Toyota Motor North America Introduces Next-Generation Multimedia System To Deliver Best In-Car User Experience

 North America leads development and sets stage for on-going commitment to enhance in-vehicle infotainment experience, directly addressing consumer concerns

As the need for a more personalized and intelligent in-vehicle experience continues to grow and be a driving force behind vehicle selection, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) is proud to unveil a new multimedia solution delivering an exceptional in-car user experience.

Developed in North America

As a result of listening to customers’ requests and anticipating their future desires, TMNA turned its focus in-house to develop a superior solution. With the philosophy of One Toyota in mind, the formation of the Connected Technologies group took shape in 2018. The new group aimed to unify customer experience, in-vehicle technology, value chain and connected revenue process – functions previously scattered across the organization. Connected Technologies invested in the expansion by building an agile, cross-functional team of more than 400 dedicated team members and business partners. From the outset, the team began development of solutions that would meet and exceed customer needs and deliver amazing and personal connected experiences.

“With the new multimedia system, we focused on the needs and wants of the customer and what would enable a more seamless and enjoyable experience on the road,” said Charan Lota, executive chief engineer and vice president at TMNA Connected Technologies. “We brought multiple groups from electrical engineering to software development and business planning together into one team with one common goal – enhancing the in-vehicle experience.”

The significantly advanced technological solution represents true collaboration across the TMNA Connected Technologies group as well as with teams from partner companies Toyota Connected and Toyota Motor Corporation – involving hundreds of team members working over the course of three years while devoting thousands of hours to testing.

“The development of this new system represents a fundamental shift in the way we design products,” said Daniel Hall, global chief UX designer, TMNA Connected Technologies. “With the adoption of over-the-air (OTA) updates we are able to develop software in smaller, more manageable pieces – with the ability to provide updates to customers even quicker.”

Enhanced Technologies and User Experience

The new system features multiple touchscreen options from 8- inches up-to 14-inches, which all feature the same newly enhanced design cues and functionality, while retaining a volume knob. The system also offers five-times the processing power of the previous generation system, an incredible leap in processing capability that provides faster and more responsive touch functionality. All screens feature modern designs with optically bonded, glare reducing technology allowing a customer experience that mirrors smartphone-like capability.

An all-new native navigation system featuring 100% cloud capability allows faster, more accurate directions and mapping. OTA updates will allow real-time updates for navigation mapping, enriched media experiences and other enhancements across the system’s lifetime.

The new Human Machine Interface (HMI) provides an enhanced user interaction through sight, touch and voice thanks to improvements in the graphical user interface (GUI), voice interface and unique North American animation. It delivers a unified feeling and ease of use, while balancing accessibility needs. Additionally, the voice interface is designed to use advanced graphics to distinguish between listening and processing states, and the appearance matches the new and improved capability of cloud processing. Another significant advancement is the animation incorporated into this multimedia solution, which brings it to life. These unique, leading designs can be seen everywhere from interacting between functions, sliding menus and dropdown banners.

Whether selecting from AM or FM, standard SiriusXM® stations or connected streaming music sources, such as Amazon Music®, the audio HMI is also significantly improved. Occupants can now select from available music sources based on music genre or frequent preference. AM and FM station dial numbers are displayed along with logos when available. Sourcing information from the cloud, the native music system is always up to date and features enhanced programming details. Speaking of connected sources, the new multimedia system now brings standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.

Structured with a customer first approach, the newly developed Virtual Assistant (VA) is intended to be the primary way occupants interact with the new multimedia system and is designed to enable a voice first application. Combining a hybrid developed structure of in-house Toyota Connected engineered machine learning with a cloud-based platform featuring up to date content, VA aims to provide a natural and easy to use interaction for vehicle occupants. Designed with dual-microphones, enhanced noise-cancellation, speaker location and seat detection capabilities, the approach allows front seat occupants an expanded and interactive functionality to access navigation, media, phone and select vehicle settings.

In the age of digital transformation in mobility, having a more personalized experience that moves from vehicle to vehicle with the driver is essential. Through the new multimedia system’s User Profile feature, the driver’s personalized settings and experience, from preferred media or radio station to climate settings in some models, will be retained and accessible when the driver next returns to the vehicle.

