Toyota Doubles-Down on Zero Emissions Heavy-duty Trucks

Project Portal 2.0 Revealed During Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Management Briefing Seminars  

Toyota today took the next great leap towards the future of zero-emission trucking, unveiling the second iteration of its hydrogen fuel cell electric Class 8 truck before a crowd of media and industry leaders during the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Management Briefing Seminars in Northern Michigan.
 
The new truck, known internally as "Beta," expands on the capabilities of Toyota’s first Project Portal test vehicle by increasing the estimated range to more than 300 miles per fill. The truck also enhances versatility and maneuverability with the addition of a sleeper cab and a unique fuel cabinet combination that further increases cab space without increasing wheelbase.
 
Since it first began operation in April 2017, the Project Portal “Alpha” truck has logged nearly 10,000 miles of testing and real-world drayage operations in and around the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles while emitting nothing but water vapor. The Beta vehicle will begin drayage operations in the fall, increasing the Ports’ zero emission trucking capacity and further reducing the environmental impact of drayage operations.
 
Lessons Learned: Increased Range, Improved Process
Project Portal 2.0 builds on the lessons learned from the launch of the Alpha vehicle in 2017. The first heavy-duty truck was the result of a true skunkworks effort within Toyota that moved from initial concept to a fully-capable drayage truck driving silently out of a Michigan garage in just over a year. Engineers and technicians worked long hours to reconfigure the wire harnesses, electronics and other components of two off-the-lot Mirai fuel cell electric cars to create one of the world’s first OEM-built zero-emission heavy trucks.
 
The results of their work continue to impress. With a gross combined weight capacity of 80,000 lbs. and a driving range of more than 200 miles per fill, the 670-plus horsepower Alpha truck produces 1325 pound-feet of torque from two Mirai fuel cell stacks and a 12kWh battery. Project Portal Beta maintains these torque and horsepower numbers while also extending the range of the vehicle and pushing forward on other key performance metrics.
 
“By evaluating the first truck in our test facilities and on the actual roads in the LA area, we made a list of improvements for the Beta truck build process and performance enhancements," said Andrew Lund, chief engineer for the project. He continued, "We needed to move beyond a proof of concept, which the first truck accomplished, to something that is not only better than the original but is also more commercially viable." 
 
A Step Toward the Future, Reflections From the Past
The story of Project Portal’s inception and evolution follows the long tradition of Toyota innovation that dates to the company’s entry into the automotive space. The first Toyota (then Toyoda) sedan, the A1, was produced in much the same manner as the original Project Portal truck- through experimentation, trial and error, and a lot of sweat. Once completed in 1935, the A1 was tested by the company's founder, Kiichiro Toyoda, and then refined into their first commercially available car, the Toyoda AA. Likewise, through the lessons learned with the first truck, Project Portal 2.0 is more refined, functional, and capable. Also, just as the AA started Toyota on a path as an automotive leader, Project Portal is expanding Toyota's already robust environmental leadership to the next level. Going forward, Toyota remains committed to supporting the development of a consumer-facing hydrogen infrastructure to realize the potential of fuel cell vehicles.
 
A Drop of h2 in the Bucket
Over 16,000 pollution-emitting trucks are working in Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, a number that is estimated to balloon to 32,000 by 2030. More than 43,000 drayage trucks are in operation at ports across the United States, contributing significant amounts of carcinogens, diesel particulate matter (DPM) and other pollutants into the air of port communities and surrounding neighborhoods.
 
“Our goal with the first truck was to see if it could be accomplished, and we did that,” said senior manager for Toyota’s North American Electrified Vehicle & Technologies Office, Craig Scott. “This time we're looking at commercial viability. We want to help make a difference—a significant difference when it comes to the air quality not only in the LA area, but across the U.S. and around the globe."
 
More Than Just Trucks
This announcement is a continuation of Toyota’s Environmental Challenge 2050 efforts to eliminate CO2 emissions from its Toyota Logistics facility at the Port of Long Beach. Toyota has previously announced the construction of the Tri-Gen facility which will be the first megawatt-sized carbonate fuel cell power generation plant with hydrogen fueling in the world. The 100% renewable plant will use agricultural waste to generate water, electricity, and hydrogen that will support Toyota Logistics Services' (TLS) operations at the Port of Long Beach.

