Dream Cars Designed by Youth in National Contest

 Toyota Names Nine U.S. Winners of 2021 Dream Car Art Contest

“Fly Higher with Toyota” Artwork by Jery Chen Wins Inaugural Petersen Prestige Award

Cars that make glaciers, vehicles that disinfect the earth, mobile solutions to cleaner water, and flying contraptions that save the world were among the themes of artworks created by nine young artists selected as this year’s winners of the Toyota Dream Car USA Art Contest.

From the pool of Toyota’s nine U.S. Winners, the Petersen Automotive Museum awarded Jiawei (Jery) Chen, age 14 of Florida, to receive its inaugural Petersen Prestige Award for her “Fly Higher with Toyota” drawing.

“In addition to being a well-executed artwork with a remarkable composition, the museum selected Chen’s design because it aligns with our efforts to celebrate the past, present and future of the automobile. Her vehicles harken to automobile design of the 1950s, yet she brings them into the future, imagining a world of eco-friendly flying cars,” said Autumn Nyiri, associate curator, Petersen Automotive Museum.

“Creating art makes me happy. It allows me to express my ideas visually and share my happiness with others. I wanted to create a car that was innovative in a healthy environment,” said Chen.

Now in its 10th year, the Toyota Dream Car USA Art Contest is designed to inspire creativity in youth and imagine the future of mobility. The nine U.S. youth winners and three Honorable Mention Award recipients for this year’s contest are:

U.S. WINNERS – Age Category 1 (Youth, ages 4-7 years)

Gold Award: “Gadget Toyota Car” by Hahrin Vivian Chiang, age 7, Santa Monica, California
Silver Award: “Disinfection Vehicle” by Xinyu Yi, age 6, Wellesley, Massachusetts
Bronze Award: “Pure Water Vehicle” by Lea Haeun Shin, age 6, Los Angeles, California
Honorable Mention: “Moon Car” by Olivia Yoo, age 7, South Lyon, Michigan

U.S. WINNERS – Age Category 2 (Youth, ages 8-11 years)
Gold Award: “Ocean Eco Car” by Brendan Park, age 10, Los Angeles, California
Silver Award: “Dream Car That Makes Glaciers” by Junyoung Kim, age 10, Fairfax, Virginia
Bronze Award: “Saver of Earth” by Reena Fu, age 10, Diamond Bar, California
Honorable Mention: “The Nar-Whale Car” by Grace Sun, age 10, Livingston, New Jersey

U.S. WINNERS – Age Category 3 (Youth, ages 12-15 years)
Gold Award: “Magical Bubble Car” by Chloe Hyoleen Kim, age 14, Issaquah, Washington
Silver Award: “Fly Higher with Toyota” by Jiawei (Jery) Chen, age 14, Montverde, Florida
Bronze Award: “Saving the Future” by Olivia Hur, age 12, La Crescenta, California
Honorable Mention: “Lightbulb Car” by Lynn Sun, age 12, Livingston, New Jersey

“Many of these young artists shared their joy and excitement that this contest brought to them as they imagined the future of mobility,” said Sean Suggs, group vice president, Toyota Social Innovation. “We thank the thousands of youth across the country who created amazing designs and worked so hard to create such unique works of art.”

“We are excited to exhibit the creations of these next-generation designers in the museum. These submissions have impressed all of us and we cannot wait to see them displayed,” said Terry L. Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum.

In addition to the Petersen Automotive Museum, this year, Toyota partnered with 10 other museums, 12 school districts, and 19 dealerships across the United States to share information about the contest and distribute educational resources within their communities. In Los Angeles, the effort continues with a unique collaboration involving undergraduate students from California State University, Dominguez Hills who will work over the coming summer to create 3D-printed interpretations of the contest’s award-winning designs.

Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan held the first worldwide contest in 2004. Nearly 90 countries now host their own national contests. To learn about the world contest, visit www.Toyota-DreamCarArt.com. The U.S. website is www.ToyotaDreamCarUSA.com.

Spring & Easter Recipe: Dessert Kabobs!

 

Spring is a time of celebration! It is the season of wonder and whimsy, which makes it the perfect time for fun food. Whether you're getting together with just family or a bigger gathering, if you need to prepare a dessert, we've found the perfect "recipe:" Easter Dessert Kabobs!

With everything from cupcakes to peeps, bring these dessert kabobs to be the hero of any gathering. Adults and children alike will sing your praises. Get the complete recipe and directions HERE.

Rounding Up Toyota’s Road-Ready Green Machines

Silver, white, black. Vivid red. Cool blue. We can all conduct our own studies on the most popular colors for cars just by looking around us. But what about green? While they may not be seen as often as silver, and as automakers focus on environmentally green vehicles, cars painted green haven’t gone away.

