Toyota Supports Preservation of African-American Historic Places

Contributes $10,000 to The National Trust for Historic Preservation

Conducts Three-State Roadshow to Iconic African-American Sites

Taking a drive down memory lane is a way to connect to the past, and much like a photograph, visiting historical landmarks can stir emotions and educate the next generation.
 
As part of Black History Month, Toyota teamed up with the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) to help raise awareness of America’s often overlooked yet not so hidden historic African-American treasures, for a road show to three states and contribution to help restore endangered, iconic African-American sites.
 
“The National Trust for Historic Preservation couldn’t be more pleased that when Toyota says, “let’s go places” it also means the historic places we care about,” said Marita Rivero, chairman of the board of trustees, National Trust for Historic Preservation. “ We believe there is no more powerful way to learn about who we are and where we are headed than from the very places where history happened.  It is an honor to receive this generous donation from Toyota to further our efforts in ensuring that the full breadth of the American story is told.”
 
The road trip included such sites as:
 

• Villa Lewaro - Madam C.J. Walker’s mansion located in Irvington, New York: As the first-ever female millionaire in the United States, Walker’s palatial estate serves as a symbol of a time when an African American woman succeeded against the odds. The mansion is one of the key preservation projects for the NTHP.
• Mother Bethel A.M.E. church in Philadelphia: the spiritual foundation of the African American’s plight
• Harlem: a walking tour featuring sites that played an integral role in the Civil Rights movement

 
“We are proud to be a part of protecting cultural treasures for present and future generations to enjoy, preserving places that tell America’s rich history,” said Adrienne Trimble, general manager, Diversity & Inclusion, Toyota Motor North America. “These historical sites help showcase the many contributions African Americans have made to the rich tapestry of America. It’s important that we maintain them so that we can visit and discover our history.”
 
The Black History Month road trip concluded with a visit to the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened in Washington, D.C. last September. Toyota is one of the museum’s founding sponsors. 
 
Toyota also has sponsored the National Archives to preserve important documents, including the GI Bill of Rights and House Passage of the Bill of Rights. Most recently, Toyota donated funds to advance programing at the Museum of Mississippi History and assist the creation of the Toyota Civil Rights Gallery at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.

Toyota and Shell One Step Closer to a Hydrogen Refueling Network in California

Seven hydrogen stations and $16 million award proposed by the California Energy Commission

On February 17, The California Energy Commission (CEC) posted a Notice of Proposed Award (NOPA) outlining subsidies to support hydrogen refueling infrastructure in California. Shell, in partnership with Toyota, will be considered for the installation of hydrogen refueling equipment into seven retail stations in the state of California and an award of $16,362,500 to develop those stations.  
 
The NOPA marks an important step forward in California’s aspiration for broader deployment of low-carbon fuels and vehicle technologies, via its CEC’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program.
 
“Providing accessible, reliable and convenient refueling is key to mainstream adoption of fuel cell vehicles,” said Craig Scott, advanced technology vehicle senior manager, Toyota Motor North America. “Shell’s partnership will bring the expertise and resources of a major energy company to hydrogen infrastructure efforts in California. The team of Toyota and Shell will bring us one step closer to a hydrogen society.”
 
“Hydrogen electric vehicles could play an important role in improving air quality while offering convenience to motorists,” stated Oliver Bishop, Hydrogen General Manager, Shell. “This kind of collaboration between government and industry is central to making hydrogen a reality. It’s a great opportunity to encourage a growing number of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles on the roads and support the carbon reduction goals of the State.”

For more information about the NOPA issues on February 17, 2017; please refer to:
http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/GFO-15-605_NOPA.pdf

Toyota’s New Exhaust Purifying Catalyst Reduces Precious Metal Usage by 20 Percent

• New catalyst is world’s first integrally molded FLAD® substrate
• Groundbreaking design reduces catalyst volume by 20 percent

Toyota Motor Corporation announces the commercial availability of a new, smaller catalyst that uses 20 percent less precious metal in approximately 20 percent less volume, while maintaining the same exhaust gas purification performance. The design is the world’s first integrally-molded Flow Adjustable Design Cell (FLAD®) substrate, with a different cell cross-sectional area at the inner portion compared to that at the outer portion. Innovative design and manufacturing technologies have allowed for the mass production of the new catalyst, which will gradually be installed in new vehicle models, starting from the Lexus LC500h later this year.