Toyota to bring latest technologies, Toyota Production System to support mobility at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020

Universal access, electrified technologies including fuel cell technology, automated driving, mobility as a service, connected mobility, and TPS-based transportation support are among the technologies and services that will give officials, athletes and spectators an experience of tomorrow’s “mobility for all” and support the sustainable and smooth operation of “the most innovative Games in history.”

With two years to go until the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, Toyota today outlined the mobility concept that will become the basis for its Tokyo 2020 Games activities, organized around three main pillars : (1) Mobility for all; (2) Sustainability, centering on the realization of a hydrogen society, with the environment and safety as core principles; and (3) Transportation support of staff, media and athletes between Games venues using a Toyota Production System (TPS)-based system.

Toyota believes that giving unprecedented access to people including those with impairments brings the notion of mobility back to its most fundamental meaning: the freedom to move.

In collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, the company would like to help make Tokyo, the first host city to welcome both the Olympic and the Paralympic Games for the second time, a global showcase for "Mobility for All," contributing to making those Games the most innovative in history.

"The freedom of being mobile is at the heart of being able to participate in society," said Toyota President Akio Toyoda. "If someone wants to take on a challenge and moving is what is preventing them from doing so, Toyota would like to help tackle that problem. We want mobility to be a possibility, not an obstacle. By being involved with the Olympics, the Paralympics and the Special Olympics Games, I hope that Toyota will come to respect everyone's uniqueness and embrace diversity. Once that is realized, we will finally be able to take a step closer to our goal of "mobility for all" and ensure, like athletes show us every day, that being mobile equals having a chance to make one's dreams come true."

Toyota became the first worldwide mobility partner of the IOC and the IPC in 2015 with the aim to contribute to "creating a peaceful society without discrimination through sports" and "a commitment to creating a sustainable society through mobility". Additionally, from last year, Toyota launched its first global corporate initiative, "Start Your Impossible," to bring people together and contribute to a society where all people can challenge what is possible. The product categories covered by the Toyota sponsorship are: vehicles, mobility services and certain transportation and mobility support products (including robots). At Tokyo 2020, Toyota's support will be deployed in three main areas:

1. "Mobility for All"

Taking on the challenge to provide the freedom to move to everyone including those with impairments through the Tokyo 2020 games, Toyota will:

• Showcase the future of automated driving as the ultimate "mobility for all", demonstrating how automated vehicles could one day offer the freedom to move everyone. Verification testing and demonstrations using SAE Level 4*automation, where all driving functions are performed by the vehicle in certain well-defined areas of operation, will take place in the Tokyo Water Front City and Haneda areas in Tokyo;

• Introduce a new type of moving experience through a demonstration of "TOYOTA Concept-i," a car that recognizes drivers' emotions and preferences and can make conversation using artificial intelligence (AI);

CES2018 design model

• Support transportation services for athletes and affiliated guests around the Athlete's Village with e-Palette, the next generation battery electric vehicle specially designed for Mobility as a Service (MaaS);

• Provide its existing assistive vehicles lineup, WelCab, as well as new personal mobility devices and support for last-mile mobility needs.

Toyota also hopes its new JPN Taxi, introduced in October 2017, will be popular around Tokyo to welcome visitors from around the world, including people using wheelchairs.

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• Provide personal mobility solutions such as the Toyota i-ROAD as well as a standing-riding device to support working staff at the Games, such as security officers.

2. Sustainability, with the environment and safety as core principles, centered on the realization of a hydrogen society

Toyota plans to contribute to sustainable Games by providing a fleet of over 3,000 passenger vehicles for official use and others, equipped with the latest environmental and safety technologies to minimize environmental burden and traffic accidents.

• In order to make Tokyo 2020 a turning point in realizing a hydrogen society, Toyota will support the Games and their legacy with a large number of zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) such as the Mirai sedan for official use. In addition, the Fuel Cell Bus "Sora," as well as Fuel Cell forklifts made and sold by Toyota Industries Corporation, will help support the Games.

• In addition to FCEV, the latest Hybrid Electric / Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV / PHEV) from the Toyota and Lexus line-ups, as well as new Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), will mainly compose the rest of the fleet. In total, the company and the Games' organisers aim to achieve the lowest emissions target level of any official vehicle fleet used at the Olympic and Paralympic Games with the use of these official vehicles.

• Vehicles for official use will be equipped with the latest active safety technology packages such as Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) and Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+), as well as Parking Support Brake (PKSB), a technology to help prevent collisions that primarily occur in parking lots and garages.

