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Toyota is driving towards the 2018 Olympics in PyeongChang with two new partnerships, and two new members of Team Toyota! In addition, they have extended and enhanced their partnership with the USA Hockey team! It’s a big year for Toyota at the Olympics as this will also be the first year they are The Olympic Partner (TOP) sponsor for the International Olympic Committee which enables them to “reach billions of people in over 200 countries and territories throughout the world” according to the Olympic website sponsorship page. Toyota’s 2 new teams are the U.S. Figure Skating team and the US Speedskating team. Figure skating, speedskating, and Hockey teams share the common ground of endorsing and participating in Learn to Skate USA which, since 1968, has taught more than 2.5 million people how to skate! “We are committed to making an impact with our winter sports presence in the United States,” said Jack Hollis, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “With the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Games less than a year away, Toyota looks forward to supporting the NGBs and athletes on every step of their journey as they move toward achieving their dreams.” For more information on this exciting partnership, see the article below! "Toyota Moves Toward PyeongChang | Toyota USA Newsroom." Pressroom.toyota.com. Toyota Newsroom, 14 Mar. 2017. Web. 15 Mar. 2017. < http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+us+figure+skating+speedskating+pyeongchange+.htm >. "2016 Olympic Marketing Report Rio 2016." International Olympic Committee. Olympic.org, 27 Feb. 2017. Web. 15 Mar. 2017. < https://www.olympic.org/sponsors >.

As the best-selling car in America for 15 years, it’s hard to imagine how the Toyota Camry can get any better. As a vehicle that’s assembled in America, by Americans, and most importantly, for Americans, it seemed appropriate that Toyota chose to debut the all-new 2018 Toyota Camry at the 2017 North American International Auto Show. This is the eighth-generation of the beloved sedan, and even more to love this time around, with more safety, more performance, and more style. “The all-new 2018 Camry is, without a doubt, the most captivating mid-size sedan we’ve ever produced,” said Bob Carter, Toyota senior vice president of automotive operations.  “It delivers on everything Camry owners have come to expect from America’s best-selling car, and adds to it, jaw-dropping design, more advanced technology, cutting-edge safety systems, and stirring performance that raises it to an unparalleled level of excitement.” Check out some of the highlights from the 2018 Toyota Camry reveal below! Exterior: “Keen Look” Design Philosophy Lower hood, low hip points for occupants Windcutting shape to improve aerodynamics Striking character lines Aggressive front and rear fenders Interior: Sporty cockpit-like environment Surfaces with soft touch and premium materials Improved ergonomics for front seats Roomy rear seats Exquisite stitching on front and rear seats Technology: Three interlinked displays: 10” color Head-Up Display 7” multi-information display within the instrument cluster 8” audio/navigation display and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) New Toyota Entune™ 3.0 Multimedia System Performance: Two Powertrain Options: 3.5L V6 with D-4S Fuel Injection All-New 2.5l Inline-4 Gasoline English Eight-Speed Direct-Shift Automatic Transmission Double wishbone rear suspension Responsive handling Precise steering control Safety: Standard Toyota Safety Sense™ P Toyota’s Star Safety System™ DELLA Toyota in Plattsburgh is so excited for the 2018 Toyota Camry to hit the showroom floor! Our customers will be the first to know when it does! "Ante Raised: All-New 2018 Toyota Camry Gains Emotionally-Charged Design and Performance Experience." Toyota USA Newsroom. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2017. < http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/2017-naias-detroit-toyota-camry.htm >.

