More Than 600 Toyota Dealerships Step up for Third Annual Big Summer Giveback Program

 

Big Summer Giveback to provide over 60,000 students with backpacks filled with supplies through Kids In Need Foundation’s Supply a Student program

Toyota and The Kids In Need Foundation (KINF) are teaming up for their third annual Big Summer Giveback program, with a record number of Toyota Dealers participating in the program, to ensure students in underserved communities start the year with the necessary supplies. The growth of this program as it enters year three is testament to Toyota’s commitment to supporting their local communities.

From August 1-31, 2024, Toyota will donate $3.00 to KINF for every paid oil change with a tire rotation at participating Toyota Service Centers, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000. In addition, over 40 Toyota Dealerships across the country have committed to $10,000 donations in their communities.

With these donations from Toyota and participating Toyota dealers, KINF will be able to provide tens of thousands of students with a new backpack full of essential supplies through their Supply a Student program ensuring they start the new school year prepared and ready.

“Toyota is excited to be partnering with KINF for the third annual Big Summer Giveback,” said Mark Nazario, Vice President of Guest Experience & Retention at Toyota Motor North America. “This year is going to be our biggest Big Summer Giveback to date, and we are proud to support such a worthy cause. To see our dealers rally around this initiative helps show our commitment to serving the communities we live and work in.”

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Toyota for the third consecutive year. This collaboration has been instrumental in creating a significant impact for thousands of students and teachers alike. This year alone, over 60,000 students will start the year with the supplies they need to learn,” said Corey Gordon, CEO of KINF. “This not only eases the burden on teachers in under-resourced schools to provide the supplies their students need to be successful, it also increases public awareness of the importance of creating equitable learning environments in our underserved communities.”

In the schools served by Kids In Need Foundation, nearly 2 out of 3 students arrive on the first day of school without the supplies they need to learn. KINF is the only national nonprofit that strategically focuses its efforts in schools in the nation’s most underserved communities, those with a student enrollment of 70% or more eligible to receive free or reduced meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

To further engage the community, Toyota encourages customers to contribute through an additional fundraising opportunity at www.kinf.org/toyota, allowing everyone to play a role in supporting education and providing essential resources to students.

For more information about the KINF and its programs, please visit www.kinf.org.

Start Your Impossible: Together Wins

Greatness is not a solo pursuit. It’s the result of everyone around you. At Toyota, we believe no journey is taken alone. We each have an innate need to connect that gives our efforts meaning and helps define our purpose. Community is more than a support system, it’s the fundamental building block of our growth and success. Together, we can truly achieve the impossible.

This is the theme behind Toyota’s global “Start Your Impossible” campaign, which aims to inspire athletes and spectators alike during the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. With this sentiment, Toyota is proud to be a part of communities around the world, supporting and cheering for athletes as they strive for success in Paris.

The campaign’s latest commercial, “Together Wins,” features an array of global Olympic and Paralympic athletes, including Gabby Thomas, Eva Moral, Milan Trajković, Jetze Plat, and Haruka Enomoto. More importantly, it honors the heroes behind their success – the coaches, teammates, parents, and fans – the community that fuels their journey.

Success Shaped by Early Mornings and Late Nights

“Together Wins” starts with a man holding the door open at a local neighborhood gym in the early morning hours, allowing a young woman to practice shooting hoops before starting her day. The scene shifts to late night at the gym, where Spain’s Paralympic Triathlete Eva Moral sits in her wheelchair, pushing through a shoulder workout with her trainer by her side, determined to “help her find her wings.”

Champions Become Legends

Next, we see Cyprus hurdler Milan Trajković running alone late at night when he comes across a mural painted of himself on an alleyway wall. The sight fills him with a profound sense of belonging and pride for his country, motivating him to run even harder. It’s this dedication that turns champions into legends.

“Coming from a small country…one big success or one medal is such a big thing… you get a lot of love and a lot of support from everybody walking outside in the streets and people are cheering you…this is keeps me going for more,” says Trajković. “My advice for the young athletes is to believe in themselves and fight every day.”