 
Increased usage of catalytic precious metals to clean exhaust gas and reduce air pollution presents many issues, including increased costs and resource depletion. Toyota has conducted extensive research and development into finding solutions to help improve the purification efficiency of catalytic precious metals, such as finding the optimal substrate shape and length, as well as modifying the cell wall thickness and cross-sectional area. Other R&D efforts include selectively washcoating precious metals and other catalytic materials, and changing catalytic substrate cell density in line with exhaust gas flows.
 
Toyota and Denso Corporation have developed this new FLAD® substrate to improve the uniformity of exhaust gas flow. Through a series of validations using simulations and prototype substrates, both companies have succeeded in improving uniformity of exhaust gas flow within the catalyst by optimizing factors such as the ratios of cross-sectional areas of cells at the inner and outer portions, and their corresponding densities. As such, with this development, approximately 20 percent less precious metal is used in a more compact catalyst that contains approximately 20 percent less volume, while maintaining the same exhaust gas purification performance as that of conventional catalysts. The newly developed innovative design and manufacturing technologies have also allowed for the mass production of the world’s first integrally molded catalyst.
 

Catalyst Structure
 

Conventional Catalyst	New Catalyst
Uniform cross-sectional area of each cell (uniform channels for exhaust gas)	Smaller cross-sectional area of cells at the inner portion (narrower channels for exhaust gas), with higher cell density Larger cross-sectional area of cells at the outer portion (wider channels for exhaust gas), with lower cell density

Currently, the most commonly used substrate in exhaust gas purifying catalysts for gasoline engines is made of ceramic (cordierite), which utilizes a honeycomb structure consisting of square or hexagonal cells. The walls of cells within this substrate are washcoated with catalytic materials, like platinum (Pt), rhodium (Rh), palladium (Pd) and other precious metals. This provides a catalytic effect, where through oxidation-reduction, harmful gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxide (NOx) are purified within the exhaust to help make them safe.
 
While conventional catalysts have a uniform cell cross-sectional area, the newly developed FLAD® substrate has a structure with a different cell cross-sectional area at the inner portion compared to that at the outer portion. Toyota has succeeded in mass producing this substrate with the world’s first design and manufacturing technology that is able to integrally mold the catalyst.


Flow of exhaust gas within the catalyst

 

Conventional Catalyst	New Catalyst
Exhaust gas flow concentrated at inner portion	Improved uniformity of exhaust gas flow through different cell cross-sectional areas in the inner and outer portions

 
Uniform exhaust gas flow within the catalysts installed in exhaust pipes enables the washcoated precious metals and other catalytic materials to effectively purify the exhaust gas. However, the use of conventional substrates with uniform cell cross-sectional area results in an unbalanced flow of exhaust gas because the flow of gas through the inner portion of the catalyst is faster, and at a higher volume than that through the outer portion. As a result, more catalytic precious metal is required at the inner portion of the catalyst, where the flowrate is greater, in order to maintain purification performance. Current catalytic material washcoating technologies require all cell walls to be coated equally during the washcoating process, so parts of the catalyst with a lower exhaust gas flowrate are coated with the same amount of catalytic precious metals as those parts which have a higher flowrate.
 
Going forward, Toyota remains committed to working actively with our group companies and related business partners to further develop catalyst technologies that will help to achieve cleaner exhaust gas with reduced usage of precious metals.

Toyota Global Hybrids Sales Surpass 10 Million

Over Three Million Hybrids Sold in the U.S.

Toyota announced today that it has achieved more than 10 million cumulative units of hybrid vehicle (HV) sales, including plug-in hybrids, as of January 31. The latest milestone was achieved just nine months after total sales reached 9 million units at the end of April 2016.

Toyota Motor North America also saw its sales of hybrids and plug-in hybrids reach a cumulative total, exceeding three million units as of December 31, 2016.
 