2017 is going to be a huge year for Toyota, so it seems appropriate that they are kicking off the year at the 2017 North American International Auto Show with over 45 cars, trucks, and SUVs to display for their fans. The most notable vehicle from the Toyota brand will be the global premiere of the all-new 2018 Toyota Camry. As the best-selling car in America for the past 15 years in a row, this eye-catching sedan’s reveal is one of the most highly anticipated events of 2017 NAIAS. But that’s not it for the Toyota exhibit! Fans can also check out the bold and modern new C-HR (Coupe High Rider) which was designed for the trendsetting and fashion-forward. The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime and 2016 World Green Car, the Toyota Mirai, will also be in attendance, showcasing Toyota’s commitment to alternative energy. If you loved the Toyota Extreme Builds display at the 2016 Special Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, you’ll be excited to hear that four of the Extreme Builds will be back for 2017 NAIAS! Even better - you can drive them! Stay tuned to the DELLA Toyota in Plattsburgh blog for more details from the 2017 North American International Show and make sure to check back here for a first look at the all-new 2018 Toyota Camry. "Toyota to Exhibit More than 45 Vehicles at the 2017 North American International Auto Show." Toyota. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2017. < http://toyotanews.pressroom.toyota.com/releases/2017-naias-toyota-exhibit.htm >.

The much anticipated 2016 SEMA Show wrapped up last week, and while they were a number of exciting customized vehicles there, no brand shined bright than Toyota. The lineup featured a variety of vehicles that were intended to showcase Toyota innovation and celebrate the past, present, and future. “The Toyota call to action is ‘Let’s Go Places,’ ” said Steve Appelbaum, Toyota Motor Sales National Engagement Marketing Manager. “This phrase encompasses what we are, what we do and what we create. It’s our guiding principle and at the core of our promise to customers. Our SEMA display demonstrates the breadth of that promise, across all generations of Toyota vehicles.” See the lineup below for yourself! Land Speed Cruiser: With a top speed of 220 miles per hour, this is the World’s Fastest SUV, thanks to  a 5.7L Toyota V8 Engine and custom ATI transmission. XTREME Corolla: Toyota gave the four-door vehicle a makeover and transformed it into a sexy coupe, with a custom interior, two-color paintjob, and turbocharged engine. Extreme Sienna: This version of the Swagger Wagon is controlled by an iPad, with customized features like  TRD brakes, rear spoiler, performance tires and wheels, and a luxurious Learjet interior. Prius G: This is certainly not your average Prius - it’s eco and racetrack friendly. It managed to compete with the Corvette and Viper at Willow Springs International Raceway with a .99 g on the skid pad. Toyota Motorsport GmbH GT85 CS-Cup: This racetrack-ready vehicle was built from the 2017 Toyota 86. It is a nod to the Toyota racing heritage and features a retro red and white design. Tacoma TRD Pro Race Truck: This truck will be entering the “The Great American Road Race,” as it has been modified for desert racing. "Toyota Goes to the Extreme with SEMA 2016 Builds | Toyota." Toyota Goes to the Extreme with SEMA 2016 Builds | Toyota. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Nov. 2016. < http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota-2016-sema-builds.htm >.

In the past several years, we’ve seen a huge change in the way people get around. With the rise of car-sharing and ride-sharing, people are finding new ways to get to the places they need to be. Toyota, as our customers already know, is all about going places. That’s why they’re leading the way in embracing mobility services and forming strategic partnerships to help empower drivers and passengers. Toyota has recently introduced their Mobility Service Platform (MSPF), which will help mobility service providers like their partner, Uber and most recently, car-sharing company, Getaround serve their customers. MSPF offers functions like vehicle management systems, leasing programs, and technological innovations like Toyota’s new Smart Key Box (SKB). The SKB will give car-sharing users the ability to lock, unlock, and start their vehicle from their smartphone, making lending and renting cars easier and more secure. “As a mobility service platform provider, by collaborating with various companies and services, we would like to help create a new mobility society in order to offer safer and more convenient mobility to our customers,” said Shigeki Tomoyama, President of Toyota’s in-house Connected Company. Keep up with the DELLA Toyota in Plattsburgh blog for more updates on Toyota’s latest partnerships and technology! "Toyota to Establish Car-Sharing and Other Mobility Services Platform Announces Collaboration with U.S. Car-Sharing Company - Getaround | Corporate." Toyota to Establish Car-Sharing and Other Mobility Services Platform Announces Collaboration with U.S. Car-Sharing Company - Getaround | Corporate. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Nov. 2016. < http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota-car-sharing-collaboration-getaround-oct31.htm >.