• In addition to official vehicles above, some vehicles will feature Highway Teammate, an automated driving safety function that allows hands-off driving on highways (SAE Level 2* automation).

3. Games official transportation support using the Toyota Production System

It is estimated that 15 million visitors will join Tokyo's 15 million citizens during the Games period. While the Tokyo Metropolitan Area will surely live up to its reputation as one of the most efficient cities for urban mobility, Toyota will support the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee to help ensure a safe and effective transportation between venues for those using the official fleet. To do this, the company will provide the knowledge it has garnered over years of experience applying the Toyota Production System.

• Toyota will also support the movement of official staff and athletes to and from events with the latest information and connected technologies, such as vehicle Data Communication Modules connected to its Mobility Service Platform, to provide safe, secure, and smooth transportation of people and freight during the games.
• Toyota will also support on-the-ground vehicle dispatching and transportation operations from an efficiency standpoint.

Cities around the world currently face challenges surrounding mobility, having to solve issues ranging from traffic congestion to air pollution, traffic accidents, and access for people with impairments. Starting from Tokyo 2020 and through Beijing 2022 and Paris 2024, Toyota is hoping to help tackle these challenges in collaboration with stakeholders around the world, and contribute to creating legacy to realize a sustainable mobility society.

Toyota will disclose more of its plans and contributions, including those related to new mobility products and solutions, moving forward between now and Tokyo 2020.

* For more details regarding SAE level, please visit

http://automatedtoyota.com/how-toyota-approaches-automated-driving-development/

About Toyota's Top Olympic Partnership and Worldwide Paralympic Partnership

Toyota became the official worldwide mobility partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Committees in 2015 for the 2017-2024 period, covering the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 (Korea) and Beijing 2022 (China) and the Olympic Games of Tokyo 2020 (Japan) and Paris 2024 (France). As a partner, Toyota aims to encourage creating a peaceful society without discrimination through sports and a commitment to creating a sustainable society through mobility. In this spirit, Toyota also became the Global Partner of the Special Olympics International in 2017. Toyota's values of continuous improvement and respect for people are shared by The Olympic and Paralympic Games, which brings together the entire world in friendship and solidarity to celebrate the highest realization of human potential. Toyota believes that mobility goes beyond cars; it is about overcoming challenges and making dreams come true, which is encapsulated in the company's "Start Your Impossible" corporate initiative and is the basis for its transformation from a car company to a mobility company. When you are free to move, anything is possible.

The Purist's Dream: 2019 Toyota 86 Blends Sports Car Fundamentals with 21st Century Performance, Comfort and Tech

• New-for-2019 86 TRD Special Edition Joins Lineup as “Ultimate Performance” 86 with Brembo Brakes, SACHS dampers, TRD Body Kit, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 Tires, Unique Design Details, TRD Exhaust
• Available with Heated Power Outside Mirrors, Keyless Entry with Pushbutton Start, Matte Black Rear Wing with Color-Keyed End Plates, Heated Leather-Trimmed Front Seats, Dual-Zone A/C, and More
• Standard 2.0-liter, 205-hp Boxer Engine with Toyota D-4S Injection
• Choice of Six-Speed Manual or Six-Speed Automatic Transmissions
• Available All-New Exterior (Neptune) and Interior (Red/Black) Colors
• On Sale in August 2018

In a competitive field overflowing with less-than-svelte sports cars, therein shines Toyota 86, a stylish 2+2 rear-wheel drive coupe adhering to the fundamentals of automotive athleticism: optimal power-to-weight stats, a cunning design, superb balance and feel. In 2019, 86 sheds none of its distinguished moxie, and gains an even sharper edge through its newest grade: the limited production, 86 TRD Special Edition.
 
Two existing grades – 86 and 86 GT – complete the 86 range, and offer a wide variety of standard amenities, including the choice of a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.
 
Pure Fun: TRD Special Edition 
 
If USDA Certified Organic had a sportscar category, the 2019 86 TRD Special Edition would be its benchmark. 86 TRD Special Edition is North America’s highest performance 86 version thanks to some essential new parts: SACHS dampers, 12.8-/12.4-in. front/rear Brembo brakes, and exclusive 18 x 7.5-in. alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires (sized 215/40R18 85Y all around).
 