“The Prius stands as an icon for sustainability and efficiency, and is a shining example of what you can achieve when you have the right idea to help solve a problem,” said Bob Carter, senior vice president of automotive operations for Toyota Motor North America. “Hybrids remain an important part of our lineup of vehicles, with over 246,000 units sold last year, and we have seen continued demand with the release of the RAV4 Hybrid variant of the popular compact SUV, accounting for nearly 13 percent of its total sales volume in 2016.”
 
Takeshi Uchiyamada, known as the father of the Prius and co-chairman of the Board of Directors at Toyota said, “When we launched Prius, no one even knew what a hybrid was, but, thanks to early adopters, hybrids have ridden a wave of success into the mainstream.” He added, “We are grateful to each and every one of our customers who have helped us achieve this important [global] milestone.”
 
As of January 31, Toyota estimates that the use of Toyota’s hybrid vehicles, as an alternative to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles of similar size and driving performance has resulted in approximately 77 million fewer tons of CO2 emissions and has saved approximately 7.66 billion gallons of gasoline (29 million kiloliters).
 
More than a numerical milestone, the results demonstrate the staying power of hybrid powertrain technology, which has emerged as a mainstream solution to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. Toyota values activities to help reduce the environmental effects of automobiles.  This achievement builds on the belief that widespread adoption of more environmentally-friendly vehicles can make a significant positive impact worldwide.
 
To learn more about the history, development, and future of hybrid technology at Toyota, please visit http://www.toyota-global.com/.

To view Toyota Motor Corporation’s release, go to: http://newsroom.toyota.co.jp/en/detail/14940871/.

Toyota Again Named the ‘World’s Most Admired’ Motor Vehicle Company by FORTUNE

Survey Ranks Toyota as No. 1 in Industry for Third Consecutive Year

Toyota was once again named by Fortune as one of the “World’s Most Admired Companies” and named the No. 1 Motor Vehicle company for the third consecutive year in an annual ranking. Fortune’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” list recognized Toyota as No. 34 among the Top 50 “All-Star” companies surveyed.
 
Fortune’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” list is widely acknowledged as the definitive report card on corporate reputation and is based on company surveys and industry peer ratings from senior executives, directors and industry analysts. For each company, the survey measures nine attributes considered critical to a company’s global success, including quality of products and services, social and environmental responsibility, global competitiveness, and value as an investment, among others.
 
"Toyota is proud to be listed once again as among the world’s most admired companies,” said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor North America chief executive officer. “This recognition honors the commitment of our team to continuous improvement and exceeding customer expectations. Together, we at Toyota are leading the industry in creating the future of mobility and are making a positive difference in the world through safer, greener and more fun driving experiences.”
 
The full list appears in the magazine’s March issue and can be viewed online now on Fortune’s website at http://beta.fortune.com/worlds-most-admired-companies/list.
 
FORTUNE’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” Methodology  
Korn Ferry Hay Group started with approximately 1,500 companies with revenues of $10 billion or more, then selected the 15 largest for each international industry and the 10 largest for each U.S. industry, surveying a total of 680 companies in 28 countries.
 
To arrive at the top 50 Most Admired Companies overall, Korn Ferry Hay Group asked 3,800 executives, directors, and securities analysts to select the 10 companies they admired most. They chose from a list made up of the companies that ranked in the top 25 percent in last year’s surveys, plus those that finished in the top 20 percent of their industry. Anyone could vote for any company in any industry. To create the 51 industry lists, participants were asked to rate companies in their own industry on nine criteria: Innovation, People Management, Use of Corporate Assets, Social Responsibility, Quality of Management, Financial Soundness, Long-Term Investment Value, Quality of Products/Services, and Global Competitiveness.

'Sexy' All-New 2018 Toyota Camry Comes to Chicago Auto Show

Indoor Driving Course Offers Experiential Demonstrations of Safety Technology

Cubs Tundra with World Series Trophy Replica, Future Mobility Concepts and SEMA Extreme Builds also on Display

 The all-new 2018 Toyota Camry, dubbed “sexy” by Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda at its world debut last month, is coming to the Chicago Auto Show. The captivating mid-size sedan will be on display alongside more than 50 cars, trucks and SUVs in Toyota’s exhibit at Chicago’s McCormick Place from February 10-22.
 
