Toyota AI Ventures Goes on the Road to Meet Robotics Entrepreneurs

Calling robotics innovators in Silicon Valley, Austin, Boston and Pittsburgh

Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm Toyota AI Venturesannounced today that it is participating in a series of events across the United States to meet promising entrepreneurs that are looking for funding. As part of the “call for innovation” initiative that it unveiled this summer in partnership with the robotics group at the Toyota Research Institute (TRI), the Toyota AI Ventures team will go on the road beginning this week to take part in several startup events. The series includes RoboBusiness 2018 in Silicon Valley where the firm’s managing director Jim Adler will give a presentation on the main stage the evening of Sept. 26, 2018.
 
Robotics entrepreneurs interested in participating in the call for innovation can apply online, and can see members of the Toyota AI Ventures team in person at the following events:  
 

• Sept. 26, 2018 at RoboBusiness 2018 in Santa Clara, Calif.
• Oct. 1, 2018 at Austin Startup Week in Austin, Texas
• Oct. 9, 2018 at Investing in Robotics Innovation co-hosted by Innovation Works in Pittsburgh, Penn.
• Oct. 10, 2018 at IEEE’s Robotics and Automation Society meeting hosted by TRI in Cambridge, Mass.

"One of the main goals of the call is to spur innovation by identifying key problems startups can help solve, and we’re looking forward to visiting regional startup hubs to spread the word about this opportunity” said Jim Adler, managing director of Toyota AI Ventures. “We’ll also be hosting office hours to spend time with local entrepreneurs and learn about the solutions they’re developing."
 
The first call focuses on finding and funding robotics startups that are developing mobile manipulation technologies that can improve assistive robots to help people in and around the home. Toyota AI Ventures is looking to invest between $500,000 and $2 million in one or more qualified startups. Eligibility criteria and guidelines are available on the Toyota AI Ventures website. Applications are currently being accepted online, and the deadline to apply is Oct. 31, 2018.

About Toyota AI Ventures
Toyota AI Ventures is a Silicon Valley-based venture capital subsidiary of Toyota Research Institute (TRI) that invests in promising startups from around the world. The fund focuses on companies developing solutions in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, autonomous mobility, data, and cloud technology that share its mission of improving the quality of human life through AI. For more information about Toyota AI Ventures, please visit www.toyota-ai.ventures.
 
About Toyota Research Institute
Toyota Research Institute is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor North America under the direction of Dr. Gill Pratt. The company, established in 2015, aims to strengthen Toyota's research structure and has four initial mandates: 1) enhance the safety of automobiles, 2) increase access to cars to those who otherwise cannot drive, 3) translate Toyota's expertise in creating products for outdoor mobility into products for indoor mobility, and 4) accelerate scientific discovery by applying techniques from artificial intelligence and machine learning. TRI is based in the United States, with offices in Los Altos, Calif., Cambridge, Mass., and Ann Arbor, Mich. For more information about TRI, please visit www.tri.global.

Hands-On Approach Brings Thousands Outdoors to Restore, Refurbish, Rehabilitate

Toyota Volunteers Take Part In 50 National Public Lands Day Projects


With a focus on projects in nine states 20 years ago, volunteers set out to unify their work to restore public lands, parks, forests and beaches under the newly organized National Public Lands Day (NPLD). That year, more than 1,500 Toyota team members, families and friends worked together to clean the waters of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. and plant greenery at the National Wildlife Refuge in Seal Beach, California.
 
Toyota’s commitment to expanding a lasting impact on the environment has grown with the company’s presence in the U.S. This year, Toyota has 50 projects planned across 20 states and Puerto Rico, and expects more than 3,000 team members to get outside this weekend and volunteer. Additionally, Toyota provides the support for nearly 2,000 additional community projects across the nation.
 
“Our core value of environmental sustainability is reflected in our long-term commitment to National Public Lands Day,” said Kevin Butt, regional environmental director, Toyota. “We have seen our team members take ownership of this annual event, and connect with their local communities in lasting ways. It is something we have seen grow alongside our company’s presence in the U.S.”
 
Toyota’s national partnership with NPLD encompasses projects team members have found in their communities to celebrate this year’s theme of “restoration and resilience.” Over the past 20 years, Toyota has contributed more than $9 million to NPLD in donations, grants, and volunteer equivalent hours.
 