Toyota’s green color story began at its outset with the introduction of the Land Cruiser in the U.S. in 1958–the first Toyota to be popular in America–which came in a military-inspired olive green. Today, that spirit is still alive with TRD’s Army Green. From that early and only color choice, Toyota’s variety of greens grew and there are now five unique options available. Subtle, shimmery, bold and even otherworldly, Toyota’s green palette offers choices for customers, which is the driving force behind these wide-ranging options. Green is cool. Green is fun. And green engages the senses. There are even green “green” cars, as green shows up on hybrid models in the lineup.

Check out Toyota’s current lineup of greens below. Which one would you choose if you decided to “Go for Green?”

Lunar Rock  

As the 2021 TRD Pro hero color, Lunar Rock is out of this world—literally. Inspired by magnesium-infused craters carved into the surface of the moon, this green is also down to earth, balancing the rugged requirements of the TRD lifestyle with the human call to look up towards the stars.

Click here to learn about the 2021 TRD Pro lineup.

Hakone Green

Inspired by the views of the natural world visible from Japan’s Hakone Turnpike, Hakone Green is found in the forests that fringe the base of Mt. Fuji and the deep green cedar trees encircling the banks of nearby Lake Ashi, itself originally a crater. Make no mistake, though. This green, exclusive to the Toyota 86 Hakone Edition, is built for speed, offering Toyota’s take on the most iconic color on the track, British Racing Green.

Click here to learn more about the 2020 Toyota 86 Hakone Edition.

Cypress Green

Cypress trees are highly adaptable and majestic looking specimens. The conifers’ deep green foliage and slender shape make it a popular choice in ornamental landscaping — a visual display that’s mirrored on the all-new Sienna. Not only is the versatile van ready for outdoor adventures, but its provocative design, a nod to the green cypress, cuts a memorable profile in its natural surroundings.

Sea Glass Pearl

Sea glass is one of nature’s handiest metaphors. Sharp glass fragments, often from bottles, are worn smooth over time by pounding seas. Appearing as a light ocean green, sea glass reminds us that the elements, and experience, create beauty out of the ordinary. A staple color for the Prius, green connects the power and elegance of the environment with the human lives co-existing with it.

Army Green

We love a truck in uniform. As of the 2021 model year, this former TRD hero color is now a part of the general truck paint lineup. A robust military olive, Army Green symbolizes Toyota’s recognition of the men and women who serve in our nation’s armed forces. Since 2012, the company has supported Hiring Our Heroes, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation that connects veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses with career opportunities. Toyota also offers military rebates to U.S. military personnel, household members of eligible U.S. military personnel (including Gold Star families), U.S. military retirees, and U.S. military veterans within two years of discharge.

2021 Toyota Mirai Awarded Car Technology of the Year by Hispanic Motor Press

Toyota’s new generation fuel cell electric vehicle praised for its advanced technology features

If new technology is synonymous with the future, then the 2021 Toyota Mirai hits the mark. The fuel cell electric model’s name, which means “future” in Japanese, is wholly appropriate, as the all-new Toyota Mirai received the 2021 Car Technology of the Year award from the Hispanic Motor Press.  This award was presented during Motor Press Guild’s Virtual Media Day in partnership with AutoMobility LA, and recognized Mirai for pushing technology towards a cleaner future.

The Hispanic Motor Press Awards (HMPA) are presented by the Hispanic Motor Press Foundation and recognize the best in class and most significant automobiles in the market, as they meet the needs and desires of Hispanic consumers. The foundation’s advisory board selected an independent panel of jurors comprised of distinguished Hispanic automotive journalists, bloggers and industry influencers to evaluate new model vehicles in the running for the awards.

“Toyota has demonstrated their commitment towards a sustainable and eco-friendly world,” said Hispanic Motor Press President, Ricardo Rodriguez-Long. “The new Toyota Mirai demonstrates that we have the technology today, right at the dealerships, to achieve the goal of eliminating hydrocarbon fuel emissions in energy generation. Under its skin we find many advanced components and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ system makes it also one of the safest vehicles on the road today…this is high tech on wheels!”

The 2021 Mirai is powered by the latest evolution of the brand’s advanced fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) powertrain. A more powerful fuel cell system provides a more engaging driving experience and the rear-wheel drive layout and front and rear multi-link suspension deliver a true sports-luxury sedan driving feel. The new hydrogen-powered system offers a 30 percent increase over the first-generation Mirai with an EPA-estimated class-leading range of 402 miles (Mirai XLE grade).

“The new Mirai is not only a beautiful flagship sedan for our brand that offers cutting-edge technology and engineering, but more importantly, water is its only emission,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president, Toyota Marketing, Toyota Motor North America. “We are honored that our newest fuel cell vehicle is recognized by the Hispanic Motor Press for all of the in-car and zero-emission technology that benefit both consumers and the planet.”

Additionally, the 2021 Mirai features advanced user and safety tech, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. This latest generation of Toyota’s driver-assist technology suite includes Full Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, and Lane Tracing Assist. In addition, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is standard on the 2021 Mirai.