The SACHS dampers further sharpen the 86’s steering response and refine vehicle stability. Extra-large four-piston front, two-piston rear Brembo brakes composedly cull speed at a moment’s notice, and enrich the 86’s well-balanced cornering prowess. Its Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires turn up the grip factor while aiding steering reactiveness and boosting tactility communicated through its small-diameter steering wheel.
 
Exclusively painted in Raven, and accented by a classic TRD tricolor graphic and TRD body kit (which includes front bumper, side sills, rear bumper/diffuser, and spoiler), the TRD Special Edition looks athletic too. Also standard: a TRD exhaust with brushed stainless steel tips. 
 
Opening the doors reveals a new red and black-trimmed telescoping steering wheel with red contrast stitching; red and black sport bucket seats with side bolsters; Granlux suede-like covering atop the instrument cluster; “TRD” logo embroidered on passenger side instrument panel; red contrast stitching throughout; and red seatbelts.
 
Production will be limited to only 1,418 units. 86 TRD Special Edition will have a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $32,420.
 
The Winning Formula
 
A proper sportscar possesses a simple packaging profile. 86 offers all the essential standard exterior amenities: LED projector-beam headlights; color-keyed power mirrors; chrome-tipped dual exhaust; front fender-mounted vortex generators; and 17-in. twisted spoke alloy wheels. 86 GT adds more to the mix: LED fog lamps; an aerodynamic floor undercover; color-matched heated mirrors; and a matte-black rear wing with color-keyed end plates.
 
Inside 86 and 86 GT, passengers are greeted by sport bucket front seats, a steering wheel with integrated audio controls (plus, Multi-Information Display controls in 86 GT). Other amenities include dual-zone automatic climate control (on 86 GT); Granlux suede-like rear armrest cover; anti-theft system; and cruise control. Smart Key System on driver and passenger doors with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, two-stage unlock, panic, and trunk release feature is standard on 86 GT and TRD Special Edition.
 
A highlight for performance purists is 86 GT and TRD Special Edition’s 4.2-in. TFT Multi-Information Display (MID) with vehicle data screens, which features essential data like G-force meter and stopwatch, horsepower and torque curves, engine coolant and oil temperatures, and fuel consumption. An added touch: an “86” logo appears on the MID upon vehicle start-up.
 
Iconic Roots
 
You can’t do much better for lineage than the legendary Toyota 2000 GT. 86 took design inspiration from the iconic sports car, which shows in its low roof height, flowing front fenders, and sleek profile. The rest is all 21st century with LED front headlamps, daylight running lights, turn signals, and tail lamps.
 
Also thoroughly modern is 86’s athleticism. Its 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, fed by Toyota’s D-4S Dual Injection System, delivers a healthy dose of 205 hp and 156 lb.-ft. of torque with the six-speed manual transmission (200 hp and 151 lb.-ft. of torque with the six-speed automatic).
 
It’s no mistake that its engine’s “square” dimensions (equal bore and stroke) are 86 mm. For ardent Toyota fans, though, ‘86’ is homage to the AE86, the global name for the Toyota Corolla GT-S that sold in the U.S. in the mid-1980s. It was an affordable, agile, rear-drive sports coupe with a high-revving 1.6-liter engine that earned a reputation for being a blast to drive. In Japan, it was known as “hachi-roku,” meaning 8-6. Today, many enthusiasts build them into drift machines. On the new model, ‘86’ logos have been incorporated into a badge on the front fender, as well as inside the headlamps.
 
Purist Sports Car Construction
 
86’s chassis is a specially developed rear-drive sports car platform using a sport-tuned independent MacPherson strut front suspension with strut tower bars and reinforced mounting brackets, plus, a sport-tuned independent multi-link rear suspension with reinforcement bracing. The electric power-assist steering is quick, with just 2.48 turns lock-to-lock, and with a tight 36.1-ft. turning circle. It’s also highly articulate, providing ideal road feel through the small-diameter, leather-wrapped wheel.
 
The 17 x 7-in. alloy wheels wear 215/45R17 summer performance or all-season tires. For track driving and autocross competition, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) can be put in Track mode or shut off completely. On both manual and automatic 86 models, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) can help to prevent the car from rolling back on steep hills from a stop.
 
Boxer Bite: The Total Performance Picture
 
The 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed aluminum Boxer engine delivers 205 hp at 7,000 rpm and 156 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 6,400 rpm (automatic transmission version: 200 hp at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. at 6,400 rpm). The 86 mm x 86 mm bore and stroke dimensions make the engine a high revver, yet dual variable valve timing helps give it a broad torque curve. So, the 86 feels highly responsive in everyday driving.
 