Team Member Involvement 
Toyota’s team members have taken ownership of their project sites, with many having personal connections to the parks.
 
When a large section of Aaron Wright’s favorite recreational area had been closed for an extended period of time, he saw an opportunity in NPLD to find out why. That place was the Greenbelt Corridor Park in Denton, Texas. “The site is very personal because my wife and I used to go kayaking there,” said Wright. “I didn’t even know why we couldn’t use the area anymore.” 
 
After heavy rains in 2015, the Greenbelt Corridor, a 20-mile multi-use trail system (12 miles for equestrian and 10 for hike and bike use), was closed from the US 380 access point up to 3 miles north. Initially set to last two weeks, the closure has been in effect for over two years. “The area lies in a flood plain,” said Wright. “There was so much impact that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is putting out a bid to redo the parking area at trailheads, plus much of the trails were washed away.”
 
From Rivers to Trees
About 200 miles south, water was also the cause of a closure of more than 113,000 acres of land and water Hurricane Harvey blew through seven counties in southeast Texas. The Big Thicket National Preserve (BITH) near Beaumont, Texas, is a heavily forested area encompassing over 29 counties and more than 3.35 million acres to protect the many plant and animal species within.
 
On September 22, nearly 200 volunteers from Gulf States Toyota, St. Bernard Project, AmeriCorps and other community organizations will join the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort.
 
“This event gives us a chance to remind people that these public lands are theirs to enjoy and care for,” said Karen Matsuyama, community connections analyst, Toyota. “We see friends, families and colleagues come together and appreciate our national parks while teaching children at a young age to give back and be outdoors.”
 
Over the past year, park officials and volunteers have mounted a steady clean-up effort, but some areas still need help.National Park Service plans to mobilize volunteer support during NPLD 2018 to restore areas that have remaining storm damage and debris. To help with these efforts, Toyota and NEEF will provide a $20,000 grant to support a local nonprofit to continue the restoration work started on Saturday.
 
50 Toyota Sites Across the U.S. 
2018 marks the 20th year of partnership between Toyota and NEEF's National Public Lands Day. Toyota encourages its employees to get involved in NPLD activities throughout the nation by helping to care for parks, forests, rivers, beaches, shorelines, and other public lands.
 
Toyota has 50 sites throughout the country where team members volunteer from Puerto Rico to California and everywhere in between. Some of this year’s Toyota-led projects include:
 
Chicago - At this annual event, volunteers will be cutting and hauling non-native brush; there will also be native seed collection in which the seed that is collected will be planted in area that brush has been cleared.
 
Torrance, California – About 200 Toyota volunteers will provide needed care for the White Point Education & Nature Preserve Center by planting native shrubs, removing invasive weeds, watering native plants, grooming trails and more. Efforts will help restore this habitat for wildlife as well as create a beautiful place for the community to enjoy.
 
Deerfield Beach, Florida – Nearly 170 Toyota volunteers will clean up 11 coastal and nature areas including the Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Oakland Park Boulevard, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Ft. Lauderdale Beach, Dania Beach, Von D. Mizell & Eula Johnson, Smallwood Park and Red Reef Park near Palm Beach.
 
Georgetown, Kentucky – Volunteers will plant 75 iris bulbs, level monuments that have deteriorated or been vandalized, repair a stone fence along US 25, gather/repair capstones around koi pond, trim trees and paint bridges.
 
Kansas City, Missouri – More than 125 volunteers will participate in a half-day clean-up at Smithville Lake to clear trains and the Sailboat Cove for outdoor recreational use.
 
St. Louis, Missouri - Toyota volunteers will return to Vinita Park once again this year to assist with cleaning up walking trails, trash pickup, and beautifying the park.
 
Blue Springs, Mississippi – Projects at Tombigbee State Park will consist of improving/updating the disc golf course, Pavilion #2 upgrades, installation of approximately 2,400 feet of split rail fence and design and installation of landscape materials at front entrance and park office. This is the fourth year of a five-year, $250,000 commitment to restore the park.
 
