The post Toyota Connected Fuels Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas’ STEM Ambitions as the ‘E for Engineering’ Patch Sponsor appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>“Together with Toyota Connected, we are on a mission to make Northeast Texas the best place to be a girl and address the shortage of female voices in STEM fields,” said Jennifer Bartkowski, CEO of GSNETX. “Early exposure to STEM is crucial for developing the skills and confidence our Girl Scouts need to be at the forefront of a more diverse, empowered workforce.”
“As a tech company that values diversity within our own culture, Toyota Connected recognizes the importance of encouraging young women to explore technology, and that starts with engaging girls of all backgrounds in STEM programming at an early age,” said TCNA Chief People Officer Jennifer Brown. “Toyota Connected is proud to support the ‘E for Engineering’ patch with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas to help cultivate tomorrow’s female leaders in engineering, technology and software.”
Coinciding with Women’s History Month, the announcement underscores a shared dedication to empowering young women in STEM so they can excel in these critical, fast-growing sectors. TCNA is supporting this vision by sponsoring the “E for Engineering” patch, whose mission it is to immerse girls in software engineering through practical hands-on learning, design thinking and skill-building.
With this sponsorship, TCNA is providing valuable volunteer touchpoints and unparalleled access to seasoned engineering professionals. TCNA plans to lead workshops using cutting-edge technology and participate in GSNETX networking and engineering-related events throughout the year, demonstrating the vast potential within the engineering field.
Despite making up more than half of all college graduates, women comprise just 16.7% of engineering and architecture professionals, according to the Society of Women Engineers1. Along with GSNETX and other collaborators in Northeast Texas, TCNA is proud to play its part in helping increase that number.
Toyota Connected is a hub of engineering innovation, with more than 200 dedicated software engineers, data scientists and software designers ready to serve as mentors, role models and advisors. TCNA also proudly hosts its own Women in Technology group whose mission it is to provide leadership opportunities, mentorship, professional development and networking activities for its members.
The E for Engineering patch plays a key role in the GSNETX STEM Seal of Approval, encouraging Girl Scouts to engage in STEM-focused activities, attend fairs, or participate in workshops by GSNETX and its partners. For further details on the program, please visit gsnetx.org/STEMseal.
1 Employment – Society of Women Engineers (swe.org)
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]]>The post Toyota Maintains Leadership in Automotive Innovation, Top Spot Among Automakers in Annual U.S. Patent Ranking appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>Despite a challenging year that saw a 3% overall decline in patents granted across all industries in the United States, Toyota ranked seventh among all companies awarded patents in 2023, receiving a total of 2,667 patents.
“This achievement continues to underscore Toyota’s unwavering commitment to innovation, particularly in areas critical to the future of mobility such as electrification and intelligent transportation solutions,” said Sandra Phillips Rogers, senior vice president of Corporate Resources and chief legal officer at Toyota Motor North America. “Our focus is on creating sustainable and advanced technological solutions and contributing to the betterment of society and the industry at large, all while ensuring our innovations are recognized through filings with the USPTO.”
Toyota’s 2023 patents showcase the company’s wide-ranging innovations, including:
“Toyota team members work very aggressively at research and development to discover cutting-edge technology for propelling the company forward,” said Frederick Mau, intellectual property counsel and director of Patent Licensing for Toyota Motor North America. “It’s impressive to see the fruits of their efforts reflected in these rankings every year.”
Globally, Toyota spends approximately $1 million per hour on R&D, to ensure that Toyota rapidly and continuously develops cutting-edge, high-quality, and appealing vehicles and technologies. This commitment ensures that Toyota not only delivers on the needs of customers but also anticipates its role in future societal progress.
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]]>The post Behind the Blueprint: The People of CALTY Design Research appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>For the Tacoma project, designers, engineers, and specialists in other disciplines transported themselves into the desert ¾ ultimately channeling their vision and creativity into a truck with an authentic off-road feel. Working with the theme, “Badass Adventure Machine,” it’s a truck designed for rugged, outdoor fun.
Read on as a few of the designers and specialists who helped reimagine the legendary truck share the best parts of working on the Tacoma project, their favorite Calty vehicles, and more.
Name: Yeongmin Kong
Title: Senior Lead Designer
Office Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Favorite Calty design: Lexus LC Coupe Concept
Did you have a favorite part of the Tacoma design process?
As the Exterior Design Lead on the Tacoma project, I’ve enjoyed every step of the design process. After a long model development process, the new Tacoma has been refined to the right direction. Getting to work with a talented and dedicated team and seeing our efforts result in a quality outcome were the most fun and rewarding moments as a designer.
What do you think is the coolest part of the Tacoma?
The Tacoma has been a segment leader for decades and it has a unique stance and statement: From the overall vehicle look and gesture to the small details, all elements have its own authentic Tacoma-ness. I think the coolest part of the Tacoma in its Tacoma-ness is its high-lift vehicle gesture with a modernized rugged shoulder.
Name: Tyler Stepp
Title: Paint Specialist
Office Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Favorite Calty design: Lexus LC 500
Did you have a favorite part of the Tacoma design process?
I have always liked being a part of and watching the development process through all its stages, from style selection all the way to the final review process. I also enjoy working with all the different teams to achieve each improvement on each model as they develop.
What do you think is the coolest part of the Tacoma?
The coolest part of the Tacoma for me is having watched a sketch turn into a real vehicle right in front of my eyes. So many different people are involved in making these vehicles a reality and when you sit back and think about it, it’s incredible what we are all able to achieve when working together. I love the fact that you can jump in your car and take a drive anywhere and see a familiar face, and see a car on the road that at one point was the sole focus of the studio and a huge part of your life. It’s an honor to be a part of that.
Name: Luke Lauth
Title: CAD Team Leader
Office Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Favorite Calty design: 2024 Toyota Tacoma
Did you have a favorite part of the Tacoma design process?
I really enjoyed the team aspect of this project. Working closely with the team here at Calty, along with the engineers and suppliers to solve complex issues. It felt like everyone involved had one goal in mind, which is to make this the coolest most capable Tacoma ever!
What do you think is the coolest part of the Tacoma?
Everything about this truck is cool, but what sticks out to me the most is probably the aggressive stance. The truck looks like it’s ready to take on any terrain in its way. This Tacoma is probably my favorite design. Being a part of the team that developed this truck makes me biased for sure, but because we achieved and overcame many different challenges makes this truck even more impressive.
Name: Dion Covelli
Title: Master Modeler, Exterior Team Lead
Office Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Favorite Calty design: Toyota FT-1 Concept
Did you have a favorite part of the Tacoma design process?
The best part of the design process is the struggle of ideas contrasted with the reality of what we are truly able to produce for production. I enjoy being part of the problem-solving team that connects design and engineering for a usable product that people can enjoy.
What do you think is the coolest part of the Tacoma?
I love the appearance of the truck — the high lift, agile look. It just looks so capable even when it is sitting still.
Name: Ai Keskeny
Title: Lead Designer
Office Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Favorite Calty design: Original Toyota FJ Cruiser
Did you have a favorite part of the Tacoma design process?
I was responsible for the CMF (Color, Material, Finish) design of the new Tacoma. My favorite part of the Tacoma design process was creating its own unique interior atmosphere for each grade/package.
What do you think is the coolest part of the Tacoma?
I think the coolest part of the Tacoma is, of course, the styling. But there are so many cool things about the Tacoma, from its powertrain to the many functions that this truck offers. Compact but mighty!
Name: Cristian Farcas
Title: Interior Senior Lead Designer
Office Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Favorite Calty design: Lexus SC 300
Did you have a favorite part of the Tacoma design process?
It felt great to achieve two different consoles that accommodate both manual and automatic transmissions while maintaining an appealing style and a high level of usability to the customer. We had to overcome many technical challenges throughout the process through deep investigation and collaboration with the engineering community, as well as Calty’s 3D CAD (computer-aided design) modeling team.
What do you think is the coolest part of the Tacoma?