Among the engine’s high-performance features used to extract just over 100 horsepower per liter of displacement is the Toyota-innovated D-4S Dual Injection system that combines direct-injection and port-injection technologies. The direct-injection system provides a cooling effect in the cylinders, which allows the engine to use a very high 12.5:1 compression ratio for maximum power. The port fuel injectors, meanwhile, come into play during light- and medium-load conditions to maximize combustion efficiency.
 
Without question, 86 is a thoroughly entertaining, well-balanced machine when the road gets curvy. But it is also an economical commuter when traffic builds, or when a nonchalant cruise is on the menu. The MY19 86 range has an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway when equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and an estimated 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with the six-speed manual.   
 
86’s extraordinary low weight benefits fuel economy and agility. At just under 2,800 lbs. (with six-speed manual transmission), 86 is among the lightest sports cars on the market. An ultra-low center of gravity and low 0.29 coefficient of drag (Cd) (0.27 Cd on 86 GT) complete the focus on pure performance and impressive fuel economy.
 
 Six Speeds, Two Ways
 
86’s standard six-speed manual transmission is a purist’s dream. Its short-throw shifter and easy-effort clutch make shifting a joy. For added driver feel and overall durability, the transmission utilizes a triple-cone mesh synchromesh on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears, a ball-bearing-mounted shift linkage, and reverse gear lock-out protection.
 
The six-speed Electronically Controlled automatic with intelligence (ECT-i) is a compelling choice too, with super-fast shifts, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, Sport Mode, and Dynamic Rev Management technology, which “blips” the throttle on downshifts. A standard Torsen limited-slip differential helps maximize traction between the rear wheels while cornering.
 
Sports Car Cabin – With Plenty of Comfort
 
The purist sports car approach carries into the cabin, but with modern comforts that denote 86 as an excellent everyday vehicle. Intuitive controls help drivers keep their focus on driving. A large center-mounted tachometer, the focal point of the easy-to-read gauge panel, integrates a digital speedometer and features a programmable rev indicator. It’s flanked on the left by an analog speedometer, while fuel level and temperature gauges are positioned to the right of the tachometer.
 
On 86 GT, an ‘86’ logo is seen on the Granlux material covering the instrument panel surround. The same material adds a soft feel to the door trim. As 86 is a highly useful 2+2 coupe, its rear one-piece seatback folds to expand trunk space.
 
Big Audio Punch
 
Toyota 86 comes standard with Display Audio featuring a 7-in. touchscreen display. The eight-speaker Pioneer audio system includes Bluetooth for hands-free phone capability and music streaming, HD Radio, iPod connectivity, and AUX/USB inputs. It’s easy to reference song titles, album names, and artist names right on the head unit.
 
For on-the-go connectivity and on-board navigation, the optional 86 Display Audio with Navigation system features push-to-talk voice navigation and geo-located points of interest. Both audio systems come standard with Aha. Available on iTunes and Google Play, Aha provides access to 100,000 free audio stations. Drivers also can find local restaurants, coffee, hotels, and weather updates through location-based services like Yelp and TripAdvisor, along with popular social media applications, sports, news, and entertainment. A phonebook holds up to 2,500 contacts with four numbers each.
 
STAR Safety System
 
The 2019 Toyota 86 comes standard with the STAR Safety System which features an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRAC), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).
 
The supplemental restraint system includes driver and front passenger dual-stage advanced airbags, driver and front passenger outboard seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags. The rear seats can accommodate front-facing child seats with its standard Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system.
 
Limited Warranty
 
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. See Toyota dealer for details.
 
Standard ToyotaCare is a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. See Toyota dealer for details and exclusions. Valid only in the continental U.S. and Alaska.

Toyota Motor Corporation Founder Kiichiro Toyoda Inducted into Automotive Hall of Fame

Cited for his extraordinary vision and entrepreneurial spirit, Toyota Motor Corporation founder and former president Kiichiro Toyoda was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame last evening in Detroit. 
 
Kiichiro Toyoda was one of five industry leaders named to this year’s Automotive Hall of Fame induction class. He is credited with expanding Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, a successful textile business created by his father, Sakichi Toyoda, into the world of automotive manufacturing in 1933. Kiichiro Toyoda served as president of Toyota Motor Corporation from 1941 to 1950.  His technical skills and leadership forged the foundations of a company that would eventually grow to be one of the most respected corporations in the world.

