Toyota Recognized by Project Lead The Way for Commitment to America’s Students and Teachers

Named a Transformative Partner for its efforts to increase access to high-quality career learning

From advanced manufacturing to computer science, developing and connecting youth to high-demand, high-growth career opportunities is something companies throughout the nation are trying to tackle. For Toyota, this kind of workforce development has been a focus in the U.S. for decades. 

To recognize its focus on developing and connecting students to career opportunities, Project Lead The Way (PLTW) welcomed Toyota as a “Transformative Partner” at its 2017 National Summit. Awarded just six times in 20 years, the distinction of Transformative Partner is the highest level of commitment for PLTW partners. In addition to Toyota, PLTW’s Transformative Partners include Autodesk, Chevron, Kern Family Foundation, Lockheed Martin, and Verizon.

“Providing students with career-learning opportunities in growing industries is critical to empowering students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in our global economy,” said Dr. Vince Bertram, president and CEO of PLTW. “Through its support of PLTW programs and facilitation of student opportunities through its work/study and technician-training programs, Toyota has been an invaluable partner in this effort. We are proud to recognize Toyota as a Transformative Partner.”

Toyota began recruiting PLTW high school graduates to enroll in its Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program in 2010. The two-year, intensive technical work/study program prepares global-best graduates for in-demand manufacturing careers and offers them a unique opportunity to earn a salary with Toyota while working toward an associate degree through a local community college partner. Today, the program is active in nine states, with 22 programs and over 300 engaged employers.

“PLTW programs help to empower teachers and students, providing the skills, resources, and training necessary to compete for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Dennis Dio Parker, who leads Toyota’s AMT program. “We part of a rapidly changing and complex industry, and PLTW helps produce graduates who are well prepared to succeed in our global-best AMT pathway.”

In addition, Toyota engages in targeted recruitment of PLTW students for its Technician Training & Education Network (T-TEN) program, currently in 36 U.S. colleges. In its 31-year history, T-TEN has developed and graduated over 11,000 factory-certified automotive technicians in challenging, rewarding, and well-paid positions in Toyota and Lexus dealerships around the country.

“Throughout the nation, we are investing in workforce development programs to provide youth with opportunity,” said Rick Lester, who leads Toyota’s T-TEN program. “By partnering with PLTW, we are able to build a pipeline of students with the skill sets that help prepare them for future success in our program.”

Expanding access to career-learning opportunities in manufacturing and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is vital to preparing students for careers in high-demand, high-growth fields. A study from Deloitte found that over the next decade, U.S. employers will need to fill nearly 3.5 million skilled manufacturing jobs; however, the skills gap is expected to result in two million of those jobs remaining unfilled. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Commerce reports that employment in STEM is projected to grow by 8.9 percent from 2014 to 2024, compared to 6.4 percent growth for non-STEM occupations.

Earlier this year, The Toyota USA Foundation awarded PLTW a grant to support the implementation of PLTW programs in approximately 115 K-12 schools throughout the United States. The grant will help with the implementation of PLTW Launch (grades K-5); PLTW Gateway (grades 6-8); and PLTW Engineering and PLTW Computer Science programs (grades 9-12). In 2015, the Foundation awarded PLTW a grant which gave 40 high schools the opportunity to implement PLTW’s Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) course.

The grant application window for this year’s funding is currently open. Eligible schools must submit an application through the Grants tool in myPLTW before Dec. 15.

Toyota Financial Services Offers Payment Relief to Customers Affected by California Wildfires

Toyota Financial Services (TFS) announced it is offering payment relief options to its customers affected by the recent California wildfires. This broad outreach includes any Toyota Financial Services (TFS) or Lexus Financial Services (LFS) customer in the designated disaster areas and follows the company’s recent payment relief programs for customers affected by Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, and Hurricane Maria. 
 
We at Toyota Financial Services care about the safety and well-being of our customers and want to help those affected by the fires.  Lease and finance customers residing in the devastated areas may be eligible to take advantage of several payment relief options, some of which include:

• extensions or deferred payments 
• redirecting billing statements
• arranging phone or online payments

 
Toyota Financial Services will proactively attempt to contact customers in the affected areas to assess their needs and inform customers of the options available to them. 
 