Last week, Toyota CEO, Jim Lentz revealed a preview of the new upcoming Toyota headquarters in Plano, Texas. The campus, which is expected to open mid-2017, will be a huge move for Toyota, who is consolidating their three headquarters for manufacturing, sales and marketing, and corporate into one state-of-the-art campus. The move is being done in order to better serve customer needs and more firmly establish Toyota’s plans for long-term growth in North America. “Our new state-of-the-art North American headquarters is designed to stimulate ever better ways to serve our team members, customers, and community,” said Lentz. “As we get closer to completion, we look to recruit people who want to challenge what’s possible at Toyota and within the auto industry.” What does the Plano campus consist of so far? Here are some stats. Over 2,000 daily workers have been pouring concrete to equal the length of 477 AT&T Stadiums 1,200 tons of Texas limestone. That’s enough to build 340 Texas-built Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition trucks! 12 acres of glass. That’s almost 50,000 2017 Tacoma truck windshields. Landscaping that is tolerant to droughts and uses no fertilizers, chemicals, or artificial irrigation. Solar panels which will produce 7.75-megawatts of electricity (the rest will be generated by Texas wind farms) But that’s not all! Toyota plans to hire over 1,000 new employees across multiple departments. “We will be hiring more than 1,000 new team members across numerous functions, and our hope is that they will help us in Toyota’s mission to address mobility challenges for everyone, now and in the future.” For more updates on Toyota’s new headquarters, keep up with the DELLA Toyota in Plattsburgh blog. “A Campus Grows in Plano: CEO Jim Lentz Gives Sneak Peek at the New Toyota.” N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2016. < http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/plano-hq-campus-ceo-sneak-peek-oct13.htm >.

Toyota and Discovery Education are once again hosting the TeenDrive365 Video Challenge, which invites teens to create short videos that encourage their peers to drive more safely. If you’ve interacted with a teen lately you know that they communicate in an almost entirely different language. So if you want to get a point across to a teen, you need to speak their language. Therefore, Toyota and Discovery Education created this challenge allow peers to encourage each other to drive safer. “We’ve held the Toyota TeenDrive365 Video Challenge with Discovery Education for five years now because we know that teens can really get through to other teens about driving safety,” said Mike Goss, General Manager, Social Innovation, Toyota Motor North America. “Every year, teens across the country wow us with a mix of videos that are smart, startling, persuasive and often very funny. We can’t wait to see what this year’s crop of young filmmakers come up with.” To date, Toyota and Discovery Education have awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in student scholarships and prizes. This year the grand prize winner will be awarded a $15,000 scholarship and the chance to work with a Discovery film crew to reshoot the winning video as a TV-ready PSA. With close to six months to get creative, what can your teen accomplish? Teens can register and submit their entries today through February 23, 2017 at www.TeenDrive365inschool.com. "CALL FOR ENTRIES: Toyota and Discovery Education Challenge Teens to Spread the Word on Safe Driving." Toyota USA Newsroom. Toyota, 26 Sept. 2016. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.

The Toyota Dream Car Art contest is an annual competition that’s exactly what it sounds like. Children from all over the world draw or paint their “dream car”, one that can somehow improve transportation and help humans and the planet alike. The contest is divided into three age groups where the top ten finalists are recognized with a gold, silver, bronze, or best finalist award. Considered one of the largest art contests in the world, the Toyota Dream Car contest received more than 855,00 entries from 81 countries this year alone. Once the favorite entries are chosen, a panel of nine experts from various fields, choose the winners. This year’s winner in the 12-15-year-old category was Gabriele Castro de Sousa of Brazil. Her work of art, titled “The Wisdom Tree Metamorphosing the Reality”, is truly incredible when you realize a 15-year-old created it. Mr. Akio Toyoda himself also hands out a special award to the child whose entry impressed him the most. This year Elinkanika Phat of Cambodia and her “Friendship Car” received the award. Lyon, Peter. "Toyota's 'Dream Car' Art Contest Awards Prizes To Kids Around The World." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 29 Aug. 2016. Web. 12 Sept. 2016.