The door and console include molded in Molle® panels, which help the offroad enthusiast in accessorizing their interior. This small consideration acknowledges the fact that our vehicles are simply the beginning in the eyes of our customers. Providing them with an appealing and sturdy “canvas” is only the first step for many of our passionate Tacoma owners.
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]]>The post CSRC Leads the Way for Seat Belt Research on Pregnancies appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>A Toyota team of four women and one man presented an idea in late 2022 that was simple but powerful: pregnant customers do not always feel they are safe and secure when using seat belts found in cars today due to seat belts fitting differently on pregnant bodies. Could Toyota help change that?
“The common misperception that seat belts aren’t safe for pregnant women surprised me,” said Juliana Said, a body design engineer at Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) R&D. “Some people were even avoiding using them. The idea was: can we help show that the designs are safe, while investigating areas for further enhancement?”
When Said and her colleagues started to look at the issue, they encountered unexpected challenges. There was limited research about the effectiveness of seat belts with expectant mothers or their babies. Additionally, the aftermarket was filled with untested, unverified safety devices.
But the biggest challenge to overcome is a widespread (and erroneous) belief among pregnant women and their families that seat belts are unsafe for a fetus during a crash – and that belief is so entrenched that some expectant mothers drive unbelted.
In fact, today’s seat belts are safe for pregnant women. When properly worn, statistics show that belted pregnant women are much safer in crashes than those that don’t wear them. But a false narrative has developed that they can harm unborn babies in crashes.
Said and her team started to work with the company’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. CSRC contracted with the University of British Columbia, which has access to a specialized magnetic resonance imaging machine designed to map anatomies of all sorts of body shapes in a seating position.
While pregnant women properly wearing seat belts have better outcomes than no seat belts, there are opportunities through new research to further explore seat belt fit for pregnant women, according to Jason Hallman, senior research manager for CSRC. The center and its research collaborators set about the task of creating the data that engineers can use to potentially come up with future designs.
“We design seat belts using standardized dummies and processes,” Hallman said. “There’s no standardized dummy, no standardized tools available specifically for assessing pregnant occupant safety. Therefore, the industry doesn’t have a clear understanding of how future seat belts could better protect pregnant women or fetuses during a crash.”
Working with the data generated at UBC, CSRC will create a computerized, three-dimensional model of pregnant bodies. And not just one body, but how different shapes and sizes look, with detailed representation of bones, the spine, internal organs, and various body tissues in different phases of pregnancy.
In the future, the research project could help enhance one of Toyota’s research achievements, the THUMS digital crash injury model. THUMS is like a virtual crash-test dummy, constructed from painstaking research on different kinds of human tissue and how they react to crash forces.
The University of British Columbia research team is using a unique kind of MRI machine to create the digital, three-dimensional representations of pregnant drivers, said Peter Cripton, director of the Orthopedic and Injury Biomechanics Group at UBC.
The research team devised a method to scan people seated in a car position. There are two big plates three to four feet apart. The test subject sits in an automotive seat. A smaller MRI device is moved several times to stitch together different views until there’s an entire body image. Researchers are looking at how seat belts interact with bones and internal organs.
Cripton said that one of the great strengths of working with Toyota is that it’s a safety-minded manufacturer with substantial knowledge about building safe products for customers.
“It’s really exciting to me about working directly with an automotive manufacturer,” Cripton said. “We will publish this data together, and make it available to other injury biomechanics researchers, too. Toyota will do the work, but it won’t just be Toyota that gets the benefit.”
The pregnant-body research and models may shed light on another top topic among parents: whether third-party devices designed for pregnant women add a safety benefit. There are huge pads to put on top of the seat cushion, a specialized lap belt, and a kind of metal shield, for example. These types of devices may seem logical, but they’re not subject to the kind of rigorous testing used for seats, belts, airbags, and other parts of the car’s interior. With better information in the future, such as virtual pregnant crash-test dummies, researchers will be able to draw better conclusions.
“That product may seem obvious to you, but it may not be compatible with the way your car works,” according to Said.
*image credit: UBC Upright Open MRI Research
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]]>The post 2023 Toyota Year in Review: Helping Build a Better World appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>In 2023, Toyota made it a year to remember with accomplishments and key milestones that showed the company’s advances in the future of mobility. Whether it was following its values of continuous improvement or respect for people, or through product and technological innovations, Toyota took bold steps forward, with electrification and sustainability taking center stage.
To celebrate Toyota’s people, products and values, here’s a look back on what Toyota accomplished in 2023:
The Road to Carbon Neutrality
This year was an exceptional one for electrification and taking steps toward carbon neutrality. Toyota announced efforts to expand electrified vehicle development capability in the U.S. with a new automotive battery lab at its North American R&D headquarters in York Township, Michigan. Planned to open in 2025, the lab will evaluate batteries for both all-electric and hybrid, including plug-in hybrid electric, vehicles, as well as support Toyota manufacturing at plants in North Carolina and Kentucky. To further ramp up the production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), LG Energy Solution signed an agreement with Toyota to supply 20-GWh of lithium-ion battery modules to be used in Toyota BEVs that will be assembled in in Kentucky.
TMNA and FuelCell Energy, Inc. announced the completion of construction for the first-of-its-kind “Tri-gen system,” which produces renewable electricity, renewable hydrogen and water from directed biogas. Tri-gen is an example of FuelCell’s ability to scale hydrogen-powered fuel cell technology, an increasingly important energy solution in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions.
In April, Toyota announced it was granted a Zero Emission Powertrain (ZEP) Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for its new heavy-duty fuel cell electric powertrain, offering an alternative for companies looking to transition their fleets to zero-emission vehicles. Then, in May, Toyota and PACCAR, the truck original equipment manufacturer, announced plans to integrate Toyota’s fuel cell modules and powertrain kits into Kenworth and Peterbilt Class 8 heavy-duty trucks.
To put Toyota’s sustainability efforts to the test, engineers and data scientists at the software company Toyota Connected North America (TCNA) conducted a week-long study about “eco mode” to show how drivers of different kinds of vehicles can contribute toward carbon reduction. The estimated collective impact of the emissions reduced by study participants was the equivalent of 5,091 gallons of gasoline saved!
Below, read more about Toyota’s electrification and carbon neutrality progress in 2023:
An Eye on the Environment
In renewable energy progress related to company operations, Toyota announced its enrollment in MIGreenPower, DTE Energy’s voluntary renewable energy program. The program puts the company’s Michigan operations on a path to attribute 100% of its electricity use to renewable energy projects starting in 2026, including the R&D headquarters in Ann Arbor, along with six other facilities across Washtenaw County. Elsewhere, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky announced that it agreed to offtake 100 megawatts of electricity generated as part of a new power purchase agreement with Savion and the Martin Country Solar Project, a project that converts a brownfield coal mining site to produce clean, renewable solar energy.
In alignment with its sustainability goals, Toyota announced and started programs in conjunction with external community partners, such as Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots youth program, focusing on growing engagement to raise awareness of biodiversity in local communities around several Toyota manufacturing plants.
For the latest information on the company’s environmental sustainability strategy and performance, check out the 2024 Toyota North American Environmental Sustainability Report. Additional stories can be found on Toyota’s Environmental Sustainability website, like these:
All New, All Year
CALTY, Toyota’s design research studio (Calty), celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023 and as part of the milestone, announced a surprise reveal of the Baby Lunar Cruiser Concept, the latest in a long line of innovative ideas dreamed up by the Calty design team.
Two Toyota legends were announced as all-new for the 2024 model year, with a return of the iconic Land Cruiser and a complete redesign of the beloved Tacoma.