Ann Arbor, Michigan – Volunteers will help Leslie Science & Nature Center clean up their Nature Playscape area, pulling invasive species, spreading woodchips and cleaning up the surrounding trails. The Nature Playscape began with Toyota volunteers and Eagle Scouts in 2017, and has become a place for programs, camps and the general public to learn about our natural world.
 
Evansville, Indiana – In addition to a $50,000 donation to a new innovative and adaptive playground in the community, volunteers will install a wheelchair accessible swing for the future site. The park supports multi-sensory play for children with special needs.
 
Portland, Oregon – Volunteers will restore and beautify this metro marine park by removing invasive species, trimming vegetation for safe and easy access (all of which will go to the Oregon Zoo for the elephants, bears and rhinos to eat!), design/plant/care for bioswales and medians for better water filtering, clean/paint/maintain facility resources, restore habitat for native wildlife, and learn about the history of the area.
 
With Toyota team members committed to both restoring and reclaiming public lands for the local community, the organization continues to work toward preserving the biodiversity of the surrounding communities. Toyota’s Environmental Challenge 2050 specifically calls for all Toyota sites to establish a future society in harmony with nature. This includes conserving forests and other rich natural systems in the region. Through everyday operational initiatives to have zero-landfill manufacturing sites and programs like NPLD, team members play a key role to actively enhance the natural balance of plants, animals and ecosystems in North America.
 
National Public Lands Day celebrates the connection between people and their environment by inviting people to get outside spend the day caring for and enjoying the outdoors. NEEF partners with local organizations across the nation to connect people of all ages and abilities with public lands for recreation, hands-on learning, and community-building. 

Toyota Unveils 2019 4Runner Nightshade, Tacoma and Tundra SX Packages at State Fair of Texas

• 4Runner Nightshade Special Edition Added to Limited Grade    
• Tundra SX Package Adds Cool Customization Option
• Tacoma SX Package Provides Affordable Appearance Upgrade

Making its presence felt in its new home state, Toyota announced exciting news today at the State Fair of Texas media day with the addition of three new options for 2019: 4Runner Nightshade Special Edition, Tacoma SX Package and Tundra SX Package. Each new offering provides a heavy dose of style that aims to be light on the wallet.

Lights Out: 4Runner Nightshade 
The 4Runner Nightshade Special Edition adds mystique to the Limited grade on which it’s based with stylish upgrades that make it unique among its peers. Black accents are added to give Nightshade its own vibe: front and rear bumper spoilers, outer mirrors and door handles, window moldings, rocker panels, door garnish, roof rails and badging.

Up front, black chrome moldings are fitted on the grille slots and, in back, the exhaust tip gets the black treatment as well. Black 20-inch wheels help complete the sleek exterior. Inside, black interior trim features include the steering wheel, center cluster and console panels, shift knob and shifter panel, and inner door grips. The 4Runner Nightshade Special Edition is available in Limited 4x2 or 4x4 models and carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,740 in addition to the base vehicle MSRP. It is available at dealerships now in select colors: Midnight Black Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic and Blizzard Pearl.
 
Tundra SX is Clean Supreme
First and foremost, Tundra owners pride themselves on being just as tough as their trucks, but there’s no question that personalization is a very close second place. Available on the SR5 grade Double Cab in 4x2 or 4x4 and powered by the 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8 engine, the SX Package provides a lustrous combo that’s clean, fresh, and of course, tough.

Relying on a selection of color-keyed accents and blacked-out wheels, SX combines thoughtful upgrades to create what may be the cleanest Tundra to date. The exterior of the truck is streamlined with the removal of all exterior badging. Next, color-keyed front grille surrounds, front bumper end caps and a rear bumper are added for a uniform appearance. Front bucket seats are upgraded for added comfort, and 18-inch black alloy wheels add a nice finishing touch.

The Tundra SX Package is available in dealerships now with an MSRP of $1,630 on SR5 Tundra grades. It is available in colors Super White, Midnight Black Metallic, and Barcelona Red Metallic.

Tacoma SX: Back with Black
For 2019, the Tacoma is offered in an impressive 32 different versions, and the new SX Package only adds to that variety with a black-out theme that doesn’t come with a hefty price tag.

The SX Package is based on the Tacoma SR grade and is available on 4x2s and 4x4s. The SX gets black-out treatment on high-visibility parts such as the badging, overfenders, mirror caps, grille, door handles and headlamps. It also gets the addition of 16-inch matte black alloy wheels.