While the Toyota Mirai isn’t available in our area yet, it’s still fun to learn about the innovative technology behind this groundbreaking vehicle. One way Toyota is teaching us is through a new 360 video featuring famous scientist, Dr. Michio Kaku. It’s only fitting that a theoretical physicist is the one to take us through the inner workings of the Mirai since the video does just that! Using computer graphics, Dr. Kaku and viewers are “shrunk” to the size of an atom to travel through the hydrogen fuel cell system found in each Mirai. Dr. Kaku gives us an overview of the fueling process, how hydrogen is used for energy in the car, and how the only emission from the Mirai, water, is formed. Check it out and then bookmark our blog to stay up to date on all the latest news from Toyota!

Toyota is making a move into the social media world like no other car company. In order to provide a more personalized driving experience, Toyota wants your vehicle to be able to follow you on social media. In doing this, Toyota believes it will be able to “enhance your routine” by offering suggestions and ads for nearby attractions and businesses. They also believe it will help navigation-wise by learning your route to work and suggesting a non-congested route if there is an accident or road work on the roads you normally take. This “digital concierge” is still in the testing stages for now but don’t be surprised if you see it in a few years time. And for those of you worried about privacy, there will be the ability to “opt-in/out”. Keep an eye here on our blog for all the latest information on Toyota innovations! "Toyota Wants Its Cars to Follow You on Social Media." The News Wheel. The News Wheel, 17 June 2016. Web. 19 July 2016.

It seems like automakers are coming up with new technologies left and right, but none of them can compete with Toyota. In 2015, Toyota received 1,636 patents, the most patents among all automakers for the second year in a row, according to the United States Patent and Trademark Office. They haven’t just limited themselves to auto innovations either. They have applied for patents for artificial skin, self-cleaning fabrics, and more. So not only are they a global auto leader but a leading global innovator as well. “As companies in the automotive industry transform themselves into broader mobility providers, no auto company better demonstrates innovation and technology for the future than Toyota,” said Jeff Makarewicz, senior vice president, Toyota Technical Center (TTC), Toyota’s North American research & development headquarters.  “We’re focused on delivering great experiences for our customers, a cornerstone of Toyota’s product commitment, and this recognition is proof we’re living up to that promise.” "Toyota Leads Auto Industry in Innovation, Again! | Corporate." Toyota USA Newsroom. Toyota, 30 June 2016. Web. 06 July 2016.

“Toyota’s new headquarters campus will be a model for energy efficiency and sustainability,” said Kevin Butt, General Manager, Environmental, Toyota Motor North America. “Toyota has challenged ourselves to create a net positive impact on the planet by 2050, and these campus programs are one step in a series of global efforts to achieve this goal.” Reducing energy usage and impact on the environment is a high priority goal for the entire Toyota corporation, specifically the Plano, TX plant. In order to reach these goals by 2050, they have devised several methods and ideas to speed up the process which we’ve outlined for you below. Flower Power Play - The landscaping of the plant will reflect that of North Texas. The native-influenced habitat will include savannah, oaklands, and wildflower meadows. The local flora will attract and promote the growth of local fauna. Rain Body Check - After the local plant and wildlife have taken hold, there won’t be a need for landscaping expenses, like mowing and artificial irrigation. Because the plants are native to the area and will attract local animals and insects, the area will self-regulate. The only watering that will occur will be in select areas and will be done so with a state-of-the-art rainwater capture system. Solar Shootout - The Plano plant will have a 7.75-megawatt solar system designed and installed by SunPower Corp. which will be one of the largest, on-site solar installations in the state of Texas. The system is expected to provide about 25 percent of the power needed for the campus. Renewable Hat Trick - In addition to the SunPower system, Plano will get energy from MP2, a Texas company that focuses on renewable energy. The plant will also use high-efficiency lighting and building shells and will feature rooftop gardens that will help manage rainwater distribution and help insulate the buildings. To learn more, please visit http://www.toyota-global.com/sustainability/environment/challenge2050/ "Power Play." Toyota USA Newsroom. Toyota, 14 June 2016. Web. 28 June 2016.