Camry, the best-selling car in America for 15 consecutive years and Cars.com’s “Most American Made” for the past two years, has evolved for 2018 with more exciting and emotional character, newfound sporty performance and eye-catching style. The display in Chicago is the first time the eighth-generation model has been shown at an auto show since its Detroit premiere in January.
 
Show visitors don’t want to miss Toyota’s indoor drive experience, which has annually become one of the Chicago Auto Show’s must-see attractions. This year’s theme, ‘The Story of Go,’ presents Toyota vehicle safety technology through real-world driving maneuvers and demonstrations, including:

• GO CONNECT ? Demonstration of how vehicles connect seamlessly to the tech of today with a scenic Chicago backdrop.
• GO BEYOND EXPECTATIONS ? Participants cross the Chicago Bridge teeter-totter.
• Low-Friction Surface ? Controlled demonstration of how Toyota all-wheel drive systems monitor power and distribute that power to provide optimum traction.
• Noise, Vibration and Harshness ? Participants drive over a cobblestone street to show how every Toyota model is built to provide a quiet and comfortable ride.
• Side Tilt ? Participants experience the vehicle tilted at a remarkable angle—something they won’t experience on the street.
• GO SEE THE UNSEEN ? Demonstration of:
  • Automatic High Beams
  • Perimeter Scan
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• GO THE DISTANCE ? An articulation rack becomes a condensed drive route connecting Chicago to Canada that showcases Toyota’s fuel-efficient powertrains.

 
This unique experience uses 2017 RAV4 and Highlander models, both gasoline and hybrid versions, to give show goers an opportunity to discover Toyota vehicles from the driver’s seat. Drivers are required to be at least 18 years of age and must show a valid driver’s license.
 
Toyota is continuing the celebration of the Chicago Cubs’ World Series victory on the Chicago Auto Show floor. The Cubs-themed 2017 Tundra that drove in the Cubs victory parade last November will be on display for photos, complete with the ten-foot-tall World Series trophy replica in the bed. Toyota is a Legacy Partner of the Chicago Cubs and the Official Vehicle of the Cubs and Wrigley Field. The exhibit will also display two baseball-themed RAV4 models, one each for the Cubs and White Sox.
 
Three of Toyota’s future mobility concepts that are fan-favorites will be in Chicago:

• FCV+ ? This concept vehicle demonstrates Toyota’s vision of a connected, sustainable hydrogen society. It is capable of generating electricity directly from hydrogen stored outside the vehicle and thus operating as a stable source of electric power for use at home or on the go.
• i-ROAD ? Toyota’s innovative, fun-to-drive three-wheel personal electric vehicle, has become a bit of a celebrity with the amount of media attention it has received over the past few years. The i-ROAD, equipped with revolutionary Active Lean technology that emulates the movements of a skier, is as agile as a scooter with the enclosed-canopy comfort of a car and ideal for congested city centers.
• FV2 ? Another concept that generates substantial public attention is operated by the driver shifting his or her body to intuitively move the vehicle in any direction. It uses intelligent transport system technology to connect with other vehicles in the area and traffic infrastructure to enable safe driving.

 
In addition, two of the Toyota Extreme Builds that were unveiled at the 2016 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show will be in Chicago: The Xtreme Corolla and the Toyota Motorsport GmbH GT86 CS-Cup. Unlike many of the vehicles showcased at SEMA, all of the Toyota SEMA builds can be driven, and embody the SEMA spirit of imagination and innovation—taking stock builds and transforming them into something inspired.
 
Other new production models on display include:

• The new C-HR, featuring a bold, outgoing character with a diamond-shaped avant-garde physique and a modern, comfortable cabin for fashion-forward, trendsetting owners.
• The new Prius Prime, which visits the Chicago show floor for the first time. It combines an electrifying design with an advanced electric powertrain that delivers a remarkable 2017 EPA-estimated 133 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent), the highest rating in the industry among all vehicles.

 
A replica of the 2018 NASCAR Camry race car rounds out the camera-worthy vehicles in the Toyota exhibit. The Camry race car received a dramatic redesign in conjunction with its show room counterpart, and will compete on the race track in 2017 as Toyota defends its NASCAR Premier Series manufacturer’s championship. Also, race fans can take their picture with the custom Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Camry, which was driven in last year’s NASCAR XFINITY race at Chicagoland Speedway.