The SX Package offers cool customization but keeps things within budget at an MSRP of $560. It is available on six different colors that include Super White, Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Barcelona Red and Quicksand.

Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare
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. The 4Runner also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is ‘Greater Than’

All- New Corolla Hatchback marketing campaign proves the Hatch is back!



 “Tablet down, let’s go” says dad as the family preps for the road trip.  They pile into their all-new 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback  and take off on an adventure.  Before you know it, the tablet is forgotten, and life takes over . This family is living life “Greater Than” before, and the Corolla Hatchback helped them get there. 
 
Toyota’s new 2019 Corolla Hatchback national marketing campaign, titled “Greater Than”, promises a vehicle that enables drivers to live in the moment and experience life to the fullest.  The fun-to-drive hatchback evokes style without compromise while boosting Toyota’s newest, most technologically-advanced features in a small car.  The campaign highlights the fact that Corolla drivers continually carve out opportunities to come together with friends and loved ones for unique adventures and great times together.  Because a life well lived is truly “Greater Than”.
 
“With this campaign, our goal was to authentically connect with our target audiences in unique ways”, said Lisa Materazzo, vice president vehicle marketing and communications, Toyota Motor North America. “We have created an assortment of intriguing executions that highlight the energy and excitement of creating new experiences and living life in the moment.”
 
“Greater Than” features six 30-second spots created for TV and digital placements, as well as a mix of 15-second and 6-second spots. The fully-integrated campaign targets a transcultural audience with assets delveloped by  three of Toyota’s agencies of record, including Saatchi & Saatchi, Conill and Intertrend Communications.
 
Here’s a glimpse of the 30-second spots by agency:

• Saatchi & Saatchi -  three spots directed by Jones + Tino,  1) “Roots,” in which a family experiences the joy of a spontaneous, fun-filled day, 2) “Pinata,” where a group outing culminates with a birthday surprise and 3) “Scratches,” inspired by an unanticipated journey off the beaten path.
• Conill - “Anthem”, directed by Albert Uria, celebrates that the individuality of the target through a minority is greater than majority juxtaposition.
• Intertrend – “New Guy”, directed by Lino Russell, in which the hero pursues an unconventional career path in eSports and “Catwalk”, also directed by Russell,  inspired by the strong trend of start-ups.

 
The  print campaign featuring the unexpected Dirty > Clean, Lost > Found and Detours > Plans, raise the unspoken sentiments of living in the moment, embracing a new experience, challenging traditional stereotypes and pursing passions.
 
Media Placements
The “Greater Than” TV spots will air in select targeted cable programming across NBCU, FOX Networks, Viacom, Turner, A+E, ESPN, Telemundo, Discovery en Espanol, Univision and more. Additional elements of the campaign include dynamic digital, audio, and print ads in high profile publications across Meredith, Hearst and Conde Nast. New integrated media partnerships include Oath, imgur, ESPN Nacion, Billboard, e-sports, the 2018 Latin American Music Awards, drifting platforms and more. Additionally, spots will air within select movie titles in theaters nationwide in conjunction with National CineMedia.
 
About the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback 
 
The all-new Toyota Corolla Hatchback wows with a mix of style, dynamic performance and technology. It also features some powerful perks:

• First North American application of standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (automatic), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (manual) and Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• All-new high-function, dynamic design
• All-new TNGA platform 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed intelligent manual transmission or  dynamic-shift CVT, offering more power, MPG and driving dynamics
• Standard Entune 3.0 audio with 8-inch touchscreen, wi-fi connect, Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay Compatibility

 
With two available grades, SE and XSE, the new Corolla Hatchback will accommodate a wide array of drivers ready to keep life interesting.
 
The “Greater Than” spots are available for viewing here. View photos of the all-new Corolla Hatchback here.  The vehicle is on sale now in dealerships.

Toyota Financial Services Offers Payment Relief to Customers Affected by Hurricane Florence

Toyota Financial Services (TFS) announced it is offering payment relief options to its customers affected by Hurricane Florence. This broad outreach includes any Toyota Financial Services (TFS) or Lexus Financial Services (LFS) customer in the designated disaster areas. 
 