(See here for more information about Kiichiro Toyoda.)
 
“Kiichiro Toyoda embodied the foresight and innovation that few people in history possess, demonstrated by his significant contributions to the automotive industry. We are honored to include him in the 2018 induction class to the Automotive Hall of Fame,” said Ramzi Hermiz, president and CEO, Shiloh Industries and board chairman, Automotive Hall of Fame.
 
A contingent of Toyota Motor Corporation executives, led by Chairman of the Board Takeshi Uchiyamada, were on hand at the Automotive Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala Ceremony on July 19. Mr. Uchiyamada accepted Kiichiro Toyoda’s award on behalf of the company and the family.
 
“America was a special place for Kiichiro. He was amazed by the prevalence of automobiles driving around U.S. cities in the late 1920s, and that was the catalyst for his determination to establish an automotive industry in his home country. As a successor and his grandson, I am very grateful and proud that Kiichiro has been inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in America,” said Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corporation. “Kiichiro boldly changed Toyota’s business model from automatic looms to automobiles without being constrained by previous successes. As his induction comes at a time when our industry is facing profound changes, I believe his message today would be to work hard to help the industry revolutionize the future of mobility, even if success is not immediate. I deeply appreciate the Automotive Hall of Fame for inducting my grandfather and our founder,” he added.
 
The celebration was highlighted by the presence of a 1936 Toyoda AA replica vehicle, on loan from the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. The Toyoda AA was designed and manufactured under the guidance of Kiichiro Toyoda. The AA was the company’s first production automobile and served as Kiichiro Toyoda’s initial opportunity to experiment with waste-free and efficiency-focused production techniques, including the famous “just-in-time” concept. The vehicle helped pave the way for the renowned “Toyota Production System.”
 
To view a biographical video about the life of Kiichiro Toyoda, click here.

For more on Kiichiro Toyoda, click here.

Servco Completes Oahu's First Publicly Accessible Hydrogen Station

Servco Pacific Inc. (Servco) held a blessing ceremony today to mark the completion of Oahu’s first publicly accessible hydrogen station, located at Servco’s corporate offices in Mapunapuna. Later this month, Servco will begin to lease the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV).

“Our hydrogen station will help show Hawaii residents how FCVs can make a real impact on our sustainability goals,” said Mark Fukunaga, chairman and CEO of Servco. “FCVs offer zero carbon emissions and zero compromise on refueling time and driving range. They are complementary to hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric vehicles, and give customers another option to reduce their carbon footprint. We are committed to the future of mobility in Hawaii, and we believe in the potential for FCVs in our state.”

The hydrogen station is located at Servco’s flagship Toyota dealership in Mapunapuna, and was fully funded by Servco. It is able to produce up to 20 kg of hydrogen daily, and can store approximately 100 kg of hydrogen on-site – enough for up to 12 full vehicle fill-ups.

With the station’s high-pressure dispenser, a hydrogen fill-up takes approximately 5 minutes, which is comparable to refueling a car with gas. To fill up, the driver connects the dispenser to the car’s receptacle and engages the nozzle lock to form a sealed connection with the vehicle. The station and vehicle’s onboard computers perform a system check and then begin the flow of hydrogen gas. When the tank is full, the dispenser stops, and the driver unlocks the nozzle and places it back on the pump.
“The refueling process is as intuitive as learning to fuel a gasoline vehicle for the first time, and as fast,” added Fukunaga. “It’s a sustainable mobility option that doesn’t require a change in lifestyle.”

Servco is plans to release the Mirai at the end of July. The Toyota Mirai will be offered for lease only, which will including servicing and hydrogen fuel, after a down payment. The Toyota Mirai has an EPA estimated range of 312 miles on a full tank of hydrogen, with a combined city/highway fuel economy rating of 66 mpge, making the Mirai the most fuel-efficient hydrogen FCV rated by the EPA, and one with the longest range.

Servco brought the first Mirai production vehicles to Hawaii in 2016. Hawaii is the second state in the U.S. to sell the Mirai, after California.

A limited number of Mirai vehicles are currently available. Hawaii residents who are interested in leasing a Toyota Mirai can find more information at toyotamirai.com. Leases will be available on a first-come basis.