The Land Cruiser made its triumphant comeback as a high-quality off-roader that leans into its roots as a highly capable utility vehicle – all while sporting a throwback design. It will be available in three grades: Land Cruiser 1958, Land Cruiser, and the limited run Land Cruiser First Edition. And it will be exclusively powered by an i-FORCE MAX turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that produces up to 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Tacoma, champion of the midsize pickup truck market, was also unveiled as all-new for 2024. Entering its fourth generation, the new Tacoma is completely redesigned from the ground up with a new frame, body style, new powertrain options, including an i-FORCE 2.4L turbo and i-FORCE MAX hybrid, as well as interior, suspension, technology updates, and more. Tacoma will be offered in numerous grades and configurations for its new generation, with i-FORCE MAX models going on sale in December of 2023.
Both models were also on display at Toyota’s SEMA showcase this year, where the Tacoma won the 2023 SEMA Midsize Truck of the Year award. At the show, Toyota debuted a modernized X-Runner Concept, that was a throwback to the street trucks of the early 2000’s. Based on the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma, the concept was equipped with a twin-turbo V6 capable of 421 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of peak torque, making it a worthy of any enthusiast’s dreams. Toyota also debuted the “TRD Pro Time Attack,” a high-speed, off-road simulator created by TCNA. The game showcased the innovative IsoDynamic Performance Seats found in the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.
In addition, the first-ever 2024 Grand Highlander also made its world-premiere in 2023 and went on sale over the summer. Substantially designed by Calty and exclusively assembled at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Princeton, Indiana, the Grand Highlander has a spacious, adult-sized third row and thoughtful storage areas throughout the cabin. Available in three powertrains across three grades, with available AWD, the first-ever Grand Highlander brings a beautifully packaged SUV that’s road-trip ready.
To round out the calendar year, the ninth generation of the Toyota Camry was revealed in November. Featuring a fresh new look, enhanced performance capabilities, an exclusively hybrid powertrain, and available AWD, the new Camry will hit the streets next Spring. The first-ever 2025 Toyota Crown Signia was also revealed, adding a new dimension to the celebrated Toyota Crown nameplate. The new model adds a distinctive crossover SUV to the U.S. lineup, which brings style, utility, and versatility as an elegant, 100% hybrid and AWD vehicle. The Crown Signia will be available in the Summer of 2024.
Looking for more information on vehicle updates for the 2024 model year? Check out the Toyota What’s New for 2024 landing page.
A new format also made its debut on the Toyota Newsroom this year, allowing visitors to test their knowledge on the latest Toyota vehicles on the market:
Manufacturing Milestones
Toyota’s manufacturing plants experienced a year full of exciting achievements, including the 20th anniversaries of both Toyota Texas and Toyota Tennessee. Not to be outdone, Toyota Kentucky shared two big announcements this past year, ramping up the company’s commitment to electrification with plans to assemble an all-new three-row battery-electric SUV and the announcement of a new flexible engine production line at the plant to increase its hybrid capabilities.
Off the line, Toyota’s employees are hard at work bettering the communities where they are located. Through community donations and investing in operations, training and schools, Toyota’s U.S. plants spent 2023 helping to create a more sustainable future.
To learn a little more about what Toyota’s manufacturing plants were up to in 2023, read the featured stories below:
Respect for People
Behind all of these incredible accomplishments are the people of Toyota who work to shape the company’s values every day. Taking on a new role is Tellis Bethel, Toyota’s newly appointed chief diversity officer, who spent 15 years with Toyota Financial Services and is using his experience to continue TMNA’s strategic investments in the community and in its culture of inclusion.
In May, Toyota published its 2023 Toyota North America Diversity & Inclusion Annual Report, which shares Toyota’s commitment to ever-better inclusivity at all levels through four key areas of focus: Identity, Belonging, Community and Possibility.
Toyota’s pillar Respect for People and Working for Others extends beyond its diversity and inclusion efforts. It also includes the support available for its employees, like the employee-driven business partnering groups (BPGs) and available career options for both new and current employees.
Toyota also encourages its people to explore different career journeys at the company, supporting its philosophy of continuous learning.
Employees also shared about their experience in celebrating moments and passions that are personal to them, which can be learned more about in the stories below:
A Focus on Community
This year, Fair360 (formerly known as DiversityInc) named Toyota North America one of its 2023 Top 50 Companies for Diversity®, ranking 4th among more than 150 companies that participated in the survey. It’s the second year in a row for Toyota to rank 4th and the company continues to be the only automotive manufacturer ranked in the Top 10. Toyota was also included on 15 of the Top 25 Specialty Lists, further highlighting Toyota’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Toyota North America was also recognized in The Civic 50 as a top community-minded company in the U.S. It was the first year both Toyota Financial Services and TMNA collectively ranked in The Civic 50 as a unified submission.
With an eye on the workforce of the future, the Toyota USA Foundation’s Driving Possibilities initiative is working to contribute to student success in a holistic, community-focused approach to STEM learning. The initiative puts PreK to 12th grade students in the driver’s seat with access to educational programs while addressing essential needs for learning. In 2023, Driving Possibilities programs were announced for schools near Toyota facilities in Indiana, Alabama, Kentucky and Michigan.
Additionally, Toyota launched the Way Forward Fund this year. It is a multi-year initiative aimed at strengthening access to care and injury recovery support, with an initial focus on children with traumatic brain injuries.
Dive deeper into Toyota’s community engagements with the stories below:
Celebrating Team Toyota
All things Team Toyota shifted into high gear in 2023. At the beginning of the year, Toyota kicked off a new motorsports campaign, “Be Part of Something Greater,” which tells the story of Toyota’s support of competitive sports. The spots, which include motorsports drivers and Olympic and Paralympic athletes, let viewers experience the thrill of the race, no matter the sport.
In other sports news, Toyota signed a multiyear sponsorship deal with the National Football League, becoming the official automotive partner of the NFL. The Olympic and Paralympic Team Toyota athletes began the ramp-up to Paris 2024, with Toyota adding Gabby Thomas and Ezra Frech to the roster.
On the track, Team Toyota drivers dominated the podium this year, earning Toyota landmark milestones like its 600th NASCAR national series win and 200 event wins in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. At the inaugural season of the GR Cup, Tyler Gonzales of Copeland Motorsports took home the championship for Toyota Gazoo Racing North America.
Below, get to know a few of the incredible drivers and athletes who make Team Toyota great:
While 2023 was transformative for Toyota, its accomplishments and innovations put the company on the path for an even more incredible year to come.
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]]>The post Cirba Solutions Helps Toyota Expand Battery Recycling Network to Nationwide Program appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>“Cirba Solutions’ large and well-established transportation and recycling network ensures Toyota has nationwide battery collection and recycling to reduce both our costs as well as our operational carbon footprint,” said Christopher Yang, group vice president, Business Development, Toyota Motor North America. “This moves us closer to our ultimate goal of creating a sustainable, closed-loop ecosystem for our automotive batteries.”
As one of the largest battery recycling companies in North America, Cirba Solutions has extensive experience and offers a coast-to-coast collection and recycling network. Toyota’s collaboration with Cirba Solutions will focus on the collection, transportation, dismantling and processing of end-of-life lithium-ion electrified vehicle batteries from the Midwest and East Coast regions. Processing will take place at Cirba Solutions’ Lancaster, Ohio facility, which recently received an $82+ million Department of Energy grant as part of the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law. This facility will use advanced technology to extract critical minerals from scrap and end-of-life batteries with an up to 95 percent recovery rate, then supply battery-grade metals back into the supply chain.
“Our collaboration with Toyota helps move toward a long-term vision of a sustainable closed-loop battery supply chain. With aligned purpose, and Toyota’s growing electric vehicle line-up in North America, we are proud to be a partner,” said Jay Wago, chief commercial officer at Cirba Solutions.
Toyota currently collects approximately 25,000 used automotive batteries, primarily nickel-metal hydride batteries found in its hybrid electric vehicles, from its dealership network each year, and expects the number of batteries, particularly end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, to rise as the number of battery electric vehicles it sells increases in the future. Through the agreement with Cirba Solutions, Toyota expects to reduce its overall transportation and logistics costs by at least 70 percent from reducing the average miles driven for collection and recycling from 1,251 to 582, based on 2022 data, and by focusing on the Midwest and East Coast regions. In some cases, such as the Cincinnati region, the new recycling collaboration should reduce the total mileage driven for these activities by approximately 94 percent. In addition, the company expects that by reducing the amount of miles driven for collection and recycling activities, it will be able to make a significant reduction in transportation-related emissions as well.
