota is partnering with US Youth Soccer to celebrate the achievements and participation of all youth soccer athletes and coaches at the 2016 US Youth Soccer National Championship in Frisco, Texas, July 26–28. Toyota is also the official automobile of US Youth Soccer.
 
On-site activities at the National Championship will highlight Toyota Sienna and Highlander through a series of interactive areas that make up the “Let’s Go Play Zone.”  Athletes and their families can test their skills on a customized soccer obstacle course for prizes, share a unique photo on social media, and learn more about the vehicles.
 
The “Let’s Go Play Zone” has been featured at all four US Youth Soccer National Championship Series regional championships, providing Toyota with an opportunity to engage with soccer enthusiasts who travel a lot in support of their favorite club team.
 
In addition to the activities, Toyota will be hosting players from FC Dallas in the “Let’s Go Play Zone” to engage with fans and sign autographs this week during the National Championship event. 
 
“Toyota has always enjoyed a strong commitment to families in the communities in which we work and play,” says Cooper Ericksen, vice president, Vehicle Marketing and Communications for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. “When presented with this unique opportunity to partner with U.S Youth Soccer in our soon-to-be backyard, and given that Toyota already enjoys a strong partnership with FC Dallas and Toyota Stadium, we saw this as an ideal way to support the needs of some of the best youth soccer players in the country and their families.”
 
"We recognize the countless hours dedicated parents and coaches spend on the road with their youth soccer players each year," US Youth Soccer CEO Chris Moore said, "and we’re proud to partner with Toyota as the Official Automobile of US Youth Soccer."
 
The partnership between Toyota and US Youth Soccer was created and is being managed by Paragon Marketing Group, LLC.
 
The Toyota Let’s Go Play Zone activities scheduled for July 26 – 28 include:

• FC Dallas Player Appearances: FC Dallas Players will make appearances at the Let’s Go Play Zone each day to sign autographs.  Follow Toyota on Facebook and Twitter to verify exact times.
• Obstacle Course: An interactive skills competition consisting of three (3) soccer related activities—dribbling, target passing and shooting on goal. Participants will be timed as they complete the entire course. Athletes will be divided into groups based on gender and age. Athletes with the fastest time from each group at the end of each day will win a prize.
• Vehicle “Photo Booth”: Participants have the opportunity to climb in a Sienna or Highlander to take a group photo with their teammates and families to commemorate the National Championships. The photos will be instantly available for sharing via Twitter, Facebook, or email.
• Vehicle Education:  Toyota will showcase the new 2017 Sienna and Highlanders, along with a few additional special edition vehicles.

Engineers of Tomorrow: Toyota Helps Michigan Science Center ‘Catch ‘Em All’

$1.44 Million Donation to Renovate Theater, Increase Reach of STEM Education

Inspiring today’s students to become tomorrow’s science and engineering leaders is something Toyota believes is critical to society. Whether it’s autonomous cars, flying cars or something that has yet to be envisioned, the future of mobility depends on sparking children’s interests in engineering and science careers.

Likewise, as the region continues to face a shortage of STEM professionals, it is important to expose children to the different opportunities and career choices available to them. In support of creating that next generation of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) professionals, Toyota has donated $1.44 million to Michigan Science Center (MiSci) located in Midtown Detroit. This donation is the latest of many efforts by Toyota to promote and expand STEM education initiatives.

“It’s critical to foster innovative thinking at a young age,” said Toyota Technical Center Senior Vice President Jeff Makarewicz. “Developing that interest early on can create great opportunities not only for students, but for the industry as well. We’re excited to make this donation, and for our continued partnership with the Michigan Science Center.”

The donation will be used to transform and upgrade the Toyota Engineering Theatre (TET). The TET is a unique, 4D multi-media experience that engages visitors with the transformative, dynamic and exciting world of engineers and engineering.

Since MiSci’s opening in 2012, the TET has hosted more than 94,000 students, families and curious minds of all ages. In the past 8 years however, engineering has changed and the STEM sector has continued to grow. With Toyota’s support, MiSci will be able to meet these new demands and upgrade the theater’s technology, creating a more robust experience. The upgrades will include a state-of-the-art HD projection system with 3D viewing capabilities; enhanced space and lighting for a more immersive experience, and the creation of universally designed videos that play in 4D theaters and standard digital media players.

The funding will also help MiSci expand its ability to foster STEM education by developing all-new programming and educational connected learning initiatives for both teachers and students.