Roughing It in Style - - Toyota Introduces the New 2018 Tundra and Sequoia TRD Sport and RAV4 Adventure Models

• New Tundra and Sequoia TRD Sport Grades Receive added Styling and Performance Handling Upgrades
• Standard Toyota Safety Sense – P
• Refreshed Styling on all Tundra and Sequoia Models
• New RAV4 Adventure adds Dirt-Inspired Styling and Higher Ride Height

Families on the go, TRD style!  Toyota’s Tundra full-size pickup truck and Sequoia large SUV have long been ideal for adventuresome families in need of that unique combination of performance, utility, towing ability and comfort.  For 2018, the experts at Toyota Racing Development (TRD) have developed the new TRD Sport grade for Tundra and Sequoia, offering active families an extra dose of sportier styling and performance for added fun and excitement on their next journey.   

In addition to the new TRD Sport grades, Tundra and Sequoia will receive new styling, convenience and safety features for all 2018 models, including Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) as standard equipment.
Outdoor family fun isn’t exclusive to Toyota’s two largest truck and SUV models.  For the 2018 model year, the popular RAV4 compact crossover adds a new Adventure grade for young families looking for fun in out-of-the-way places.   Already a fun-to-drive crossover for young families with active lifestyles, the new RAV4 Adventure adds a sportier take-me-anywhere attitude for the weekend warrior.
 
Tundra TRD Sport
The new Tundra TRD Sport is available on 4x4 and 4x2 grades in CrewMax and Double Cab configurations and powered by the proven 381-horsepower 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine.  Driving performance will be enhanced with the addition of TRD Sport Tuned Bilstein Shocks and TRD front and rear anti-sway bars.  Key exterior features for the TRD Sport include:

• Color-keyed mirrors, front and rear bumpers
• Color-keyed hood scoop
• 20-inch alloy silver sport wheels
• LED Headlights with smoked chrome bezel, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and LED Fog Lights
• Mesh grille with body color surround
• TRD Sport bedside graphic

Exterior colors for the TRD Sport will include Super White, Magnetic Gray, Midnight Black Pearl, Blazing Blue Pearl and Barcelona Red Metallic.

The exterior styling is complemented with interior features that include a TRD shift knob and TRD Sport floor mats. 

The TRD Sport is just part of an overall refresh for the 2018 Tundra.  Safety will be enhanced on all Tundra models with the addition of Toyota Safety Sense™ (TSS-P) as standard equipment.  This multi-feature advanced active safety suite bundles a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Auto High Beams (AHB) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).  Drivers can view the status of TSS-P through an upgraded Multi-information Display.

The 2018 Tundra will receive exterior updates that include a new mesh grille on select trims while the Tundra Limited and 1794 Edition will receive a new billet style grille.  The Limited, Platinum and 1794 Edition will be equipped with new LED Headlights and Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and LED Fog Lights.  LED headlights and Fog Lights are also available when the TRD Off-Road Package is selected on SR5 models.  The SR and SR5 grades will receive halogen headlights with a black bezel and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). 
 
Sequoia TRD Sport
The brawny 2018 Sequoia TRD Sport will be available in 4x4 and 4x2 models equipped with the 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine.   Road handling is enhanced with TRD Sport Tuned Bilstein Shocks and TRD front and rear anti-sway bars.  Key exterior features on the Sequoia TRD Sport will include:

• New front grille and bumper grille insert
• Metallic black mirror caps
• 20-inch alloy black sport wheels
• Darkened rear tail light housing
• Black satin finish TRD Sport badging on the front doors and a Metallic black and chrome Sequoia badge on the liftgate

Exterior colors for the Sequoia TRD Sport will include Super White, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and the new Midnight Black Metallic.  The stylish exterior treatment will be complemented by an assortment of interior convenience features exclusive to the Sequoia TRD Sport including:

• Standard black fabric seven-passenger seating
• Optional Black leather captain chair seats (part of the optional Premium Package)
• TRD shift knob
• TRD Sport floor mats
• TRD Sport sill protectors

In addition to the TRD Sport, Sequoia will be available in SR5, Limited and Platinum grades in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations.  All will be powered by the i-Force V8 engine. Like Tundra, the 2018 Sequoia will raise the bar in the area of safety as TSS-P will be standard on all models (includes PCS w/PD, LDA, AHB, and DRCC).    