Customers who would like to discuss their account options are encouraged to contact TFS or LFS:
 
Toyota Financial Services customers may call (800) 874-8822 or contact TFS via email using the Mail Center function after logging into ToyotaFinancial.com.
 
Lexus Financial Services customers may call 800-874-7050 or contact LFS via email using the Mail Center function after logging into LexusFinancial.com.
 
We extend our heartfelt thoughts to those affected by the natural disaster. 

Calling Teen Filmmakers: Toyota and Discovery Launch Safe Driving PSA Challenge

2018 TeenDrive365 Video Challenge Open for Entries: Winner to Receive $15,000 Grant and Opportunity to Work with Discovery Communications’ Velocity Network to Produce TV-Ready PSA

Learning to drive is an exciting time for a teen. But facts have shown it can be extremely dangerous.  A short video that promotes safe driving habits might be all that it takes to become aware of dangerous driving situations. That is why Toyota and Discovery Education launched the 2018 TeenDrive365 Video Challenge. 
 
Now in its sixth year, the challenge, sponsored by Discovery Education, invites teens to submit an original 30-60 second Public Service Announcement for 9-12 grade students about safe driving habits.  The grand prize includes $15,000 cash and the opportunity to work with a Discovery film crew to re-shoot the entry video into a TV-ready PSA. Teens can register and submit their entries today through February 28, 2018 at TeenDrive365inschool.com.
 
“This contest continues to encourage students, parents and teachers to have critical conversations about the importance of making smart choices behind the wheel,” said Mike Goss, general manager, Toyota Social Innovation. “Every year we are amazed by the variety of unique and inspiring videos we receive and look forward to seeing this year’s entries.”
 
This year, a panel of judges comprised of community leaders, educators, communications experts and Toyota representatives will convene to select challenge winners. Since the inception of the competition, thousands of video submissions have been considered, and the effort has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in student grants and prizes. The top ten finalists’ videos – some amusing and others more serious in tone – communicate the importance of maintaining safe driving habits and avoiding fatal distractions while behind the wheel.
 
“The TeenDrive365 Video Challenge inspires meaningful peer-to-peer conversations across digital learning environments, with the goal of empowering young drivers with the tools they need to help other students develop safer driving habits,” said Lori McFarling, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Discovery Education.
 
This year’s challenge grants include:

• Grand Prize - $15,000 and the chance to work with a Discovery film crew to reshoot the winning video as a TV-ready PSA
• Second Place - $10,000
• Third Place - $7,500
• Fourth through Tenth Places - $2,500 each
• Four Regional Prizes - $1,000 each
• One People’s Choice Prize – selected online through public vote - $5,000 and a trip to attend a taping of a show that airs on Discovery Communications’ Velocity Network.

For more information about the TeenDrive365 Video Challenge or to watch winning videos from the 2016-2017 challenge, visit TeenDrive365InSchool.com. 
 

About Toyota TeenDrive365
TeenDrive365: In School is a comprehensive program designed by Toyota and Discovery Education to help teens avoid distractions and stay safe behind the wheel. The initiative offers a range of content, tools and resources designed specifically for educators and teens.
 
Available at no cost to classrooms nationwide, these resources include: standards-aligned lesson plans for grades 9-12, activities that teach appropriate behaviors for young drivers and passengers, Heads Up! – an Interactive Road Distraction Challenge that allows teens to virtually experience some of the dangers of distracted driving, and a collection of online events, tools and social media elements that underscore how teens can make a difference by driving safely.
 
About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content, professional development, and the largest professional learning community of its kind. Serving 4.5 million educators and over 50 million students, Discovery Education’s services are in half of U.S. classrooms, 50 percent of all primary schools in the UK, and more than 50 countries. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that increase academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.
 
For more information about Discovery Education’s Streaming Plus, digital content and professional development services, visit discoveryeducation.com. Stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Facebook, follow us on Twitter at @DiscoveryEd, or find us on Instagram and Pinterest

2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Named Mid-Size Pickup Truck of Texas for the Second Straight Year

Tacoma TRD Pro reigns supreme at Texas Auto Writers Association 2017 Texas Truck Rodeo 

For the second year in a row, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro conquered the competition and drove off the ranch with the title of Mid-Size Pickup Truck of Texas at the 2017 Texas Auto Writers Association’s (TAWA) Truck Rodeo.