“Toyota’s donation allows the Science Center to do more than just upgrade the TET. This is an opportunity for us to present STEM in a relatable and relevant way, while increasing student interest in STEM careers,” said Tonya Matthews, Michigan Science Center president and CEO. “This opportunity allows us to continue our mission of being a premier institute for STEM learning and experiences in Michigan.”

The Toyota Engineering Theatre and connected learning programs are designed to combat common misconceptions surrounding engineering by portraying engineering and the world of science and math in a fun, dynamic way.

WWF and Toyota Form Global Partnership, Join Forces on Living Asian Forest Project and Climate Change

WWF and Toyota Motor Corporation have entered into a five-year agreement aimed at accelerating the globe's transition to sustainability. Through this partnership, the organizations will work together to promote biodiversity conservation, raise environmental awareness and accelerate the move toward a "zero carbon" society.

Toyota is the first car company and the first Japanese company to sign a Global Corporate Partnership agreement with WWF. The agreement went into effect on July 1, 2016.

As part of the partnership, Toyota will support the Living Asian Forest Project, a new series of existing and planned WWF activities to conserve tropical forests and wildlife in Southeast Asia. The project will take place in WWF priority places Borneo (Kalimantan) and Sumatra in Indonesia. In the future, the project will expand to the Greater Mekong region.

The project will also focus on increasing the sustainability of natural resources such as wood, paper and pulp, palm oil and natural rubber. Unsustainable production and use of these commodities are among the main causes of deforestation and increased threats to endangered species in these regions.

Toyota will donate US$1 million to the Living Asian Forest Project in 2016 and will continue its support for a total of five years. The support strengthens efforts toward achieving the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 goals of aiming to reduce Toyota's environmental footprint to zero, while creating value and producing benefit to society in the face of global-scale environmental issues. The Living Asian Forest Project will specifically help accomplish one of the six challenges: to establish a future society in harmony with nature.

With demand expected to rise for natural rubber?the main resource for car tires?the partnership recognizes that the sustainable production and use of natural rubber is required for forest ecosystem conservation. Toyota acknowledges the environmental and social challenges surrounding natural rubber, and will collaborate with industries and stakeholders to contribute to international standard-setting as well as other related activities that WWF promotes.

Throughout the partnership, WWF and Toyota will also work together to help realize a zero carbon society. In order to successfully meet the company's Zero CO2 Emissions Challenges under its Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, Toyota has already joined the Science Based Targets initiative that is aimed at helping companies combat climate change.

Didier Leroy, Executive Vice President of Toyota, said: "We share the same vision as WWF: to achieve a truly sustainable society and leave a living planet for future generations. When we started working on concrete actions to achieve our Environmental Challenge 2050, we decided that joining forces with non-governmental organizations which are experts in their field was essential. Our partnership, and projects like the Living Asian Forest Project, are among the most effective ways for a company like ours to make a positive impact and raise awareness among our employees, suppliers, and customers of the importance of sustainable resource management."

Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International, said: "WWF is delighted to join forces with Toyota in order to accelerate efforts needed to prevent the dangerous degradation of the natural systems we all depend on. Science has never been clearer and awareness of the problems and solutions to the many environmental challenges that the world is facing has never been greater. We need more private sector organizations like Toyota to step up and find solutions to these challenges. WWF commends Toyota's vision to help make a safer, healthier more sustainable world a reality for future generations and our living planet."

Arnold Sitompul, Conservation Director of WWF Indonesia, said: "One of the exciting outcomes of this partnership will be the strengthening of our work to conserve tropical forest ecosystems in Kalimantan and Sumatra. These are important homes for critically endangered species, and essential proving grounds for the sustainable management of natural resources."

Making the Grade: 2017 4Runner TRD Off-Road Joins TRD Line-Up

• New TRD Off-Road Premium Tops New Trim
• Two New Grades Make Debut at 10th Annual FJ Summit in Ouray, Colorado

Adding to its impressive off-road credibility, the 2017 4Runner will be available in two new grades -- TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium. Both grades offer distinctive TRD (Toyota Racing Development) branding to stand out anywhere a 4Runner can travel.

Since its introduction in 1984, the 4Runner’s body-on-frame architecture has enabled the SUV to traverse challenging terrain while comfortably transporting people and all the gear they need for their adventures.

For four decades, TRD has been racing off-road and that heritage is reflected in these new grades. The exterior of the TRD Off-Road 4Runner features black painted wheels and a unique TRD Off-Road badge on the C-pillar. Inside, the center console has a carbon fiber look and the floor mats feature the TRD Off-Road designation. The TRD Off-Road Premium 4Runner also adds “TRD” red lettering on the headrests for the driver and front passenger.