All Sequoia models will also come standard with new LED headlights with LED DRL, and LED fog lights.  Additional exterior updates include a new front grille and bumper grille insert, distinctive to each grade.  A bumper opening chrome surround will be equipped on TRD Sport, Limited and Platinum grades. 

The 2018 Sequoia will be available in eight exterior colors including three new colors: Midnight Black Metallic, Shoreline Blue Pearl and Toasted Walnut Pearl.  Additional colors include: Super White, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Silver Sky Metallic, Blizzard Pearl, and Sizzling Crimson.

Inside, all Sequoia models will come standard with a new instrumentation panel gauge cluster and 4.2-inch Multi-information Display (MID) that tracks the status of TSS-P.  Also new are an updated center speaker grille smoothed to the surrounding dashboard and interior trim with wood-like accents for Platinum grade.
 
RAV4 Adventure
The active lifestyle-inspired RAV4 Adventure will be available in front-wheel drive with an Automatic Limited-Slip Differential, or with Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel-drive.  Both versions feature a standard Tow Prep Package that includes an upgraded radiator and supplemental engine oil and transmission fluid coolers, as well as a suspension system with a higher ride height.  As with all RAV4 models, the Adventure grade will come standard with Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and TSS-P.  Exterior styling features exclusive to the RAV4 Adventure includes:

• Large overfender flares
• 18-inch five-spoke black alloy wheels with 235/55R18 tires
• Lower body guards
• Black headlight bezels
• Black fog lamp surround, roof racks and Adventure badging

The RAV4 Adventure will be available in five exterior colors including Black, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Silver Sky Metallic, Super White, and one new color for RAV4 models, Ruby Flare Pearl.

The sporty exterior features of the RAV4 Adventure are mated to exclusive interior features that include:

• Unique interior trim panels
• Leather-wrapped shift knob
• 120V/100W power outlet in the cargo area
• Adventure door sill protectors
• All-weather mats floor and cargo mats with Adventure logo

Additional features new for 2018 in select RAV4 models include optional heat/power fabric front row seats, heated steering wheel, and wiper de-icer as part of a new Cold Weather Package.

The 2018 RAV4 Adventure grade along with the Tundra and Sequoia TRD Sport grades will begin arriving in dealer showrooms in September.

‘Yet’ Philosophy Inspires Lexus Design Award 2017 Finalists, Announced Today

Finalist Selection Marks First Time U.S. Designers Advance to Final Round

Lexus International today announced the 12 finalists for the Lexus Design Award 2017. Three finalists based in the USA were selected, marking the first time designers from this region have advanced to the final round. First launched in 2013 to help stimulate the ideas necessary to build a better tomorrow, the Lexus International Design Award is celebrating its fifth anniversary. The competition supports up-and-coming designers and creators worldwide. Lexus Design Award 2017 drew 1,152 entries from 63 countries under the theme of “Yet.”
 
As the philosophical soul of Lexus innovation, “Yet” is particularly appropriate for the fifth anniversary of this Lexus event. “Yet” inspires us to find synergy by fusing seemingly incompatible goals, such as spacious yet aerodynamic design. By harmonizing contradictory elements, “Yet” opens up visionary frontiers of progressive design and technology to deliver amazing new experiences to the world.
 
In November 2016, a panel of world-renowned designers and creative mentors gathered to judge the entries. After rigorous evaluation and extensive discussion, the judges chose 12 finalists.
 
Of these 12 finalists, the following four were selected to prototype their designs, mentored by globally recognized creators.

• Structural Color - Static Yet Changing, Jessica Fügler (USA): Static YET Changeable structure depending on viewpoint.
• Having Nothing, and Yet Possessing Everything, Ahran Won (Korea, USA-based): A capsule for mobile living, Having nothing YET Everything.
• PIXEL, Hiroto Yoshizoe (Japan): A structure to experience the existence of Light YET Shadow.
• Player's Pflute, Jia Wu (China): Vegetable YET a Musical instrument provides fun and learning experience. 