Globally, Toyota has been the number one seller of electrified vehicles for more than 25 years, and, in North America, Toyota has sold more than 6.2 million combined PHEVs and HEVs since 2000. With decades of electrified vehicles in the market, Toyota is focused on how to recycle, remanufacture, or repurpose automotive batteries used in Toyota’s electrified vehicles that have reached the end of their life, a number that is set to increase in the coming years. In fact, Toyota forecasts that its end-of-life batteries will likely double by 2030.
The company also has a new plant for automotive batteries, Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC), currently under construction that is anticipated to go online in 2025 and has a total announced investment of nearly $14 billion. Originally announced in 2021, the North Carolina facility will have a phased ramp up for production and will support the creation of more than 5,000 new jobs to support vehicles assembled in North America.
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]]>The post Hidden Gems: A Spotlight on Five Never-Before-Seen Projects from CALTY Design Research appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>Regardless of status, the ingenuity and brilliance behind the design or project shouldn’t be ignored. It’s never too late to celebrate innovation, and these models exemplify unprecedented excellence.
From a late 1980s future high-performance concept to the Baby Lunar Cruiser, the following never-before-seen designs and projects from CALTY Design Research (Calty) are worthy of recognition. Ultimately, these cutting-edge designs have helped pave the way for vehicles on the roads today, as well as served as inspiration for future designs.
Toward the end of the 1980s, the Calty team began picking up speed. They churned out one radical design study after another, with many of them taking the form of performance/sports cars.
The unique Future High Performance Concept, created in 1989 and pictured above, featured an engine that emerged from the body. With the ease of a button, the mid-mounted powerplant raised from the vehicle, providing a cooling effect while driving. Pretty sleek, right? Well, there’s more. The driver-side windshield of the two-cockpit design could be completely closed when parked. The 1980s was all about flash and flair, and this advanced concept was no exception.
Before the groundbreaking Prius and other electric vehicles (EVs) were commonplace on roads around the world, Calty produced this EV concept just so Toyota Motor Corporation could see what one could look like.
Their design? A compact, lightweight vehicle with excellent aerodynamic qualities that provided maximum driving efficiency. The nameless energy-efficient vehicle stood out thanks to its wind-cutting profile and thin tires. Ideal for small families, the two-door/2+2 layout was intended for city commuting.
With the introduction of various EVs from Toyota over the years, this car, despite being purely an advanced design study, was one of Calty’s first serious foray into the EV genre.
Following the introduction of the Scion FR-S, Calty was inspired to put the vehicle’s unique platform and package to further use — namely, the flat-4 engine and all-wheel drive.
Created in 2012 (and pictured above), this conceptual study – the X86D – essentially transformed the svelte coupe into a four-door shooting brake. The uniquely shaped backside is a standout, giving it a hot rod-like appearance when viewed from its profile and rear.
Mimicking the cockpit of a race car, the cabin was centered around the driver. The low nature of the boxer engine allowed for a low hood line, making the design look the part of a pure sports car.
Exploring future transportation trends in big cities was the inspiration behind this 2012 NYC Concept. An internal project, it featured several unique and innovative traits, including a “fence seat” for front passengers. Unfamiliar with this feature? You’re probably not alone.
In the NYC Concept, front-seat passengers leaned against a support in a unique semi-seated/standing position in the same manner they would lean against a wall or a fence, so instead of being properly seated, they stood nearly upright with their hips pressed against the supports.
This allowed them to attain the same eye level with pedestrians, which enhanced eye contact near crowded walkways. Plus, the tight rear seats folded down, providing ample space to haul things like sports equipment or a bicycle.
The NYC Concept’s distinctive vertical proportion made for an extremely compact footprint with good utility — ideal for navigating crowded, busy streets.
When looking to the year 2030 for a capable 4×4, Calty designers had their sights set on the Lunar Cruiser for inspiration. Why? Because it’s designed for driving missions on the surface of the moon, of course. The Calty team felt that its advanced technological features were the perfect model to jump-start the futuristic off-roader.
The Baby Lunar Cruiser (BLC) is built on a conceptual EV platform with in-wheel motors providing power to all four airless tires. What’s more, its body was designed from an engineer’s perspective, making every component of the BLC grounded in reason and functionality. Plus, “drive control” joysticks are used to steer the compact car and also operate the accelerator and brakes. The rear seats accommodate two adult passengers and offer a fold-down feature for additional cargo space.
What’s an SUV of the future without a self-driving function? Of course, the BLC delivers, but it also boasts an augmented reality-based “drivetainment” system whose gamification feature converts the vehicle into an interactive video game.
When drivers want to take full control, Toyota’s Mobility Teammate Concept becomes a handy copilot. It generates driving assistance and even offers best route suggestions — keeping drivers safe and on track to reach their destinations seamlessly. Plus, it provides steering, throttle and brake inputs when needed.
Thanks to this innovative AI system, not only can drivers perform like overland pros, but it also allows the BLC to accomplish tasks once thought impossible, such as detecting potentially hazardous terrain before it’s within sight and searching for new species in the area…things that can come in handy here on Earth and beyond.
It’s clear that continuous improvement is what fuels creativity at Toyota, and the mobility company is revved and ready for the future.
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]]>The post Toyota and Redwood Materials Agree to Battery Recycling, Materials Procurement appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>“Working with Redwood Materials, we are creating a circular supply chain to optimize logistics, expand refining, and ensure that the valuable metals recovered can be reintroduced into our future vehicles,” said Christopher Yang, Group Vice President, Business Development, Toyota Motor North America. “Accelerating our recycling efforts and domestic component procurement gets us closer to our ultimate goal of creating a closed-loop battery ecosystem that will become increasingly important as we add more vehicles with batteries to roads across North America.”
“Today, in collaboration with Redwood Materials, Toyota is making a decisive move toward a sustainable future,” stated Cal Lankton, Redwood Materials’ Chief Commercial Officer. “They’re not only working to ensure responsible end-of-life management for their electric vehicles but also planning to build their next generation of EVs, in part, by using sustainable and domestically manufactured battery components.”
Toyota’s automotive battery recycling needs are expected to grow substantially in the coming years as more of its electrified vehicles, such as first-generation Prius models introduced more than 20 years ago, reach the end of their lifecycle. With a large amount of Toyota’s retiring fleet of electrified vehicles being in California, Redwood’s Nevada recycling facility will support Toyota’s North American supply chain, which will improve sustainability, and help to enhance operational improvements across the TMNA enterprise for a closed-loop battery ecosystem. Toyota’s battery lifecycle ecosystem is forecast to include the recycling, remanufacturing and repurposing of the nearly five million operating units, building toward Toyota’s ultimate goals of carbon neutrality for its global operations by 2035 and carbon neutrality for its vehicles by 2050.
Toyota has agreed to develop a closed-loop framework that also includes plans to procure Cathode Active Material (CAM) and copper foil from Redwood as part of a long-term agreement. Based on the parameters of the agreement, Cathode Active material recovered and produced from Redwood’s recycling activities are expected to feed recycled material into future new battery production at Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina (TBMNC). The use of recycled materials is anticipated to help increase the focus and relevance of domestic supply chains versus the extensive, carbon-intensive current supply chain of procuring outside of the United States. Toyota plans to bring its nearly $14 billion TBMNC automotive battery manufacturing facility online in 2025.
“Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina’s start of production is right around the corner, and we’re thrilled to be procuring critical battery components and materials to filter into our battery ecosystem,” said Sean Suggs, TBMNC President. “We’ll continue to work toward the sourcing and recycling of battery materials here in the United States to maximize these precious resources and reduce our carbon footprint in the process.”