Key Features of the New Multimedia Solution*:

• Enhanced Navigation– The updated navigation system brings a beautiful design, trusted sources and the Virtual Assistant together to create a customer-first solution. It allows drivers and passengers to use the voice-activated commands or touchscreen to search for directions, find points of interest or explore local businesses – Google points of interest (POI) data is integrated to ensure up-to-date search capability. Navigation is also available to passengers with or without network connection, with offline mode designed to detect when the vehicle is near or entering an area with low connectivity and download applicable maps and services in advance.
• Virtual Assistant (VA) – VA provides a natural and easy-to-use virtual companion that enhances the traditional voice command system thus providing the vehicle occupant with an industry leading native VA native engine and a revolutionary way to interact through a voice-first approach. Voice recognition with natural language understanding enables driver interactions with their vehicle that are more advanced and personalized than ever before. With simple wake up phrases such as “Hey/Hi/Hello/OK” to make connection simple and seamless. Intuitive and natural VA responses allow for audible replies by the vehicle occupant creating a human-like conversation experience.
• User Profiles- To help improve the user’s overall driving experience, a user will receive the same personalized settings in new vehicles making it portable from vehicle to vehicle. The new profile system is stored on the cloud, meaning users can access and take their experiences on the go with them across vehicles featuring the new multimedia system. Once created, users can use a Bluetooth handheld device such as a smartphone or tablet, smart key, or manual login to access their profile.
• Digital Key – To make road trips even more convenient, vehicles equipped with this new system enable owners access to a digital key. An extension of the User Profile feature, through their smartphone when within Bluetooth proximity to the vehicle, owners can lock/unlock and start/stop their vehicle motor through the Toyota or Lexus App. The digital key can also be shared with up to seven different guest users at one time. No passwords or PINS are required, creating a seamless guest experience for users registered on the Toyota or Lexus App.
• Over the Air (OTA) – By placing less dependence on third-party suppliers and through the adoption of agile development processes and Over the Air (OTA) program updates, which enable cloud-based upgrades to in-vehicle software in real-time, the team was able to develop a system that gives drivers and passengers what they want in record time.
• Safety Connect – Provides peace of mind for when unexpected emergencies occur by connecting drivers with a 24/7 emergency response agent who can quickly request dispatch of emergency services to a vehicle’s exact location or assist authorities in locating a stolen vehicle.
• Service Connect – Drivers receive personalized maintenance updates, vehicle health reports and maintenance reminders to help them maintain their vehicle through various subscriptions available on the smartphone App.

“With this new system we are jumping into the future, from larger touchscreens up to 14 inches to having a 100% cloud-navigation for more accurate and faster directions, we are thrilled to deliver this amazing and connected experience to our Toyota and Lexus guests,” said Steve Basra, group vice president, TMNA Connected Technologies.  “We want all of our customers to experience this in-vehicle advancement, and that is why this system will eventually be offered across our vehicle line-up – regardless of screen size or model grade. This is another first in company history.”

The new system will make its debut as Lexus Interface multimedia system with the launch of the all-new Lexus NX in the fourth quarter of 2021. An all-new Toyota multimedia system will debut in the fourth quarter of 2021, with more information available closer to launch.

Having Fun and Staying Safe This 4th of July

It sure feels like we have a lot to celebrate after a year of Covid-19 caused shut downs, cancellations, illness, and more. The Fourth of July seems like the perfect holiday to blow off some steam and we hope you all have a safe a happy holiday!

Here are some tips to keep you, your family, and your surroundings safe, especially considering the heatwave we've had/are having here in the PNW (whatever happened to summer not starting until July 5?):

• Consider doing small fireworks like smoke bombs at home and viewing big fireworks at professionally produced community shows
• Make sure there are no trees, buildings, or dry brush near where you are setting them off to prevent fires.
• Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby
• Do not throw fire crackers at cars, people, etc
• Do not try to relight a "dud" firework
• Wear eye protection if you are lighting off fireworks

What are some of your tips for a great 4th of July? Where will you be watching fireworks?

Why Susan Elkington and Leah Curry are Encouraging Women in STEM

 When Susan Elkington, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK), got her start in the automotive industry, she had a picture in her head of what a career in manufacturing would look like — then she met Leah Curry, the now-president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI).

“There weren’t many women in engineering and maintenance, especially at the time,” Elkington says. “I was doing all these things. I was playing golf. I hate golf. It wasn’t until I transferred to Body Weld and Stamping and started working with Leah, one of the few other women in leadership, that I realized I could just be myself.”