Mirai’s interior tech features an 8-inch color TFT LCD digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia display. The 12.3-inch display provides easy access for the driver or front passenger and easy connectivity that includes Bluetooth® wireless technology, Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, Amazon Alexa compatibility and SiriusXM® with 3-month All Access trial.

The 12.3-inch display also relays imagery from the Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan, Overhead 360-Degree View in drive and reverse, and Curb View (standard on Limited and available for XLE grade).

Collaborating for Local Change

Toyota Employee Resource Groups Across Country Collaborate to Direct Funding for Social and Racial Justice Programs; Grants Awarded to 48 Nonprofits in 17 Communities Nationwide

Late last year, Toyota North America launched an initiative to bring employee voices to help address disparities in communities across the country.

The idea: Create a grassroots employee-led fund to address social and racial justice issues spearheaded by Toyota’s 100 employee resource group chapters.

Toyota employee resource groups representing Asians, Blacks, Christians, People with Disabilities, Latinos, LGBTQ+, Parents, Pet Advocates, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals, as well as Environmental causes worked together to identify and direct funding to programs in their local communities.

“This initiative brought us together, providing a collective voice for good on issues that affect us all,” said Sandra Phillips Rogers, group vice president, chief legal officer and chief diversity officer, Toyota Motor North America. “It also gave our employees the opportunity to take concrete action within the communities where they work and live.”

The result:  A total of $475,000 in grants awarded to 48 nonprofits in 17 communities across the country, addressing critical needs such as food insecurity, healthcare access, economic self-reliance, youth mentoring, job training, and education.

One such nonprofit to benefit from the program is YWCA Charleston, in West Virginia. The organization is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, dignity and freedom for all. Funding will support their ongoing implicit bias training and outreach programs.

“Through this grant we can reach more people in the region and provide training and resources to increase understanding of how they can help eliminate racism,” said Debby Weinstein, chief executive officer, YWCA Charleston, W.Va.

Weather the Season With These Winter/Spring Driving Tips

Spring is just around the corner but that doesn't mean we're out of the winter weather woods yet, especially if you are traveling the mountain passes. The Cascade Mountains have achieved a 20-year high snow pack and it is not uncommon for the passes to get snow through the months of March and April, so continue to be prepared!

With storms sweeping across the country, the time to review cold-weather practices for travel by car is before getting on the road.

Check out these top winter driving tips from our partners at the Bridgestone Winter Driving School, The Center for Driving Sciences.

Stow Patrol

Winter weather can be unpredictable, so plan for the unexpected. Carry extra winter clothing, including boots, gloves, hats and blankets. Don’t forget a flashlight with extra batteries, tow straps and jumper cables¹. Use the compartment underneath the new bridge console in the 2021 Sienna to store these winter items.

The Right Rubber to Meet the Road

Review whether your car is outfitted for the season by considering switching to winter tires². In addition, when possible, monitor road conditions before setting out. When on the road look for sections of the road on which ice may have formed. Shadows are a good indicator of where ice could be. Large trees, buildings, overpasses, mountains and even billboards could be a signal of unsafe terrain ahead³.

Stay vigilant. And remember, it takes four to ten times more distance to brake on snow and ice than under normal conditions4.

Getting a Grip

Twenty-four percent5 of weather-related crashes happen on snowy, slushy or icy pavement, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles can help provide additional support in winter conditions. AWD systems are designed to improve handling and acceleration, even more so in slick conditions, by automatically directing more power to the tire with the best traction.

AWD vehicle options are available across the Toyota lineup, with the 2021 Toyota Avalon now offering an AWD option for the first time in the car’s 25-year history. The Avalon sends up to 50% of the torque to the rear wheels, for enhanced grip and control in most driving conditions. The 2021 Prius also comes equipped with electronic AWD capabilities.

Handling Skids

It’s important in the event of skid to be prepared and if possible, to remain focused. Knowing what to do can help you keep calm and stay in control.

If you feel the rear wheels skid and the vehicle begin to spin, the cause is likely to be oversteering. To fix it, steer into the skid, according to Bridgestone. Then accelerate smoothly. That should cause a weight transfer to the rear wheels and help regain grip6.

When the car refuses to turn on a curve, it’s likely caused by understeering, which creates skid for the front wheels. Bridgestone recommends correcting this by lifting off the pedal and turning the wheel slightly straight. This allows the front wheels to regain grip and begin rolling again7.

Toyota models with the Star Safety System are equipped with the vehicle stability control system. The system is designed to help prevent wheel slippage and loss of traction by reducing engine power and applying brake force to the wheels that need it. Sensors in the steering wheel detect a change in direction and help return the vehicle to its intended route.

Aware and Prepared

Winter driving conditions vary greatly. By paying attention to your surroundings, remaining cautious of other drivers and preparing thoughtfully can help you navigate winter season on the road.