We at Toyota Financial Services care about the safety and well-being of our customers and want to help those impacted by the hurricane.  Impacted 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 and lease deferred payments 
• redirecting billing statements
• arranging phone or on-line payments

 
Toyota Financial Services will proactively attempt to contact customers via email and telephone 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 devastating storm.
 

About Toyota Financial Services
Toyota Financial Services (TFS) is the finance and insurance brand for Toyota in the United States, offering retail auto financing and leasing through Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC) and Toyota Lease Trust. TFS also offers extended service contracts through Toyota Motor Insurance Services (TMIS). The company services Lexus dealers and customers using the Lexus Financial Services brand. TFS currently employs approximately 3,300 associates nationwide, and has assets totaling over $120 billion. It is part of a worldwide network of comprehensive financial services offered by Toyota Financial Services Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation. We announce material financial information using the investor relations section of our website (www.toyotafinancial.com) and SEC filings. We use these channels, press releases, and social media to communicate about our company, our services and other issues. While not all information we post on social media is of a material nature, some information could be material. Therefore, we encourage those interested in our company to review our posts on Twitter at www.twitter.com/toyotafinancial. 

Dallas ISD, Toyota and SMU Collaborate to Support Future STEM-Focused School in West Dallas

Partnership aims to prepare students for jobs of tomorrow


Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD), Toyota USA Foundation and SMU have joined together to collaborate on the creation of a new and innovative STEM-focused school in west Dallas.
 
The aim is to inspire and prepare students for the next generation of STEM jobs through curricula that is project-based and business-aligned.
 
“This is an exciting opportunity for our students and families of west Dallas as  this unique public private partnership comes together,” said Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa. “STEM jobs are the wave of the future, and Toyota and SMU’s contribution is a major investment in shaping the next generation. This is a significant shift in education, and we’re grateful to these incredible partners.”
 
Toyota USA Foundation is granting $2 million to SMU’s Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development, which will develop curricula, advise on state-of-the-art educational practices, provide professional development for teachers, coordinate nonprofits operating in the area, and monitor and evaluate the program. The future school will be operated and staffed by the Dallas ISD. The Office of Transformation and Innovation will co-facilitate the design of the school in collaboration with School Leadership.

The collaboration will also bring together nonprofits, including groups already working with Dallas ISD through the SMU Simmons School program, The School Zone, as well as Toyota Motor North America and Toyota Financial Services’ partners to address community issues like literacy, nutrition, transportation and after–school care –  each vital to creating successful outcomes for the community.
 
“Collectively, our goal is to create a brighter future for students, help families become more resilient, and create a community and school model that can be replicated,” said Mike Goss, president of Toyota USA Foundation. “We want to help increase access to opportunity, connecting students to the millions of STEM jobs that exist today, and the many more that will be created as industry advances.” 
 
This partnership developed as a result of numerous requests from the community for STEM offerings within the Pinkston High School feeder pattern.
 
“This partnership advances our efforts currently underway in west Dallas, with a holistic approach that lifts the community and provides opportunity for students,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner.  “Evidence-based education is the foundation for everything we do in the Simmons School, and we look forward to the opportunity to provide resources and research that underscore the success of the school.”
 
Following an inclusive planning phase, the next two academic years will focus on curriculum and professional development for faculty.
 
“Everything is still on the table, including decisions about curricula and which wrap-around services will be provided through the school by community partners,” said SMU Simmons School Dean Stephanie L. Knight. “This announcement is meant to let all the stakeholders, parents included, know that we want their input at every level as we move forward.”
 
The school will begin a phased opening beginning fall 2021.

Toyota Motor North America Reports U.S. Sales for August 2018

• TMNA posts best-ever light truck sales for August
• Toyota Highlander, 4Runner, Tacoma posted best-ever August

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today reported August 2018 sales of 223,055 units. With the same number of selling days in August 2018 compared to August 2017, sales were down 2.0 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) and volume basis. 
 
Toyota division posted August 2018 sales of 194,433 units, down 1.2 percent on a DSR and volume basis.   
 
Lexus posted August sales of 28,622 units, down 7.1 percent on a DSR and volume basis.
 