Seeing Curry surrounded by her male colleagues in the weld shop — makeup and all — helped Elkington feel like she belonged in her new department. Elkington remembers one day, when the duo were working together, TMMI updated the clothing policy to add more colors, including a pink shirt.

“Leah came to work one day wearing the pink shirt,” Elkington said. “I was like, ‘Oh no, we don’t wear pink in body weld.’ And she said, ‘Oh yes we do.’ Within two weeks, she had all the guys wearing pink.”

Elkington and Curry worked together in the welding shop of TMMI for six years before going their separate ways within Toyota. Though they worked at different plants, the pair continued to be one another’s confidantes and career champions. Today, the women run two of Toyota’s largest automotive plants in the country. Now, Elkington and Curry are focused on encouraging more women to make names for themselves in the automotive industry and explore STEM careers.

“I always say ‘next woman up,’” Curry says. “Where’s the next woman up? The more women we get into these positions, it will make Toyota stronger. As an inclusive work environment, we’re going to understand not only our people better, but also our customers better.”

The Power of Mentorship

Mentorship plays a big role in keeping women in automotive, something that both women understand firsthand. Curry credits Elkington for recognizing her potential early on and encouraging her to apply for open positions, even when she didn’t think she was ready.

“Susan believed in me more than I believed in myself at the time,” Curry says. “When there was an executive position open, she asked me if I was interested. I hadn’t envisioned myself as an executive at all, so she gave me the confidence I needed to see where I could go.”

According to Elkington, it’s a story she sees every day: Women don’t raise their hands to take on new opportunities, not because they don’t want to, but because they assume they aren’t qualified or don’t have enough experience.

“Even within Toyota, we’ve got to continue to support and mentor women,” Elkington says. “This happens over and over again. We have openings for promotions, and I look at the application pool and ask, ‘Why is this person not applying?’ And it’s all about confidence.”

When someone is in your corner, it can make all the difference. For Curry and Elkington, their mentorship — and friendship — has gone both ways over the years, with each pushing the other to take risks.

“As women in this field, we have so much self-doubt,” Elkington says. “So to have someone who can give you those words of wisdom and the confidence to take on new things, that’s invaluable. If you’re not willing to try it, then nobody sees you in roles beyond what you’re doing now. You have to have the courage to take those risks and that’s one of the things Leah has given me — courage.”

Encouraging Women in STEM

But the talent gap spans beyond simply recruiting women into STEM. Misconceptions about manufacturing are a major contributor to the lack of women in automotive, say Curry and Elkington. They believe that many young women don’t have a clear idea about what STEM careers actually look like because they are never exposed to them.

“Leah and I are both very strong advocates of STEM education and helping women of diverse backgrounds get into a career they may not have thought about before,” Elkington says. “And that’s not something that’s going to happen naturally. It takes a lot of intentional work.”

Curry and Elkington travel to grade schools and high schools to teach young women and girls about the fun, hands-on features of the job —aspects that some students may not even consider to be STEM. In addition, Toyota gives students tours of the plants and offers an internship program to high school students to help expose young people to the wide range of opportunities available within the industry.

“We have great examples across Toyota of women being successful in so many different areas,” Elkington says. “From marketing to design to production, we can always connect them with somebody.”

Developing the Next Generation of Diverse Leaders

Creating an inclusive work environment isn’t just important because it’s the right thing to do. As Curry says, “it’s also a crucial business priority. Women buy cars, so they have valuable input to contribute to the design and production of those vehicles.”

“We need to be sure we’re getting the best out of all of our members,” says Curry. “We’re a big plant, right? So, if you’re only getting ideas out of 50% of your team members, you’re going to miss out on some game-changing features because a person doesn’t feel comfortable speaking up.”

And those different perspectives will provide impact for a wide range of customers buying each and every product. While Curry takes the time to make sure new hires understand how critical it is for them to share their input, she’s also working with the leadership team to make sure they understand the value of listening to and developing young talent.

“The development of our members is our next generation of leaders, so we have to spend time on it,” Curry says. “We’re doing deliberate development with our high potentials and diverse candidates to make sure we’re giving them the opportunities to shine. You have to talk to people and tell them that they are ready, that they should put in for that position or they’re going to miss the opportunity.”