After driving 16 hours through rugged, off-road terrain at Longhorn River Ranch in Dripping Springs, Texas, 75 journalists solidified Toyota's standing in the Lone Star State with back-to-back victories. 

"The Tacoma has built a reputation for quality, durability and reliability, and we're honored that TAWA has named the Tacoma TRD Pro the Mid-Size Pickup Truck of Texas for the second straight year," said John Myers, Toyota vehicle marketing and communications national manager. "With the opening of our Toyota Motor North America headquarters in Plano in July, we are especially excited to win this award as Texans."

Assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX), in San Antonio, the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro impressed TAWA members with its suspension, exhaust enhancements and off-road technology. The TRD Pro takes the Tacoma to the next level with 2.5-inch Fox Internal Bypass front shocks paired with TRD-tuned springs to provide an additional one inch of lift. Remote-reservoir Fox shocks are equipped in the rear that, along with the progressive-rate leaf springs, help provide the TRD Pro with exceptional off-road performance. The TRD Pro features a heritage-inspired TOYOTA grille, TRD Pro badge on the front doors and additional black badging to help it stand out in the crowd. The Tacoma TRD Pro is also fitted with an aluminum front skid plate, Rigid Industries LED fog lights, a TRD cat-black stainless-steel exhaust system, TRD Pro floor mats and a TRD shift lever. Powered by a segment-first Atkinson Cycle V6 engine, the Tacoma TRD Pro produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque. The TRD Pro is also equipped with off-road features such as CRAWL Control, Multi-Terrain Select, and a selectable locking rear differential.

TAWA is a Texas-based nonprofit association for automotive journalists promoting professionalism and quality in journalism for more than two decades. The group produces two annual events – Texas Auto Roundup and Texas Truck Rodeo – that allow members to experience vehicles from various manufacturers in one place, at one time.

Toyota Launches “Start Your Impossible” Global Corporate Initiative

As a Mobility Company, Toyota is Committed to “Freedom of Mobility for All”

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has launched “Start Your Impossible” – a global corporate initiative that aims to inspire Toyota employees, partners, and customers and connect them with the company’s core beliefs. In an age of accelerating technological and environmental developments, “Start Your Impossible” marks Toyota’s commitment to support the creation of a more inclusive and sustainable society in which everyone can challenge their impossible.

Toyota believes that mobility goes beyond cars; it is about overcoming challenges and making dreams come true. The “Start Your Impossible” initiative reflects these values and highlights the company’s goal to provide freedom of mobility for all.  “We want to share this thinking with all stakeholders, including consumers, so that we can approach this challenge together,” said Toyota President, Akio Toyoda.

Since its founding as a loom manufacturer, Toyota has been driven by a commitment to contribute to society. Over its long history, the company has grown into an innovative leader that has enabled vehicle electrification on a mass scale with the development of the Prius hybrid electric car 20 years ago and more recently, the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric car. Toyota sees alternative powertrains, autonomous cars, mobility-as-a-service, and robotics as significant opportunities to move people and transform the company.

As worldwide partner of The Olympic Games and The Paralympic Games, Toyota aims to encourage creating a peaceful society without discrimination through sports and a commitment to creating a sustainable society through mobility. Toyota’s values of continuous improvement and respect for people are shared by The Olympic Games, which brings together the entire world in friendship and solidarity to celebrate the highest realization of human potential.
                                                                                                                                   
Added Toyoda: “Throughout our history, Toyota has made the impossible possible through innovation and passion, and by continuously challenging the definition of impossible. Today, the automobile industry is clearly amidst its most dramatic period of change -- and during this time Toyota remains committed to making ever better cars. Just as important, we are developing mobility solutions to help everyone enjoy their lives, and we are doing our part to create an ever better society for the next 100 years and beyond. For this to happen, we have to dream beyond conventional vehicles and create new forms of mobility that overcome the limits of today and solve the problems of tomorrow. We share this dream and this spirit of continuous improvement with Olympic and Paralympic athletes, who challenge their own limits every day. I hope that The Olympic and Paralympic Games will create an opportunity for everyone affiliated with Toyota to challenge their impossible and defy their limitations.”