Toyota Celebrates Teamwork and Inclusivity at the Special Olympics Unified Cup

Partnership Reinforces Mobility Company’s Belief in a Barrier-Free World

 

Next week, Toyota will further demonstrate its global commitment to inclusion as the presenting sponsor of the 2018 Special Olympics Unified Cup in Chicago, held from July 17-20, 2018. Both Special Olympics and Toyota share the same goal in creating a society without discrimination through sports and a commitment to a sustainable society through mobility.
 
Toyota has a long history with sports that goes back over 80 years, when the company first opened for business and at the same time organized a track and field team. Since then, the principles learned through participating in sports—teamwork and continuous improvement—have guided the company both internally and externally.

These values also carry over into Toyota’s evolution, as it has moved from producing looms, to cars, and now, a wide range of mobility solutions. As a company dedicated to helping people move across town, across a room, and through life, Toyota believes in an inclusive, barrier-free world, where everyone is free to be the best we can be. This desire to inspire others and challenge currently held values for the company’s first-ever global initiative, “Start Your Impossible”, which was launched last year and highlights humility, hard work, and overcoming challenges—all themes that carry over into team sports.

Special Olympics is focused on creating an inclusive community around the world through sport. Through their “unified sports”, everyone, regardless of intellectual disabilities, plays together while understanding and respecting each individual’s character and differences.

“During my school days, I was completely devoted to field hockey and learned the importance of fighting as part of “one team”,’” said Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corporation. “In Special Olympics, sport is not the only challenge; even daily life can be a battle to people with intellectual disabilities and those who support them in everyday life. A truly inclusive society, like the one being represented by ’Unified Sports,’ is one where people with intellectual disabilities are not just supported by those charged with helping them, but where people with and without disabilities live side by side, grow up together, and learn from each other. It is this type of society that Toyota wants to contribute to. Our partnership with Special Olympics has given Toyota a teammate, and we will challenge this quest together.”

“At Toyota, we believe that movement is a human right, and that when a person is free to move, anything is possible,” said Ed Laukes, group vice president, Toyota division marketing, Toyota Motor North America. “With Special Olympics, we share the common goal of creating a more mobile and inclusive society. Together, as a team both on and off the field, we’ll work to give everyone the ability to make their dreams come true.”

Regionally, Toyota has been involved with local Special Olympics chapters since 1986 and sponsored the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. In 2017, Toyota entered in to an agreement with Special Olympics International to become a Global Gold Partner through 2022. In addition, Toyota is also a Global Unified Sports Partner through 2020, and a Special Olympics Unified Cup Partner for the duration of the Chicago games.

“Special Olympics is excited to partner with Toyota and showcase the power of inclusion through sport on the global stage,” said CEO Mary Davis. “The Special Olympics Unified Cup presented by Toyota will unite athletes from all over the world and demonstrate that when we train and compete together, we break down barriers and change the game for inclusion.”

Toyota Celebrates a Sedan Serious About Play: the All-New Avalon

Toyota’s new Avalon marketing campaign comes loaded with adventure, exhilaration and a reminder not to take life too seriously

Today Toyota launches a national marketing campaign, titled “Serious Play,” for the all-new 2019 Avalon that dares drivers to experience adventure, spontaneity and playfulness, and reminds all that the thrill of driving is the real prize. The campaign drives home the notion that the completely redesigned Avalon has everything drivers need to get more out of life.

 
The all-new Toyota Avalon – designed, engineered and assembled in the U.S. – embodies consumers’ overarching desire for high-caliber, design-centric, technologically-savvy modes of attainable, premium transportation.
 
“The Toyota team has transformed the driving experience for our flagship sedan to set a new standard for the premium segment and satiate drivers’ desire for authenticity, spontaneity and exploration,” said Ed Laukes, group vice president, marketing, Toyota Motor North America.
 
Two of the “Serious Play” campaign’s national 30-second TV spots, Let’s Race and Trojan Horse, were directed by renowned director Craig Gillespie, most recently known for the award-winning film “I, Tonya.”  A third bold and daring 30-second spot, Catch Me If You Can, was directed by Daniel Azancot. The commercials were developed using multicultural insights aimed at a transcultural audience. The campaign also includes a series of digital videos including Roundabout, River Run, Scavenger Hunt, Waiting, Hybrid at Play, Musical Play, Performance Play, Group Play, Connected Play and Simon Says created to tell stories of an impulsive quest for adventure.
 
The fully-integrated campaign was developed between two of Toyota’s agencies of record, including Saatchi & Saatchi and Burrell Communications.
 