Over the years, they’ve seen the field change to be more inclusive and open to women, but they’re ready to accelerate that change. Both Curry and Elkington consider helping women succeed in their industry their responsibility, because someone did it for them.

“It’s about all of us succeeding,” Elkington says. “Not one versus the other. We will become stronger and make better changes if we do it together.”

Adds Curry: “If you get more women in levels of leadership, it has a ripple effect. Women need to see it in their field, at their own plants. Because if we can do it, they can do it too.”

First Official Look: 2022 Toyota Tundra

 The Toyota Tundra is one of the most popular trucks on the market and here at Burien Toyota. We have been eagerly awaiting the first images of the all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra...and it doesn't disappoint! We are loving the aggressive grill and boxy angles.

What do you think of the updated look of the 2022 Toyota Tundra truck?

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Makes U.S. Debut and Expands Corolla Lineup

 All-New Compact SUV with Available AWD a Welcome Addition to the Corolla Family

For more than 50 years, Corolla has been synonymous with dependability, fuel efficiency, safety and value – and today, Toyota is evolving the series even further. Based on the ever-popular Corolla sedan, the all-new 2022 Corolla Cross, which made its U.S. debut today, is the bold compact crossover you didn’t know you needed until now.

“Our loyal customers love the quality, durability and reliability that has helped make Corolla the best-selling nameplate in history,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president of Toyota Marketing.  “With the all-new Corolla Cross we are building upon that foundation and offering more versatility and fun to adapt to their evolving lifestyles.”

Available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), the compact SUV maximizes the inherent potential of the high-strength TNGA-C platform and a 169-horsepower, 2.0-liter Dynamic Force Engine, enabling the all-new model to achieve high-quality performance, a comfortable ride and outstanding spaciousness. What’s more, the surprising cargo capacity gives it the versatility to accommodate life’s adventures.

Well-Appointed, Yet Powerful

Spread across three grades – L, LE, and XLE – the versatile design of the Corolla Cross is spacious, modern, powerful and high-quality. From an engineering perspective, the 2022 Corolla Cross offers an approachable exterior as well as a higher line-of-sight thanks to the TNGA-C platform. Key design cues include a distinctive black grille flanked by LED lighting with black body accents – giving the entry SUV a confident stance. And from the rear, the design elements continue, with an integrated rear spoiler and LED lighting. Wheel options range from 17-inch steel on L to 18-inch alloy on XLE.

Inside, Corolla Cross’ spacious interior shares many similarities with its sedan and hatchback siblings. The all-new model can be outfitted with a power moonroof, as well as either single- or dual-zone automatic climate control, with all grades featuring standard heating and air conditioning vents for rear seat passengers.

SofTex-trimmed seating is also available, as is a 10-way, power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar and heated front seats.

In back, storage space can be maxed out thanks to the 60/40-split folding rear seats that come standard on all grades, while XLE models also include a center armrest with two cupholders. And to make access to the roomy cargo area even more convenient, the Corolla Cross has an available power liftgate with height adjustability.

Corolla Cross will also be available with accessories that expand its capability including a roof rack with crossbars, an activity mount for carrying items, such as bicycles and all-weather floormats.

Small But Mighty

Who says a crossover has to feel small? The Corolla Cross is equipped with the mighty 2.0L Dynamic Force engine and Direct Shift CVT from Corolla sedan’s sportier “S” grades. That means a punchy 169 horsepower and a physical first gear that provides a truly engaging driving experience, all while providing exceptional efficiency.

Corolla Cross’ suspension also plays a role here, as it’s fully independent for all-wheel-drive models, while front-wheel-drive vehicles feature a brand-new torsion beam system in the rear.

Additionally, every Corolla Cross is capable of towing up to 1,500 lbs.

And for those who choose AWD, Toyota’s clever Dynamic Torque Control system can direct up to 50% of power to the rear wheels when it’s needed – and disengages completely when it’s not. This feature helps Corolla Cross maintain great fuel economy estimates – another strong suit for this powertrain – with an estimated 32 combined MPG for the FWD model and an estimated 30 combined MPG for the AWD model.