August 2018 Highlights:

• TMNA, Toyota and Lexus divisions posted best-ever month for light truck sales 
• Camry recorded sales of 30,141 units
• Corolla posted sales of 26,155 units
• Toyota light truck division sales were up 8.6 percent, a best-ever August
• RAV4 posted sales of 42,222 units
• Highlander sales increased by 23.6 percent, a best-ever August
• 4Runner sales increased by 24.2 percent, a best-ever August
• Tacoma increased by 35.3 percent, a best-ever August since 1996
• Tundra sales increased 7.2 percent
• Prius Prime sales increased 13.8 percent on DSR, a best-ever August
• Lexus LUVs posted sales of 19,696 units, a best-ever August
• NX combined sales were up 2.3 percent, a best-ever August
• RX combined sales increased by 4.7 percent
• RXh posted sales of 1,650 units
• LS posted sales of 923 units

Lexus LY 650 Luxury Yacht Revealed Crafted in the Spirit of Amazing

• 65-foot Lexus yacht is the fourth Lexus flagship, joining the LS sedan, LX SUV and LC coupe
• First production marine vessel to use L-finesse, the design language of Lexus
• Exploration into non-automotive ventures continues beyond the Lexus brand’s involvement in luxury lifestyle experiences related to culinary, design and film

Crafting amazing automobiles is something Lexus has pursued relentlessly, as evidenced by the beautiful hand-pleated door panels in the LS 500 or the complex paint process, inspired by the morpho butterfly, that results in dazzling Structural Blue. And crafting every touch point around the brand is an opportunity Lexus continues to seize. This maritime application is another proof point in the storied history of Lexus that explores new frontiers both inside and outside the automotive industry.
 
Lexus continually evaluates what constitutes a luxury experience and has, as a result, ventured into the worlds of culinary, design, film, and more as alternative opportunities to interact with the brand. Driven by Lexus International President, Yoshihiro Sawa’s vision of Lexus as a brand that, “explores new ways to deliver innovative and amazing experiences for our guests,” Lexus has partnered with some of the world’s finest purveyors of experience to further celebrate the phrase, Experience Amazing.
 
And now, Lexus returns to the water with its next expression of a Lexus yacht in the form of the LY 650.  Bearing the most contemporary expression of Lexus design language, L-finesse, applied beyond the world of automobiles, the production LY 650 picks up where the stunning Lexus Sport Yacht Concept left off.
 
Lexus Takumis Meet Marquis-Larson Craftspeople  
Encouraged by the robust public interest in the Lexus Sport Yacht Concept, a follow-up maritime effort was fueled by Executive Vice President; Shigeki Tomoyama’s desire to, “present a dream-like vision of the luxury lifestyle; one where the Lexus Yacht expands the potential of Lexus mobility to the ocean.”  Making this dream-like vision a reality, Marquis-Larson Boat Group was selected to build, sell and service the next Lexus yacht based largely on their extensive experience with bespoke boat building and their proven capability, confirmed by their work bringing the Lexus Sport Yacht Concept to life.
 
Based in Pulaski, WI, Marquis-Larson is the ideal partner to bring the second chapter of Lexus
yacht design to fruition with their thorough blend of artisanal craftsmanship, modern technology and inspired design.  Complementing the Lexus brand’s heritage of takumi craftspeople who are supremely skilled in their roles, Marquis’ craftsmanship backbone is clearly demonstrated by their masterful boat builders, many of whom have been with the company for 30 years.
 
L-finesse Seamlessly Transitions from Automotive to Maritime Applications
Several of the most attractive features from the 42-foot concept have made their way onto the LY 650. Measuring 65 feet in overall length with a 19-foot beam, the newest Lexus yacht has a distinguished style found in the strong, pronounced bow, curved deck accents and accentuated aft hips. Viewed from the profile, the elegant rise and fall of the yacht’s distinctly Lexus roofline flows into rising, broad hips of the rear section.   
 
Upcoming Milestones and Contact Information 
The first completed Lexus LY 650 is expected to be finished in the second half of 2019 and will make its global debut late in the year.

Parties interested in gathering additional information or inquiring about the purchase of a Lexus LY 650, please contact:
 
Matthew Vetzner
Vice President of Marketing, Marquis-Larson Boat Group
+1 920.822.3214
mvetzner@marquis-larson.com