Redwood is making major investments to scale their technology and facilities to supply U.S. battery cell manufacturers and automakers with strategic battery materials produced domestically, for the first time. Redwood continues to expand its Northern Nevada facility and will break ground on its second Battery Materials Campus, outside Charleston, South Carolina, later this year. Both of Redwood’s campuses will recycle, refine, and manufacture battery materials, aiming to scale production of components to 100 GWh annually. Based on this agreement, Redwood will provide materials that include a minimum of 20 percent recycled nickel, 20 percent recycled lithium, and 50 percent recycled cobalt, in their cathode and targeting recycled copper in their anode copper foil.
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]]>The post Toyota Research Institute Showcases Latest AI-Assisted Driving Technology appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>The international media event at Thunderhill Raceway, Willows, CA, marked a first for TRI, offering journalists from the US and Europe an opportunity to ride inside its research vehicles and simulators and experience firsthand how TRI is approaching autonomy.
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]]>The post Toyota Expands Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Research with San Diego Gas & Electric Company Collaboration appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>Understanding the needs of BEV owners, their charging habits, and when they use their vehicles will be crucial in driving widespread adoption of V2G. Nearly 80 percent of owners currently charge their BEVs at home overnight, when grid demand is lower. With bidirectional capability, these vehicles could send power back to the grid during peak demand hours or at other critical times, such as during rotating outages due to shortage in electricity supplies. The collaboration between SDG&E and Toyota’s Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions (EVCS) team aims to find synergies between the needs of BEV owners and the needs of the electricity grid, as well as explore how to communicate with BEV owners about the potential benefits of bidirectional capabilities.
SDG&E’s service territory, which encompasses 25 communities in San Diego and southern Orange Counties, represents one of the largest Toyota BEV and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) ownership regions in California. The Golden State is the fastest-growing EV market in the nation, making it an excellent area in which to conduct this research.
“We are embracing the concept of an entire electrified ecosystem for our customers, and the ability for vehicles to integrate with the grid is an essential component of this ecosystem,” said Christopher Yang, group vice president, Toyota EV Charging Solutions. “Working with leading utilities, such as SDG&E, will ensure that customers can continue to confidently charge at home. Toyota seeks to empower utilities to better anticipate and leverage the significant number of plug-in hybrid and BEVs on their grids, both as a growing source of energy demand and, in the future, energy supply.”
“V2G has the potential to be a game changer for the power grid and for consumers, and we’re proud to partner with Toyota to advance this technology,” said SDG&E Chief Commercial Officer Miguel Romero. “Together, we’re forging new pathways toward a sustainable and resilient energy future for our customers and the communities we serve.”
The V2G research will take place at SDG&E’s campus in San Diego, California, using Fermata Energy’s bidirectional charger and V2G platform. SDG&E employs a highly knowledgeable clean transportation team that has implemented a variety of EV charging infrastructure programs. To date, the company has installed more than 3,600 chargers at workplaces, schools, and parks, as well as industrial and commercial facilities. SDG&E has already electrified more than 20 percent of its over-the-road fleet and works closely with many fleet operators to help them transition to EV fleets.
With insight gained from the V2G research collaboration, SDG&E and Toyota aim to identify current and future customer benefits that can be achieved through new products and services. The pilot will also assist SDG&E in understanding the infrastructure needed to enable the rapid growth of EV charging infrastructure, both in public and private settings, and to further stabilize the power grid during peak hours.
Currently, Toyota offers two mass-market BEVs in the U.S. and Canada – the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ 450e. Toyota recently announced plans for an all-new three-row BEV SUV that will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky in 2025. By 2030, Toyota aspires to offer 30 BEV models globally across its Toyota and Lexus brand nameplates and produce up to 3.5 million BEVs annually.
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]]>The post Beyond Zero: New Campaign Unifies EV Messaging Around Carbon Emission Reduction appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>Big picture, the “Beyond Zero” campaign aims to shift the conversation about electrification from the auto industry’s narrow focus on battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) to a broader perspective that encompasses Toyota’s more ambitious — and some would say more realistic — portfolio approach to transitioning away from internal combustion engines. That includes hybrid EVs, plug-in hybrid EVs, fuel cell EVs and battery EVs. Collectively, given consumer needs and limited battery resources, this wider array of offerings promises to reduce more carbon emissions more quickly than BEVs alone while giving customers more choice.
If that sounds like a mouthful, that’s because it is. And that’s the point of “Beyond Zero.” It’s all about simplifying the message and promoting it with people who don’t think an electrified vehicle will work with their lifestyle.
“Toyota has been the industry leader when it comes to electrification,” says Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager David Christ. “We were one of the first automakers to come out with a BEV with the RAV4 EV in 1997. Then we brought hybrid technology to the mainstream with the Prius. And then we broke new ground on the hydrogen fuel cell front with the Mirai. When it comes to alternative fuel vehicles, we have always tried to offer our customers a range of options to fit their needs. And that’s still true today.”
Toyota will continue with a multi-path approach to offer customers a variety of electrified vehicles to best suit their individual needs. The “Beyond Zero” campaign and the new on-vehicle badge are Toyota’s way of saying that it understands these customers’ unique situations, and that it wants to ensure no customer is left behind in the fight against carbon.
“If you look at the majority of the marketing communications in this area, electrification is presented as edgy, futuristic and disruptive,” said Toyota Division Marketing Group Vice President Mike Tripp. “By contrast, Toyota wants to be inclusive, optimistic and relatable.”
Christ and Tripp said the key is to shift the conversation from the technology of electrification to the reason why it’s needed: to reduce carbon as fast as possible.
So, for example, the same amount of battery materials required to make a battery big enough to power a small BEV SUV could, instead, be used to make the batteries for six similar-sized plug-in hybrid electric vehicles or more than 90 similar-sized hybrid electric vehicles which can potentially provide 35 times more carbon reduction over their lifetime than the one BEV SUV. Which option is more likely to reduce as much carbon as possible as fast as possible?
Based on focus group testing, Christ and Tripp are confident the “Beyond Zero” campaign will resonate with customers who are curious about the move away from internal combustion engines but are uncertain about when and how to engage. It makes it clear that Toyota offers an electrified vehicle that can fit virtually any lifestyle. In other words, it’s the company that is making this fundamental transition inviting, welcoming and within more customers’ reach.
“The ‘Beyond Zero’ vision will serve as the framework for everything we communicate about our portfolio strategy, from owned and earned media to product launches to events,” Tripp said. “It will be a constant part of our paid advertising for the foreseeable future. And it will be incorporated into our regional advertising to help promote our electrified lineup.”
“We own the phrase,” he continued. “It’s simple. It has global scale. And it gives us a tangible proof point on all of our electrified products, whether customers encounter them in advertising or on a dealership lot. It very simply and elegantly ties everything together.”
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]]>The post Toyota Unleashes The TRD Performance Package Power-up Option For Tundra appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>Recognizing the opportunity to leverage the new Tundra and its twin turbocharged, i-FORCE V6 engine, Toyota sought to bring something truly unique to its customers.
“In factory trim, the base i-FORCE engine produces 389 peak horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 479 lb-ft. of torque at 2,400 rpm,” said Greg Bernas, vice president, Toyota Service Parts and Accessories Development. “The TRD Performance Package increases power output to 421 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, while peak torque comes on 400 rpm sooner, delivering 479 lb-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm, broadening the torque band and significantly improving power delivery at throttle tip in,” Bernas said. “On the i-FORCE MAX Tundra, the kit boosts horsepower from 437 to 469.”
Building on the strength of Toyota’s i-FORCE engine design, the engineers increased airflow going into the turbochargers, while optimizing the engine management calibration via software. The TRD Performance Package employs larger, higher-flowing dual intakes coupled with a higher flowing cat-back exhaust that reduces back pressure.
With the hard parts installed, the engine management calibration is optimized to take advantage of the new hardware and 91 octane premium fuel, an essential element that allows Toyota engineers to optimize engine output. Tundra TRD Pro buyers can expect the same horsepower and torque gains from their i-FORCE MAX powertrain. Unique throttle tuning compliments the increased powertrain performance resulting in a sporty and powerful driving feel.