As the first mobility sponsor of The Olympics Games and The Paralympic Games, Toyota aims to offer mobility services and logistics expertise. The first “Start Your Impossible” film, “Mobility for All,” introduces transportation solutions, next generation mobility, and advanced technologies. Going forward, “Start Your Impossible” will also include a variety of additional programs focused on employees, dealers and consumers, as well as seeking collaboration with the Toyota Mobility Foundation, which was established to address urban transportation challenges and expand personal mobility for all people, inspiring the next generation mobility solutions.

Toyota is also launching a new website – www.MobilityForAll.com. In consultation with the National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) in the United States, the website (which will be rolled out in phases) is built to be accessible for users with various impairments and to allow all users to experience the site and all its content. Whether set to default, visually impaired, hearing impaired, mobility impaired or cognitively impaired, all coding and design features work to make the experience equally enjoyable for all users.

To celebrate the launch of “Start Your Impossible,” and its partnership with The Olympic Games and The Paralympic Games, Toyota today is holding its first-ever Toyota Mobility Summit in Athens, Greece, the host city of the first modern Olympic Games. The event features a live conversation with Akio Toyoda, as well as a series of discussions led by Toyota Executive Vice President Didier Leroy, with global thought leaders and Olympic and Paralympic athletes. The event will cover topics of mobility from a social, physical well-being and sports perspectives, as well as the future of mobility via technology advancements and research.

Toyota Motor North America Reports U.S. Sales for September, First Nine Months of 2017

•TMNA, Toyota and Lexus divisions set new September record for total volume
•TMNA, Toyota and Lexus divisions set September light truck sales record
•Toyota RAV4, Highlander post ninth consecutive monthly sales records
•Lexus NX, GX, and RX post best-ever September

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) Inc., today reported September 2017 sales of 226,632 units. With one more selling day in September 2017 compared to September 2016, sales were up 14.9 percent on a volume basis, and up 10.5 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis.

For the first nine months of the year, TMNA reported sales of 1,831,479 units. With one more selling day in 2017 compared to 2016, total sales were up 0.1 percent on a DSR basis, and sales were up 0.5 percent on an unadjusted raw-volume basis.

Toyota division posted September 2017 sales of 200,436 units, up 16.9 percent on a volume basis, and up 12.4 percent on a DSR basis.  

“The auto industry showed renewed strength in September, bringing optimism for a third consecutive year with sales topping 17 million new vehicles,” said Jack Hollis, group vice president and general manager, Toyota division. “This month marked our first full-month of sales of the all-new 2018 Camry, outselling last year’s total with a double-digit gain in volume – a testament to the positive reception we are receiving on its bold new styling and TNGA-based performance. Toyota division light trucks continue to lead sales, with September marking a string of eight consecutive monthly sales records, and nine consecutive monthly best-ever sales records for Highlander and RAV4. In fact, RAV4, with more than 42,000 sales this month, marks three consecutive months of more than 40,000 units – an amazing feat!”

Lexus posted September sales of 26,196 units, up 1.5 percent on a volume basis, and down 2.4 percent on a DSR basis.

“Lexus sales traditionally shift into high gear as we head toward the end of the year, and we are buoyed by three consecutive months of sales momentum as well as our best-ever September,” said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Jeff Bracken. “Going forward we have a strong supply of luxury utility vehicles to satisfy customers’ needs through the remainder of 2017.”