Media Placements
The “Serious Play” TV spots will air in select targeted cable programming across NBCU, FOX Networks, Viacom, Turner and Discovery Cable networks. Additional elements of the campaign include dynamic digital, audio as well as print ads in high profile publications such as Esquire, Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine and Architectural Digest. New integrated media partnerships include Pinterest Pincodes, Discovery, Reddit/WBUR’s “Endless Thread” Podcast series, and more. Additionally, spots will air within select movie titles in theaters nationwide throughout the summer in conjunction with National CineMedia. Overall, this campaign is slated to deliver 3.1 billion impressions.
 
About the 2019 Toyota Avalon
 
Exclusively produced in Georgetown, KY, the fifth-generation Avalon is the latest example of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform and features the highest quality, reliability, safety and craftsmanship in its class.
 
The new Avalon includes a few firsts for Toyota:

• Available Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which enhances controllability and dynamic handling;
• Standard Apple CarPlay Compatibility and Available Dynamic Auxiliary Turn Signals;
• Available Engine Sound Enhancement (that’s right, you can literally press a button that gives you the authentic sounds of a sports car);
• Amazon Alexa connectivity and Toyota Entune™ 3.0 Remote Connect - an advanced vehicle app that enables you to connect to Toyota Entune™ 3.0 technology and manage your Toyota from any distance (as long as both the vehicle & smartphone are able to establish cellular connections).  

 
With four available grades, the new Avalon will accommodate a wide array of customers/drivers:  the two dedicated Sport Plus models, XSE and Touring, plus the more luxurious XLE and Limited.  Hybrid grades include XLE, XSE and Limited.
 
The “Serious Play” spots are available for viewing here. View photos of the all-new Avalon here. The vehicle is on sale now in dealerships.

Toyota Motor North America Reports U.S. Sales for June, First Half 2018

•TMNA, Toyota and Lexus divisions set light truck sales record
•RAV4, Highlander posted best-ever June and first half
•Lexus NX Hybrid recorded best-ever June

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today reported June 2018 sales of 209,602 units. With one more selling day in June 2018 compared to June 2017, sales were up 3.6 percent on volume basis and down 0.3 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. 
 
For the first half of the year, TMNA reported sales of 1,189,312 units, up 3.0 percent on a volume basis versus the same period in 2017. On a DSR basis, sales were up 1.6 percent versus last year.
 
Toyota division posted June 2018 sales of 185,852 units, up 4.4 percent on a volume basis and up 1.9 percent on a DSR basis.   
 
“Record June light truck sales, led by RAV4 and Highlander, solidified Toyota as the No. 1 selling retail brand through the first half of this year,” said Andrew Gilleland, vice president of Sales Operations, Toyota division. “Strong consumer demand on Toyota Camry, the excitement of the all-new 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla Hatchback, paired with excellent light truck availability sets us up for continued strong sales throughout the summer.”
 
Lexus posted June sales of 23,750 units, down 2.6 percent on a volume basis and down 6.2 percent on a DSR basis. 
 
“Lexus closed out the first half of the year up led by best-ever LUV sales,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Lexus division. “RX is up seven percent year-to-date and remains the top-selling luxury vehicle in the industry while the NX delivered ten percent year-over-year growth. In addition to these great results, we successfully launched our flagship sedan, the all-new LS 500, and the all-new RXL. We’re looking forward to continued success in the third quarter, which will get a boost from our all-new ES sedan that goes on sale in September.”
 
June and First Half 2018 Highlights:

• TMNA, Toyota and Lexus divisions posted best-ever light truck sales for June and the first half
• Camry recorded June sales of 28,215 units
• Corolla sedan posted sales of 25,947 units for the month
• RAV4 increased by 10.6 percent; best-ever June and best-ever first half
• Highlander increased by 20.7 percent; best-ever June and best-ever first half
• 4Runner sales of 11,569 units in June; a best-ever June
• Tacoma increased by 30.6 percent
• Tundra posted June sales of 9,955
• Lexus LUVs posted a 7.4 percent increase, a best-ever June
• NX Hybrid up 270 percent, the sixth consecutive best-ever month
• NX combined sales up 5.8 percent in June, a best-ever June and first half
• RX saw gain of 5.3 percent in June
• GX increased 23.5 percent, a best-ever June in 13 years
• LS up 135.5 percent in the first half

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