The TRD Performance Package also includes exclusive visual cues, including a special badge on the tailgate and a unique exhaust tip treatment. Together, the sound of the turbochargers spooling up and the menacing exhaust note provide auditory proof of a measurable performance enhancement worthy of TRD.
“We wanted to build on the excitement of the new Tundra platform and the twin-turbo engine— which already makes monster horsepower and torque— to develop this performance package,” said Jakin Wilson, senior engineering manager, Toyota Motor North America.
The TRD Performance Package also provides customers with peace-of–mind thanks to a full, factory-backed warranty, along with the added convenience of financing options. The kit is installed before it reaches the dealer, and comes with a MSRP price of $3,400.
Initially, the TRD Performance Package will be offered on new Tundras. Toyota is considering expanding the package to other models in the near future, while also working to offer a dealer–installed option for customers that already own Tundras and are looking for a factory-backed way to crank up the power.
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]]>The post Desert Running Goes Digital with Toyota Tacoma IsoDynamic Performance Seat Simulator at SEMA appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>Debuting this week at the SEMA Show in the great indoors of the Las Vegas Convention Center, TRD Pro Time Attack pairs the new IsoDynamic Performance Seat with a six-degree-of-freedom simulator and gaming experience created in-house by software company Toyota Connected North America (TCNA). In it, drivers navigate a dynamic, high-speed course to experience how the IsoDynamic Performance Seat is designed to help reduce fatigue compared to a normal seat by stabilizing the ride on rough terrain.
“Our goal was to demonstrate the performance capabilities our R&D engineers built into the IsoDynamic Performance Seat, leveraging cutting-edge video game technologies,” said Eric Bursch, design and innovation lead, TCNA. “Gamifying the experience allows us to show how the IsoDynamic Performance Seat performs on a simulated off-road course in a way that’s both fun and educational for those wanting to understand its benefits.”
Bursch spent time with Toyota Motor North America’s (TMNA) R&D engineers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, studying how the IsoDynamic Performance Seats damp out terrain undulations. The team also compared their findings to data gathered on Toyota’s Arizona proving grounds to fine-tune the simulator. Reciprocally, R&D engineers joined TCNA in Plano, Texas, to help calibrate vibration levels felt through the simulator’s hydraulics to further align the game and reality.
The TCNA Immersive Experiences team created a completely custom, high-speed Baja-style racecourse in-house and collaborated with longtime Toyota partner JBL to create an audio profile to complement the experience.
The team draws from the background of engineers and artists who have worked in the video game and phone app industries. This blend of engineering and gaming would not have been possible without the expertise and leadership of Allen Danklefsen, TCNA’s Technical Executive Producer, who brings with him 18 years of game development experience.
“Customers considering a 2024 Toyota Tacoma may not have access to an off-road park to test the mettle of the new IsoDynamic Performance Seats,” said Danklefsen. “If we can provide drivers an experience that engages them and helps them confidently find the truck that’s right for them, then that’s what matters. The fact we can do this with cutting-edge technology is all the more satisfying.”
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is anticipated to go on sale spring 2024. The TRD Pro Time Attack is available to SEMA attendees October 31 through November 3.
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]]>The post Toyota Adopts the North American Charging Standard to Expand Customer Charging Options appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>Toyota will incorporate the NACS ports into certain Toyota and Lexus BEVs starting in 2025, including the all-new, three-row, battery-electric Toyota SUV that will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK). Additionally, customers owning or leasing applicable Toyota and Lexus vehicles equipped with the Combined Charging System (CCS) will be offered access to an adapter to enable NACS charging starting in 2025.
Dedicated to delivering a seamless charging experience, whether at home or in public, Toyota aims to provide convenience no matter where customers choose to charge their vehicles. Through the Toyota and Lexus apps, customers have access to an extensive charging network, comprising over 84,000 charging ports in North America, including level 2 and DC fast chargers. With NACS, customers will have access to more charging options, especially DC fast chargers, allowing greater confidence to travel to even more destinations.
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]]>The post Toyota’s CALTY Design Research: 50 Years of Design and Innovation appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>Following the success of the Corolla sedan — Toyota’s first major model in the United States — executives decided to open a design studio in the U.S. Instead of heading to Michigan, where most of the country’s automotive scene was happening, Toyota choose El Segundo, becoming the first original equipment manufacturer to put down roots in Southern California.
Committed to its locale, the mobility company dubbed the studio “Calty,” which stood for CALifornia, Toyota and Ya-chioda Sangyo, an industrial machine trading company that had a 20% stake in the studio at the time (its involvement ended in 1999).
Over the five decades, Calty has grown and evolved, completing major breakthroughs for the company, and having a significant impact on automotive design. Here are just some of Calty’s major milestones:
1970s – First to California
In 1973, CALTY Design Research officially opened its doors—albeit in an abandoned coffee shop while the intended warehouse facility was under construction. The studio started with a staff of 10 and eventually grew to 25.
“Calty took advantage of all that California had to offer by crafting a studio ethos around creativity and innovation, which continues to define our culture to this day,” says Calty president Kevin Hunter. “Being a long way from Toyota’s global headquarters in Japan has allowed Calty to develop its own unique identity and methods while optimizing the technical resources of a major automaker.”
For the first five years, Calty designers primarily worked in the background, researching future market trends. Then, in 1978, Calty debuted its first production-model design: the second-generation Toyota Celica. The new Celica was Japan’s take on a sophisticated muscle car intended to usher the sporty car genre into a new generation. Innovative for its time, the new Celica would go on to win the prestigious Motor Trend Import Car of the Year award in 1978.
In 1979, Calty introduced its next project, the CX-80. Debuted at the 1979 Tokyo Motor Show, the CX-80 offered a radical vision of what a compact city car of the future might look like; it was specifically designed to respond to contemporary changes in the way people view automobiles.
1980s – Experimentation and Innovation
The new decade brought with it a fresh new era for Calty. Operating now from an experimental creative studio, designers began to explore innovative design language and creative design techniques with a focus on research and development (R&D), experimental and concept vehicle projects.
In the mid-1980s, Calty opened a satellite studio in Laguna Beach, CA, to focus on fundamental roots of traditional art and implemented those techniques into its daily work. The studio inspired creative processes that were atypical to the automotive design space, such as the proposal for the fifth-generation Celica, where the design team experimented with creating small-scale ceramic-clay 3D models.
1990s – Expanding and Evolving
In the 90s, Toyota looked to Calty to contribute more to the designs of production vehicles, especially those slated for the North American market. The expansion and renovation of the California site began in 1991, and the facility increased in both size and workforce, further establishing Toyota’s investment into North American design and Calty’s role in the process.
In 1997, Calty was included in a global competition to design a future concept car — a project that turned out to be for the first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid car in history. Calty won for its innovative proposal, which utilized photographs of the model in real-world settings, not just as sketches and renderings. The design ultimately became the Toyota Prius and won Japan’s Car of the Year award.
In 1998, Calty celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Newport Beach Studio, with Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Chairman Eiji Toyoda and former TMC President Shoichiro Toyoda in attendance.
2000s – More Localization and Autonomy
When the Ann Arbor location was unveiled in 2004, North American production design became more localized. The first production car to come out of Ann Arbor was the 2007 second-generation Tundra, an all-new, true full-size pickup truck.
While the 2000s at Calty saw a return to more experimental designs and concepts, this time there was greater intention of taking the ideas through to production. The iconic 2003 FJ Cruiser Concept, for example, came out of a design request for a rugged off-road concept and became a production car by 2006.
Furthering the design studio’s evolution of this decade, Calty engineers entered into a whole new sector in the world of automotive. By 2007, Toyota had joined NASCAR, and Calty worked closely with Toyota Racing Development (TRD) to transform the Camry into a racing design.