Under the rugged exterior of the Off-Road and Off-Road Premium grades, advanced capability is built into the 4Runner, including the Multi-Terrain Select system which allows the driver to use a dial to select the mode that matches prevailing terrain and conditions, adjusting wheel slip accordingly. The 4Runner lives up to its name with an electronic-locking rear differential and Toyota’s Crawl Control (CRAWL) feature. The latter helps maintain a constant speed, enhancing vehicle control when driving up and over obstacles in challenging off-road situations. With the transfer case shifted into low range, CRAWL regulates both engine speed and braking force to propel the vehicle forward or in reverse at one of the five driver-selectable low-speed settings. The driver can thus focus on steering over obstacles without having to also modulate the throttle or brake pedal.

Further off-road credentials include superior approach and departure angles, high ground clearance and available suspension upgrades. The available Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) facilitates extended wheel travel at slow speeds for greater off-road capability and stability. For example, on loose terrain such as mud and sand, more-than-normal wheel slip is permitted, allowing wheel-spin to work in the vehicle’s favor. The Mogul setting is for any extremely uneven terrain, such as V-ditches, slopes, and ridges -- uphill or down. In this mode, wheel slip is minimized and the system acts more like a limited slip differential.

“The 4Runner has a large and loyal following, with dependability being a key factor. Of all the 4Runners purchased in the last ten years, 90 percent are still on the road,” said John Myers, national manager, trucks and SUVs, Toyota Vehicle Marketing and Communications. “4Runner owners often take their SUVs off the beaten path, so these new TRD Off-Road grades will be a popular recognition of TRD’s history in the off-road arena.”

The 2017 4Runner will be available in six grades: SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, and TRD Pro. Pricing for all grades will be available prior to the 4Runner’s launch later this year.   

Norm!

A Chat with TMMI Chief Norm Bafunno

You can call him the Sultan of Sequoia, the Head Honcho of Highlander, the Sire of the Sienna, but Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana President Norm Bafunno has no problem talking sports, family and misfiring a few thousand emails.

First, sports play a big role in guiding Bafunno (He loved the “win as a team” aspect of high school football, and his favorite book is written by famed Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy). Second, Bafunno brings to work an optimistic, upbeat attitude infectious to those around him.

So, as he leads more than 6,000 team members at the plant that makes Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Sienna and Sequoia, Bafunno makes a point to take a hands-on role in day-to-day operations.

How do you approach your role as a leader of 6,000 people?
Everything starts with spending the appropriate amount of time doing the go-and-see and visiting people in their actual workplace setting. It is so easy, the larger a company gets, to spend time away from the real activity. I try to actually schedule time to just go out and look at current activity as often as possible.

For me it is very important to get a real feel for what’s going on. People make all kinds of effort every day, so I want to do my best to get out there and acknowledge their hard work. Some things you can’t even see day-to-day by walking down an aisle. But when you talk to somebody about the change they made in the way their tool operates, or a maintenance team member who has a new software fix for a cycle-time reduction on a robot, you see it really makes a big difference.

How did you get interested in engineering?
In high school, I was a math, physics, science type person. Most importantly, my grandfather was an engineer and one of the smartest men I have ever been around. He could do anything. Everybody in the family asked him to fix just about anything that would break. But what really motivated me was his ability to simplify very complex pieces of equipment to make them understandable. Whether it is fixing a car, a lawn mower or washing machine, he had the ability to not only do things but to share how he did each task. That was very encouraging and really piqued my interest in engineering.

I would come home after college finals and my grandfather would ask me if I had a copy of my calculus exam. And I’d be like, “Uh, no, but I can see if I can get one.” He wanted to take my final. He was a great example of continuous learning, and he just tried to make it simple. So many times people try to present things in such complex ways. He had a way of simplifying it to a point of really engaging other people.
 
Tell me a little bit about your life at home.
Family is a huge priority in my life. I have three children that are all grown. My wife, Julie, and I spend quite a bit of time between three cities where they live helping with whatever we can or just visiting. Those moments to me are the most important. Getting our family together, spending time relaxing and catching up with everyone is priceless, but finding the time is difficult. We look at work/life balance at our company, but I don’t think there’s any way to justify time away from your spouse or children. The key is to maximize the time together.