Connected and Charged Up for the Long Drive

Inside Corolla Cross, advanced technology does not disappoint. This includes an available 7-inch Multi-Information Display with a digital instrumentation layout and an available 8-inch multimedia touchscreen. The ease of use and vast range of in-car entertainment and connected functionalities, including standard compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, will be sure to keep passengers occupied. Mobile devices will stay topped off through wireless charging (standard on LE and XLE), or through the conveniently located USB media port. LE and XLE grades offer two USB charging ports for rear seat passengers, welcoming all devices along for the drive.

The available Audio Plus multimedia with Remote Connect and a nine-speaker JBL® sound system is the perfect complement to a road trip playlist. And when it’s time to turn on the tunes, Amazon Alexa connectivity keeps Amazon’s digital assistant just a question away. Other connected features include a standard three-month SiriusXM All Access trial subscription to more than 300 channels accessible throughout the country.

Safety

True to Toyota form, modern safety is key for Corolla Cross. That’s why all grades come standard with both the Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced active safety systems, as well as Toyota’s signature STAR Safety System.

Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert come standard on LE and XLE, while Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is standard on XLE. And nine airbags are mounted throughout the cabin to help protect occupants.

For additional upcoming Toyota product news, check out the Toyota New Product Showcase page.

Toyota AI Ventures Announces Rebrand as Toyota Ventures and an Additional $300M to Invest in Emerging Technologies

 

Launch of the Toyota Ventures Frontier Fund and the Toyota Ventures Climate Fund brings firm’s total assets under management to more than $500M

Toyota’s first standalone, early-stage venture capital firm, Toyota AI Ventures, will change its name to Toyota Ventures and grow its total assets under management to more than $500 million with the addition of two $150 million early-stage funds: the Toyota Ventures Frontier Fund and the Toyota Ventures Climate Fund. The new brand and additional capital are a reflection of the firm’s broadening scope and Toyota’s commitment to partnering with talented entrepreneurs to bring innovative technologies and business models to market.

“The Toyota Ventures organization is the perfect example of an entrepreneur-centric, empathetic, thoroughly professional and success-driven team. The incredible support it has given Recogni makes this experience wonderful. We are fortunate to have it as an investor.” – RK Anand, co-founder and CEO, Recogni

Founded in 2017 as a subsidiary of Toyota Research Institute to help Toyota discover what’s next, Toyota Ventures has invested in 38 companies in artificial intelligence, autonomy, cloud computing, data, mobility and robotics. Through its Frontier Fund, Toyota Ventures will continue exploring those areas and will also expand the fund’s thesis to include smart cities, digital health, financial technologies, materials and energy.

In addition, as part of Toyota’s ongoing efforts to accelerate carbon dioxide reduction for the benefit of society and the planet, Toyota has established a new Climate Fund that the Toyota Ventures team will manage. The global fund will focus on finding and funding early-stage startups that develop innovative solutions for carbon neutrality.

“Startups are tackling the world’s challenges, and at Toyota Ventures we want to open even more paths to investing in them,” said Jim Adler, founding managing director of Toyota Ventures. “Since we started our first fund four years ago, we’ve been on a journey with our portfolio companies to discover what’s next for Toyota and for the world. Today, we’re thrilled to be embarking on the next leg of that journey with the Frontier and the Climate Funds.”

“At Toyota, we’re taking a diverse science-driven approach to addressing climate change and offering people many ways to lower their own carbon footprint,” said Gill Pratt, chief scientist of Toyota Motor Corporation, CEO of Toyota Research Institute and board member of Toyota Ventures. “Part of our strategy includes partnering with talented entrepreneurs from around the world to help accelerate innovation in the startup community. We are tremendously excited about tapping into that talent through the Climate Fund.”

Along with expanding investment categories, Toyota Ventures will grow its team and work with a new Advisor Network to continue delivering the type of founder-first support that has been a hallmark of the firm’s approach. From offering guidance on product and business development to supporting companies in their diversity and recruiting efforts, Toyota Ventures focuses on delivering value and building long-term relationships to help startups succeed.

“Toyota Ventures has been an invaluable partner for Boxbot since it invested in our seed round in 2018. It has been instrumental in helping us to navigate complicated, existential challenges on our journey from concept to product/market fit. Jim and the team really understand how corporate venture capital should function to successfully partner with startups.” – Austin Oehlerking, co-founder and CEO, Boxbot

Entrepreneurs seeking early-stage funding are invited to learn more and submit an online pitch at the Toyota Ventures website.