2010s – A New Era of Excitement
Calty played a significant contribution toward reinvigorating the Lexus brand identity in the 2010s with the 2012 Lexus LF-LC Concept, which ultimately became the Lexus LC 500. Then, 2014 brought the rebirth of the iconic sports car, the Supra, through the FT-1 Concept.
While proposing the FT-1 to then-TMC President Akio Toyoda, designers worked with video game company Polyphony® to place the concept into the Gran Turismo game, which Toyoda had the chance to play. He gave the green light, and the vehicle became the 2020 Supra.
By 2017, Calty became focused on technology like artificial intelligence and future mobility. The design of the 2017 Concept-i was unveiled, following the idea of “kinetic warmth,” which is a belief that mobility technology should be warm and welcoming.
2020s – Looking Ahead
In 2021, Akio Toyoda unveiled a fleet of future BEV concepts to the public, including the Calty-designed Lexus Electrified Sport.
Thus far, the 2020s have unveiled a new era for the majority of the “four brothers” — Toyota’s most iconic trucks — including the third-generation Sequoia, third-generation Tundra and the iconic design of the fourth-generation Tacoma, inspired by Toyota’s legendary Baja race trucks.
Calty is also a part of the global design team that worked on the all-new 2024 Land Cruiser, arguably one of the most iconic vehicles ever produced by Toyota.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Calty designers are already looking ahead, forecasting what vehicle trends will stand out in the coming years. One example is the Baby Lunar Cruiser (BLC), the never-before-seen high-tech off-road, adventure machine concept. With a striking combination of a go anywhere recreational spirit and an extreme augmented reality experience that helps provide a fun journey, the BLC is designed to be the SUV of the future.
For over five decades, the Calty design studio has evolved into the gold standard for creativity and advanced design in the United States. Calty has had a significant impact on global automotive trends and the team looks forward to another 50 years of developing innovative design solutions for the Toyota and Lexus brands.
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]]>The post Future Concept Revealed: Toyota Baby Lunar Cruiser appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>Today marks a glimpse into the future with the surprise reveal of the Toyota Baby Lunar Cruiser (BLC) concept. Built to conquer rugged terrain on Earth and beyond, BLC embodies a unique mix of adaptive technology and heritage design cues from the original FJ40 Land Cruiser.
The BLC is the latest in a long line of thought-provoking concepts dreamed up by the CALTY design team. Some of those concepts – like an early FJ40 proposal and the MX-2 sports car concept – never made it past the walls of the design studio but are being shared for the first time today.
California Dreamin’
Established in 1973 in El Segundo, California, CALTY was the vision of Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda and Eiji Toyoda. The new studio was deliberately kept quiet, allowing it to develop a unique identity and provide fresh, creative inspiration to Toyota’s global design headquarters in Japan.
“California was a youthful, vibrant epicenter of fresh ideas, a cool car culture, and the glamorous movie industry that inspired CALTY to create innovative designs and establish new trends,” said Kevin Hunter, president of CALTY Design Research.
When CALTY decided to expand and relocate, it didn’t go far, moving down the coast to Newport Beach in 1978. That same year, CALTY’s first production car design, the second-generation Celica, became a global hit and the designers haven’t looked back since.
Five Decades of Daring Designs
Throughout the decades, CALTY’s direction and role evolved alongside Toyota’s growth. The 1970s was the decade of discovery and research. The initial years at CALTY under studio chief, Executive Vice President Mamoru Yaegashi were used primarily for conducting research on future trends in design.
One such project was a proposal for an off-road vehicle based on the Land Cruiser. CALTY even went so far as to build a one-fifth scale model that was shown to executives from TMC for review.
CALTY’s designers worked quietly in the shadows during this time, diligently researching the market in and around Southern California. Experimentation was encouraged, so the designers didn’t limit themselves strictly to cars and trucks.
The 1980s introduced the studio’s shift toward exploring innovative design language and techniques. There was plenty of excitement within the design development teams who were given full freedom to push the envelope of artistic process and pure creativity in ways that had not been allowed in major studios at the time.
Naturally, some of the designers turned their thoughts to high performance sports cars, the first of which was the MX-1 in 1983. It featured a mid-engine layout and a scissor-style doors.
A couple years later, a second mid-engine sports car concept was not only designed, but built in house by CALTY out of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP). It featured gullwing doors and a swing arm steering wheel that could accommodate either left- or right-hand drive.
During the 1990s, CALTY contributed significantly to Toyota’s production vehicles for the North American market. Notable designs from this era include the 1995 Tacoma, the 1997 Prius and the 2000 Avalon.
It also worked on some designs that didn’t make the final cut, notably the fourth generation Supra, or A80 as it was known internally. CALTY’s intent was to take the Supra in the direction of a “pure sports car,” rather than continue with the previous models’ Grand Touring character. They gave it a long hood and a linear bulge so the engine bay could accommodate a large inline-6 engine.
They also enlarged the functional elements—wheels, engine, rear spoiler, door handles, mirror mount—to heighten the Supra’s already distinct DNA. You can see traces of CALTY’s advanced concept model in TMC’s production version of the fourth-generation car, which was introduced in 1993.
With the growth of production car development in North America, CALTY established a design studio in Ann Arbor, MI in 2004 which revolutionized local production design efforts, resulting in the creation of North American-specific models like the Tundra, Tacoma, Avalon and Sienna.
The 2010s brought an era of fun-to-drive, exciting vehicles, thanks to Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda’s passion and declaration of “no more boring cars.” Highlights from this decade include: The 2012 Fun-Vii concept, deemed a “smart phone on wheels”; the 2012 Lexus LF-LC, which became the 2018 Lexus LC500 and ushered in a new design language for Lexus; and the 2014 FT-1 concept, which became the 2020 Supra, a personal sports car favorite of CALTY.
CALTY still indulged its wild side at this time, however, with concepts like the Scion NYC, which explored future transportation trends in big cities.
CALTY Newest Concept – The Baby Lunar Cruiser
CALTY is always thinking about what’s next, so it’s no surprise that its latest creation was inspired by a vehicle built to drive on the moon. The Baby Lunar Cruiser (BLC) blends design cues from the original FJ40 Land Cruiser with the futuristic capabilities of an interplanetary exploration vehicle. BLC draws inspiration from the real Lunar Cruiser being developed by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Toyota.
Propelled by in-wheel electric motors and controlled by dual joysticks, the BLC’s compact footprint and airless tires give it unparalleled maneuverability. It also boasts exceptional outward visibility thanks to its protruding glass canopy and a panoramic, augmented reality dashboard display. Heritage cues include a “TOYOTA” script grille up front, complete with a full array of cameras and lidar/radar sensors, and a split tailgate configuration in back. Highly adjustable spaceframe seats and M.O.L.L.E. panels throughout give the interior the flexibility to adapt to any kind of adventure.
Looking Forward to the Next 50 Years
Today, CALTY is made up of a talented group of exterior and interior designers, CMF (Color, Material, Finish) designers, clay modelers, digital sculptors, visualization specialists, paint specialists, CAD/CAM specialists, a research/planning group, a PR/Multimedia team and administrative group, all working together to create the next big thing in mobility.
“As we continue our journey from the automotive era into the mobility era, there is one thing I feel I can say for sure,” says Simon Humphries, Toyota Motor Corporation Chief Branding Officer and Head of Design. “CALTY will be there at the forefront.”
As the automotive industry shifts toward an electrified future, CALTY will continue to lead the space with innovative vehicles such as the 2021 Lexus Electrified Sport concept. CALTY’s most recent production designs, the highly anticipated 2024 Land Cruiser and the 2024 Tacoma, showcase their commitment to moving forward and embracing new technology while still remaining authentic to the brand’s heritage DNA.
True to their innovative spirit, CALTY’s creative teams are continually exploring new ways to integrate technology and movement into future mobility solutions. From sports cars to trucks to BEVs, CALTY has left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape, showcasing their design prowess and passion for driving excellence.