Pave the Way

In an empty basketball gym, a few multigenerational women watch USA Track & Field standout Gabby Thomas celebrate winning a race. The sight of someone who looks like them achieving her dreams inspires young girls to envision their own finish lines.

“When you’re watching or participating in sports, everyone kind of comes together for a common purpose,” says Thomas. “I think it’s really beautiful to have everyone come together for something so positive…If I could go back and talk to the 10-year-old version of myself, I would tell her to not have any limits for herself and to feel like she can do anything that she sets her mind to…the sky’s the limit.”

Dream Big

Somewhere, a parent picks up her daughter in the rain after what seems to be a tough day at practice. With a gentle touch to her daughter’s face, a smile spreads between them, assuring her that everything will be okay. It’s a beautiful moment that reflects a parent’s commitment to putting their children’s dreams before their own.

Later, Dutch Paralympic triathlete Jetze Plat is seen on the side of the road in the rain, adjusting the wheels of his handcycle. A good Samaritan stops to assist, embodying the spirit of community and support. Plat gives him a thumbs up that he’s good and the driver goes on his way. It’s this determination and self-belief that’s led to the Paralympian’s success.

“I think the most important advice for young talents dreaming about (the) Paralympics is (to) stay in the moment” says Plat. “Love your sport and love training day by day. And of course, don’t forget to dream.” 

Together, We Win

And somewhere, teammates and coaches are whispering into the ears of the unsure, “You’ve got this.” Although these athletes hail from different regions around the world, the commercial reinforces the universal belief that, despite our diverse origins, we all rely on our communities to achieve our dreams. It’s a story about communities coming together for a common goal: to help their athletes achieve the impossible.

To learn more about Toyota’s “Start Your Impossible” campaign and Global Team Toyota Athletes visit www.startyourimpossible.com.

“Start Your Impossible” is a strategic and creative collaboration between long-standing agency partners, Saatchi & Saatchi (Los Angeles and Dallas) and Dentsu (Tokyo).

Girl Scouts Visit Toyota Connected North America to Learn from Software Engineers

Software and cloud services company Toyota Connected North America (TCNA) doesn’t just welcome more women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields; it is actively encouraging young women in the next generation of the workforce to take the reins on their careers, especially in technical fields.

Recently, TCNA welcomed members of several troops of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (GSNETX) to learn about software engineering, the scientific method, hear from leaders in various fields and learn about today’s Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Along the way, the Girl Scouts found mentorship from women in STEM and legal professions and earned their “E for Engineering” patches.

The Need for Women Leaders
Here are some stats for context: Women purchase more than half of all new vehicles in the U.S. and influence 85% of new vehicle purchases.

Moreover, more women than men graduate from a four-year college. Yet, with such skewed numbers, just 16.7% of engineering and architecture professionals are women, according to the Society of Women Engineers.

“Women in STEM fields will help ensure technology is designed for women, too,” says TCNA Chief People Officer Jennifer Brown. “Technology has allowed us to tailor our tools, from phones to cars, with personalization. Women need a seat at the table to help drive those decisions.”

It’s under this notion that TCNA acted on sponsoring the “E for Engineering” Girl Scout patch to accelerate inspiration for women to join more STEM fields.

Engineering in Practice
More than a dozen girl scouts joined TCNA to learn about Toyota’s telematics technologies and how Safety Connect works (with an active trial or subscription) as well as how Automatic Crash Notifications can alert first responders in the case of an accident – including the many ways data can inform call centers and emergency responders.

From there, the TCNA engineering team related the telematics system back to how Toyota aims to benefit its drivers, wherever they are and whenever they may need assistance. It was a solid reminder that no matter the tech supporting Safety Connect, there will always be a need for a human touch.

Then, the girl scouts split into teams to learn about the scientific method, thanks to Managing Engineer Crystal Edgely, Drivelink telematics service platform, and Mobility Software Engineer Joanna Borba.