What event in your life has meant the most to your current success?
Flexibility. Reflecting on my career, I have rotated around to six or seven major assignments over the past 30 plus years. Rotating from an area early in my career where I felt very comfortable to a whole new job in a completely new state. It took me way out of my comfort zone. I wondered if I would be able to apply the knowledge I attained to this completely new environment. Looking back, working in that kind of situation allowed me to grow. I was able to apply that knowledge in another workplace and it built my confidence. These experiences introduced me to so many talented people, creating a great opportunity to learn. Those were the experiences necessary to build the skills that have allowed me to make positive contributions in my leadership role today.

What’s your most embarrassing professional experience?
I have a pretty good one. I was in about my third year at General Motors, and I was working in our controls engineering area. I was testing a brand new laptop, and I was sending a test email to a counterpart in Canada. And I basically just put “this is a test of the system. Let me know if you receive. Norm.”

Well, when I hit the return key, there was a wildcard asterisk recorded in the “to,” “cc” and “bcc” fields that was not visible. When I hit the send button, I sent this email to everybody who had an email address at General Motors. And, I cc’d and bcc’d everybody at General Motors too. I just about shut down the entire email system for a day. Suddenly, I had these computer guys coming up to me saying, “I’d like to talk to Norm Bafunno.” I got hundreds of emails saying, “Norm, I received your email. Thanks.”

What is the biggest challenge you face in your current job?
First, how do we continue to innovate at a very rapid pace? This team at Indiana has earned an outstanding reputation for vehicle quality. But we can never sit still. Our competition is very good, and the need for innovation continues year after year.

And second, how do we evolve as a high-performing company generationally. We have a lot of baby boomers in the plant, but now Gen X and Millennials are the largest groups. So how do we all work together? How do we communicate in an effective way? It’s super important to make sure everyone feels comfortable as demographics change. Going back 10 or 15 years, a majority of our team members were baby boomers, but our younger workers are going to carry the torch for the next 20 years after the older generation is gone.

What’s one thing you do on a regular basis that people might find odd or surprising?
I stop and get a frozen Coke everywhere I can. I love frozen Cokes. If I’m driving somewhere and I see a place, I always pull in to check out their version.

So you’re the guy at the Slurpee machine holding everyone up, eh?
I love Slurpees. Are you kidding me? For Christmas one year, my nephews got me this 128-ounce guitar-shaped mug that you can fill up. I don’t know where they found it, but I’m sure when they saw it they said, “Uncle Norm’s gotta have this.” It was great. So what do I do? I go to 7-Eleven to fill it up.

How many frozen Cokes a week are we talking?
I would say 4-5 a week if the timing is right.

Over the course of your career, what’s the best advice you’ve received?
Just do everything to the best of your ability. No matter what the project may be, work on it as if it is the most important project that you could do. When you work on a project to the best of your ability, you will learn a lot about the subject matter. And that foundation of small project after small project gives you an incredible foundation for your career.

Why do you love working at TMMI and what we should know about it.
First and foremost, the performance of the plant is at a very high level. It has earned a reputation through the years for consistency and innovation. There is an incredible sense of ownership by the people who work here. If I look at the team members building our product every day, plus the new team members coming on board, I see a real thought process that they can make a difference, and I am going to make a difference, and I can make this place better and I can help other people be successful. There is truly an environment in Indiana that is inviting and receptive to all people.

Toyota Leads Auto Industry in Innovation, Again!

No other automaker can match the number of patents issued to Toyota in 2015


Whether it’s creating artificial skin for pedestrian safety mannequins, helping autonomous vehicles detect and safely react to emergency vehicles or fabrics that clean themselves, Toyota leads the way in anticipating and engineering the cars of tomorrow for today.

This is the second consecutive year the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued more patents to Toyota’s innovative designers and engineers than to any other automaker. This achievement is according to a recently released publication by the Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO).  In 2015, Toyota received 1,636 patents and over the last eight years has been awarded more patents than any other automotive company. This achievement illustrates the company’s commitment to ever better cars that achieve greater safety, environmental and technological advancements.

“As companies in the automotive industry transform themselves into broader mobility providers, no auto company better demonstrates innovation and technology for the future than Toyota,” said Jeff Makarewicz, senior vice president, Toyota Technical Center (TTC), Toyota’s North American research & development headquarters.  “We’re focused on delivering great experiences for our customers, a cornerstone of Toyota’s product commitment, and this recognition is proof we’re living up to that promise.” 

Toyota is the only automaker listed among the top 20 on the IPO list. Other key innovators in the top 20 include Apple, Google, IBM and Microsoft.

Toyota’s industry-leading patent numbers illustrate the company’s increasing success as global auto leader, but also as one of the world’s leading innovators.