To provide creative guidance to the above four finalists, Lexus Design Award 2017 has enlisted  four renowned mentors: architects and interdisciplinary designers Neri & Hu, designer Max Lamb, designer/architect Elena Manferdini and artist/architect Snarkitecture. All served as mentors to last year’s finalists, as well.
 
The four completed prototypes will be featured as part of the Lexus exhibition at this year’s Milan Design Week, along with presentation boards introducing the other eight finalists’ designs. The event will run from April 3 (press and award presentation day) through April 9. On April 3, the finalists will present their designs to the judges and international media. The judges will evaluate the four prototypes and announce the Grand Prix winner, marking the climax of the Lexus Design Award 2017 award cycle.
 
More information and pictures can be found on: 
Lexus Design Award website: www.lexusdesignaward.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexusdesignaward/   @lexusdesignaward
Official hashtags:#LexusDesignAward; #MilanDesignWeek;
 
Further details on the Lexus presence at 2017 Milan Design Week* will be announced in mid-February on the Lexus Design Award website.
 
* The world’s largest design exhibition, also known as Salone Del Mobile, presents events and exhibits by brands and designers in many categories including furniture, fashion and textiles.

Lexus Design Award 2017 Entries Selected for Prototype Development:
  

	Title	Having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
	Designer (Citizenship)	Ahran Won (Korea)
	Country of residence	USA
	Description	A capsule for mobile living, Having nothing YET Everything.
	Mentor	Neri & Hu
	Title	PIXEL
	Designer (Citizenship)	Hiroto Yoshizoe (Japan)
	Country of residence	Japan
	Description	A structure to experience the existence of Light YET Shadow.
	Mentor	Snarkitecture
	Title	Player's Pflute
	Designer (Citizenship)	Jia Wu (China)
	Country of residence	China
	Description	Vegetable YET a musical instrument provides fun and learning experience.
	Mentor	Max Lamb
	Title	Structural Color - Static Yet Changing
	Designer (Citizenship)	Jessica Fügler (USA)
	Country of residence	USA
	Description	Static YET changeable structure depending on viewpoint.
	Mentor	Elena Manferdini

 
 

 
Lexus Design Award 2017 Panel Exhibits:

	Title	Buoyant Measuring Spoon for the Blind
	Designer (Citizenship)	Eunjin Park (Korea)
	Country of residence	Korea
	Description	A measuring spoon with Unseen YET Visualized tactile graduations for the blind.
	Title	The Landscape of Paper
	Designer (Citizenship)	Kuniko Maeda (Japan)
	Country of residence	UK
	Description	Disposable YET Upcycled material using traditional and modern technology.
	Title	Mass Production to Unique Items
	Designer (Citizenship)	Group name: TAKEHANAKE-Bungorogama Yoshifumi Takehana (Japan), Bungo Okuda (Japan), Akira Okuda (Japan)
	Country of residence	Japan
	Description	Mass produced YET One-of-a-kind ceramics created using a portable kiln.
	Title	Paper Kettle
	Designer (Citizenship)	Ryo Katayama (Japan)
	Country of residence	Japan
	Description	Combustible YET Fire-Resistant paper kettle.
	Title	Platanaceae
	Designer (Citizenship)	Paula Cermeño (Peru)
	Country of residence	Switzerland
	Description	Banana leaf bandages that out performs Synthetic YET are Biodegradable and soothing.
	Title	POD: Homeless YET Home
	Designer (Citizenship)	Group Name: MODlab Eric Schwartzbach (USA), Benjamin Ward (USA)
	Country of residence	USA
	Description	Temporary shelter for displaced populations. Homeless YET Home.
	Title	RETROSPECTION PROJECT / TIME TUNE RADIO
	Designer (Citizenship)	Takuro Sanda (Japan)
	Country of residence	Japan
	Description	Hi-tech YET Retro radio tunes in programs from past and present.
	Title	Traffic Light System
	Designer (Citizenship)	Evgeny Arinin?Russia)
	Country of residence	Russia
	Description	Simple YET Sophisticated traffic light.