After lunch, the girl scouts heard from Managing Counsel Wande Elam, TechOps Engineer Suchi Kapur, Senior UX Designer Katie Naiser and Senior Machine Learning Engineer Tori Salido on college, careers and life in general. During the panel, the girl scouts were able to ask TCNA team members how they charted their paths, from moving to the U.S. to finding success after college.

This provided a candid forum for the girl scouts to talk about their aspirations and as those who’ve come before them for tips of the trade to achieve their career ambitions.

The Times are Changing
For their last activity, the girl scouts looked at a car from the 1990s – a 1998 Toyota 4Runner Limited – and compared it to a 2024 Toyota Prius Prime and Lexus TX 550h+.

The 4Runner was absolutely loaded back in the day yet is basic by today’s standards. No touchscreen. No backup camera. No blind spot monitoring. No parking sensors. You get the point. Today, an entry-level Corolla offers more equipment.

Both the Prius Prime and TX 550h+ are offered as plug-in hybrids. The have radar-guided cruise control, LED headlights and the plenty more Toyota Safety Sense and Lexus Safety System features that are designed to assist driver safety.

The differences couldn’t be starker, and neither could the mission.

Cars aren’t what they used to be. They need creativity and vision and the ability to anticipate what mobility for all truly looks like. If TCNA inspired just one young woman to ask, “What if…?” then it did its part in presenting “E for Engineering” and challenging what’s always been and what should be.

2025 Toyota GR86 Hakone Special Edition Puts a Modern Twist on an Icon

 

• Throttle Mapping Updated for Quicker Response Off the Line and Up/Down Shift Blipping
• Handling Dynamics Improved with Retuned Shocks, Electric Power Steering and more
• Hakone Special Edition Styled with a New Ridge Green Exterior, Ultrasuede Interior, Bronze Wheels, Spoiler and Unique Badge
• Arriving at Toyota Dealerships in Fall 2024

A blast from the past is returning for the 2025 model year. Paying tribute to the Hakone Turnpike in Japan, not far from Tokyo, Toyota is reintroducing the GR86 Hakone special edition. Born to hit the streets in style, the GR86 Hakone special edition is sure to turn heads with its bold Ridge Green exterior color.

Built off the GR86 Premium grade, the Hakone special edition will have a choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and will be powered by a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder boxer engine generating 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. The special edition will feature 18-inch satin bronze-finished wheels, a color-keyed duck-tail spoiler, black accents and a Hakone badge.

On the inside, customers will find Ultrasuede® sport seats with tan leather trim and stitching. A Hakone special edition shift knob with bronze accents sits front and center and a GR special edition plaque adds to the unique look and feel.

Brembo® Brakes and SACHS Dampers come standard on the Hakone special edition providing a stellar driving experience with industry-leading features.

There will only be 860 units produced for the U.S. market for 2025. Customers can expect the Hakone special edition and all GR86 grades to arrive at Toyota dealerships in the Fall of 2024. The Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price for the GR86 Hakone special edition and the complete GR86 2025 lineup will be shared later this year.

Toyota GAZOO Racing Inspired Driving Performance
The GR engineering team is always looking to take learnings from the track and include them on GR cars. For 2025, GR86 shock absorbers have been re-tuned to help improve handling response and a sense of ground contact. Throttle mapping revised to increase the ease of “blipping,” an action commonly used when performing heel-toe downshifts in a motorsport setting. Furthermore, engine torque control has been adopted to provide a more direct throttle response and linearity, which in turn improves ease of control at all speeds. The Electric Power Steering has also been re-tuned for a more responsive handling feel and an improved sense of direct contact with the road.

The GR86 Hakone special edition comes standard with SACHS Dampers and Brembo® Brakes. A Performance Package is also available as an option on other 2025 GR86 grades that include these features. The SACHS Dampers are filled with high-pressure nitrogen and oil and are designed to absorb vibrations across a wide range of speeds, maximize ground contact, and support firm, stable steering, while also balancing road feedback and ride comfort. The red-painted Brembo 4-piston front and 2-piston rear brake calipers clamp down on smooth surfaced 12.8 x 1.3-in front rotors, with 12.4 x .79-in. rotors in the rear. The brake pad area is 11.6-in2 in the front and 4.9-in2 in the rear.