September 2017 and First Nine Months Highlights:

• Camry sales of 34,732 units, up 13.1 percent in first full month of sales of all-new 2018 model year
• Total Toyota division SUV sales up 43.2 percent in September; pickup trucks up 15.8 percent
• RAV4 gains 44 percent with 42,395 units sold; nine straight monthly sales records
• Highlander posts sales of 20,359 units; first month to top 20,000 in 2017, and nine straight monthly sales records
• 4Runner sales of 11,333 units, up 25.1 percent
• Tacoma and Tundra September sales rise by 14.9 and 17.4 percent respectively
• Lexus sees fifth consecutive monthly best-ever for LUVs
• NX up 6.6 percent with September sales of 5,041, seventh consecutive best-ever monthly total
• GX rises 53 percent; records back-to-back best-ever monthly totals
• LX up 38.6 percent in September
• RX sees six percent gain, sets new best-ever monthly total for September

*Note:  Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume

Toyota Drives the Future of Zero Emission Trucking

Project Portal starts drayage routes at Port of Los Angeles on October 23^rd

Feasibility study examines potential usage of fuel cell technology in heavy-duty applications

If you see a big-rig driving around the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach that seems oddly quiet and quick, do not be alarmed!  It’s just the future.

The possible future of heavy-duty trucking recently hit the streets in the form of Toyota Motor North America, Inc.’s (TMNA) “Project Portal” – a hydrogen fuel cell system designed for heavy-duty truck use.  The zero-emission class 8 truck proof of concept has completed more than 4,000 successful development miles, while progressively pulling drayage rated cargo weight, and emitting nothing but water vapor.

“Toyota has led the way in expanding the understanding and adoption of fuel cell technology,” said TMNA Executive Vice President Bob Carter. “From the introduction of the Mirai passenger vehicle to the creation of the heavy-duty fuel cell system in Project Portal, Toyota continues to demonstrate the versatility and scalability of the zero-emission fuel cell powertrain.”

With testing and development miles completed, Project Portal is ready to go to work. Initial feasibility study routes, moving goods from select Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach terminals to surrounding rail yards and warehouses for distribution, will begin on October 23rd.  It’s estimated the truck’s daily trips will total around 200 miles. These localized, frequent route patterns are designed to test the demanding drayage duty-cycle capabilities of the fuel cell system while capturing real world performance data.  As the study progresses, longer haul routes will be introduced.

The initial feasibility study operations will be managed by the TMNA Project Portal team, in collaboration with Toyota’s Service Parts Accessories Operations group and its drayage provider, Southern Counties Express (SCE).

Revealed in April 2017, Project Portal is the next step in Toyota’s effort to broaden the application of zero-emission fuel cell technology that can serve a range of industries. It is a fully functioning heavy duty truck with the power and torque capacity to conduct port drayage operations while producing zero emissions. Heavy duty vehicles make up a significant percentage of the annual emissions output at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and the Portal feasibility study may provide another path to further reduce emissions. 

The Project Portal heavy-duty truck concept generates more than 670 horsepower and 1,325 pound feet of torque from two Mirai fuel cell stacks and a 12kWh battery, a relatively small battery to support class 8 load operations. The concept’s gross combined weight capacity is 80,000 lbs., and its estimated driving range is more than 200 miles per fill, under normal drayage operation.

2018 Toyota Camry Has Sporty Look, Performance

The 2018 Toyota Camry is at Burien Toyota and it's here to impress! The new exterior is muscular with sweeping lines and catamaran-inspired look. The front of the 2018 Toyota Camry makes a stylish statement with a bold, black and gloss grill.

Not only does the new look impress, but so does its performance. The Cockpit Red leather interior option makes it feel and look like sports car, but the paddle shifters on the steering wheel allows for quicker shifting and a precise, responsive feel.

The 2018 Toyota Camry offers a smooth ride with sharp handling thanks to its superior suspension. The direct-injection engine packs a powerful punch, whether you choose the 4-Cylinder or V6 engine. But don't think the power of the engine means you'll be sacrificing the gas mileage that the Toyota Camry is known for. In fact, the 2018 Toyota Camry gets 41 mpg! And if you choose the Hybrid model, you will get 53 mpg.

In addition to gas mileage, the Toyota Camry is known for safety. The 2018 Toyota Camry comes standard with with the Toyota Safety Sense P system, including:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Automatic High Beams
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

Of course there's much more to the 2018 Toyota Camry and you can only get a real feel for how impressive it is by stopping by Burien Toyota today and taking one for a test drive!

See Burien Toyota's inventory of the 2018 Toyota Camry online HERE.