The dampers and brakes complement the GR86’s chassis, which is known for its taut, responsive feel. Crafted from a combination of high-strength steel, hot-stamped steel, and aluminum, each material in the frame is strategically placed to bring drivers a balance of roll and pitch that maximizes control. Up front it uses diagonal cross members and high-strength fasteners to join the front suspension and frame together. At the rear, a full ring structure and high-strength fasteners connect the frame and suspension mounts. For additional reinforcement, structural adhesive has been added throughout the underbody. Altogether creating a cohesive, connected frame.

Lightweight and Fun
All GR86 models pack in modern engineering, tech, and convenience – while sticking to the lightweight sports car roots.

Weighing in at just 2,811 pounds for the manual transmission equipped Base grade model, and at 2,851 pounds for the automatic version, the GR86 is among the lightest sports cars on the market. An aluminum hood, front fenders and roof panel help keep the weight down on the body. While details such as the use of structural adhesives in the frame and seats that are over six pounds lighter than the prior generation 86, help save precious ounces in the name of maximum control.

The naturally aspirated 2.4-liter FA-24 engine delivers 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque and is tuned so that peak torque arrives at 3,700 RPM, resulting in a responsive and powerful driving experience. Zero-to-60 acceleration comes in at 6.1 seconds for the 6-speed manual transmission, and 6.6 seconds for the available six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT-i). With either transmission, the GR86 comes equipped with a Torsen® limited-slip rear differential for enhanced traction while cornering.

Sports car purists will love GR86’s 6-speed manual transmission. With the push of a button, drivers can engage Track mode or switch off Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). And on the automatic transmission GR86, additional clutch discs and a high-capacity torque converter allow for smooth delivery of the 2.4-liter engine’s higher power and torque.

On the inside of GR86, drivers will experience a low-slung, driver-focused cockpit with digital instrument panel, push-button start, HVAC system with LED dials and piano-key switches, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated controls for the audio system. For the 6-speed automatic, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters offer enthusiasts a dynamic driving experience. The manual downshift mode has also increased by maximum 1600 RPM to allow for a higher RPM downshift. Drivers can choose between Normal, Sport or Snow modes. When in Sport mode, the transmission senses brake and accelerator operation and vehicle behavior to automatically select the optimal gear, bringing drivers the control they want.

An 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with a six-speaker audio system comes standard on the Base grade and an eight-speaker system is standard on the Hakone special edition and Premium grade. For seating, the Premium grade comes with Ultrasuede® and leather-trim with black stitching, six-way adjustable front seats with two-level heating. The Base grade has six-way adjustable black G-embossed fabric with sport fabric side bolsters. Rear seats include Ultrasuede trim on the Premium and sport fabric on the Base grade.

GR86 Safety & Connected Services
All Toyota GR86 models come standard with an Active Safety Suite. On Automatic Transmission models this suite includes Pre-Collision Braking System, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, Lane Departure Warning with Sway Warning and Automatic High Beams. Manual Transmission models include Pre-Collision Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, and Rear Sonar Warning. An anti-theft system with engine immobilizer and alarm are also standard.

Toyota’s Star Safety System™ also comes standard on all models, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). It also includes Smart Stop Technology® (SST), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Track Mode and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC). Additional safety features include LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) with lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats and a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). Seven airbags are standard on all models, including a driver’s knee airbag.

Experience convenience and peace of mind with GR86’s Connected Services* trials, including a one-year trial subscription of Safety Connect* with Emergency Assistance Button and Enhanced Roadside Assistance ; a one-year trial of Service Connect which includes receiving personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports; and, a one-year trial of Remote Connect so you can remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app via your smartwatch, allowing you to lock/unlock doors, start and stop the vehicle, locate your last parked location, check vehicle status and monitor guest drivers. For more details, please visit toyota.com/connected-services.