As CALTY embarks on the next 50 years, Hunter reflects, “There’s no way we could have thrived without Toyota’s support for enabling new ideas. CALTY’s role to explore, innovate, and inspire is ingrained in our DNA, and we are excited to continue pushing boundaries in automotive design.”
For more information about CALTY Design Research’s 50th anniversary celebration and their extraordinary design legacy, please visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.
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]]>The post Calty Design Research Fact Sheet appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>With the establishment of CALTY Design Research in 1973, Toyota became the first major car manufacturer to set up design operations in Southern California. The Newport Beach, Calif. studio focuses on future innovation and creativity and the Ann Arbor, Mich. studio is focused on production design development for North America. CALTY provides innovative design solutions for Toyota and Lexus vehicles and supports North American production design.
ESTABLISHMENT
October 2, 1973
LOCATION
2810 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660
4400 Goss Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105
FACILITY SITE
CALTY NB: 85,000 Sq. Ft.
CALTY AA: 80,857 Sq. Ft.
CORPORATE & EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
President & Board of Director: Kevin Hunter
Vice President & Board of Director: Tetsuo Ogawa [President & CFO TMNA]
Vice President & Board of Director: Simon Humphries [Senior General Manager, TMC]
Secretary & Chief Financial Officer: Akira Tanaka
EMPLOYMENT
97 (Newport Beach – 47, Ann Arbor – 50)
PRODUCTION DESIGN
2024 Land Cruiser
2024 Tacoma
2024 Grand Highlander
2023 Crown
2023 Sequoia
2022 Tundra
2021 NASCAR Tundra
2021 NASCAR Camry
2021 GR86
2021 Sienna
2020 TRD Camry
2020 TRD Avalon
2020 Highlander
2020 LS Self Driving
2020 Corolla
2020 Supra
2019 Corolla
2019 NASCAR Supra
2019 Avalon
2018 C-HR
2018 Camry
2018 NASCAR Camry
2018 LC 500
2016 Lexus RX
2016 Avalon
2016 Tacoma
2015 NASCAR Tundra
2015 NASCAR Camry
2015 Camry
2014 Highlander
2014 Tundra
2013 RAV4
2013 NASCAR Camry
2013 Avalon
2013 Lexus GS
2012 RAV4 EV
2012 Camry
2011 Scion tC
2011 Avalon
2011 Sienna
2011 Highlander
2009 Venza
2008 Avalon
2008 Highlander
2008 Scion xB
2008 Solara
2007 Tundra
2006 FJ Cruiser
2005 Avalon
2004 Scion tC
2002 Matrix
2001 RAV4
2000 Celica
2000 Avalon
1999 Solara
1998 Corolla
1997 Prius
1995 Tacoma
1991 Lexus SC400
1990 Previa
1989 Celica
1979 Hi-Lux
1978 Celica
MOTOR SHOW CONCEPTS
2023 BLC
2021 Lexus Electrified Sport Car
2021 Lexus Electrified Sedan
2021 Toyota Electrified Pickup
2020 LQ
2018 Lexus LF-1 Limitless
2017 FT-4X
2017 Concept-I
2014 U-Squared
2014 FT-1
2013 FV2
2013 Corolla Furia
2012 Lexus LF-LC
2012 FUN-Vii
2009 Lexus LF-Ch
2008 A-BAT
2007 FT-HS
2006 Scion FUSE
2006 F3R
2005 Scion t2B
2005 FT-SX
2004 Lexus LFC
2004 FTX
2003 FJ Cruiser
2003 HPX
2001 RSC
1997 Sciara/Convertible
1995 FLV
1985 FXV
1979 CX-80
1977 F100
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]]>The post LG Energy Solution and Toyota Sign Long-term Battery Supply Agreement to Power Electric Vehicles in the U.S. appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>Under the contract, LG Energy Solution will supply automotive battery modules at an annual capacity of 20GWh starting from 2025. The battery modules, consisting of high-nickel NCMA (nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminum) pouch-type cells, will be manufactured in LG Energy Solution’s Michigan facility.
The innovative power solutions will support Toyota’s expanding line of BEVs, part of its multi-pathway product strategy, including a new BEV model that will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky in 2025. They will also help further Toyota’s vehicle electrification initiatives, as it aspires to offer 30 BEV models globally across its Toyota and Lexus brand nameplates and produce up to 3.5 million BEVs annually by 2030.
“At Toyota, our goal is to reduce carbon emissions as much as possible, as fast as possible,” said Tetsuo “Ted” Ogawa, president and CEO of Toyota Motor North America. “Having secure supplies of lithium-ion batteries at scale with a long-term relationship to support Toyota’s multi-pathway approach and growth plans for BEVs in North America is critical to achieve our manufacturing and carbon reduction plans. Working with LG Energy Solution, we are excited to be able to offer products that will provide the performance and quality our customers expect.”
To fulfill the supply agreement, LG Energy Solution will invest KRW 4 trillion (approximately USD 3 billion) in its Michigan facility to establish new production lines for battery cells and modules exclusively for Toyota, with completion slated for 2025. Initially, the battery modules will go to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky to be assembled into battery packs and equipped onto BEVs.
The agreement brings together LG Energy Solution’s proven capabilities in manufacturing top quality battery cells and modules at scale, and Toyota’s advanced technologies in battery packs to create a product using LG Energy Solution’s innovative power solution which optimizes battery system performance, providing peace of mind and further enhancing the BEV customer experience. LG Energy Solution continues to enhance battery safety, including with respect to its thermal management for its high-nickel NCMA batteries.
“We’re excited to have Toyota, the best-selling global automaker, as our new customer. With our 30 years of experience in lithium-ion batteries, we will provide innovative power solutions to support Toyota’s push further into battery electric vehicles,” said Youngsoo Kwon, CEO of LG Energy Solution. “The agreement also presents another big opportunity for us to strengthen our production capacity in North America, thereby bringing more real-life, large-scale progress toward electrification in the region.”
The landmark deal represents LG Energy Solution’s largest single supply agreement secured outside of joint venture agreements. The company now supplies its batteries to all top five global automakers[1]. Based on its market leadership, the company has eight battery manufacturing facilities currently operating or under construction in North America, and continues to expand both its production network and supply chain in the region.
[1] Based on 2022 market sales
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]]>The post Toyota Doubles Number of Teams Participating in Annual Rebelle Rally appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>Toyota’s teams will compete using a fleet consisting of six vehicles comprised of various grades among some of the company’s most popular off-road options. The teams will demonstrate Toyota’s off-roading legacy, as they outlast and outlive every adventure.
Toyota’s team members for each vehicle:
“As a trailblazer, Toyota understands the values of collaboration, perseverance, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence,” said Kristen Tabar, group vice president, Advanced Mobility Research and Development at Toyota Motor North America. “The Rebelle Rally provides the perfect platform for Toyota team members to demonstrate their passion for learning and problem solving, develop their driving skills, navigate treacherous terrains, and work together as a cohesive unit. This remarkable journey highlights important principles to Toyota’s culture: teamwork and the challenging spirit that drives the brand forward.”
Toyota is once again a presenting sponsor of Rebelle Rally’s Live Webcast, which will stream throughout the competition. The webcast will offer live updates, interviews with participants, and insights from checkpoints along the way, providing an immersive experience of the Rebelle Rally.
As the competition unfolds, fans and enthusiasts worldwide are invited to follow the action-packed journey of Toyota’s teams. Follow the live webcast of the Rebelle Rally at http://www.rebellerally.com/live, and witness the triumphs and challenges faced by these incredible women as they navigate through the rugged terrains.
“Partnering with Rebelle Rally allows us to share amazing stories of resilience, determination and uncompromised power that our team members and vehicles showcase during this challenging event,” said Susann Kazunas, Vice President at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas. “We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the durable trucks and the incredible women who embody the spirit of the rally.”
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]]>The post Toyota Research Institute Unveils Breakthrough in Teaching Robots New Behaviors appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>“Our research in robotics is aimed at amplifying people rather than replacing them,” said Gill Pratt, CEO of TRI and Chief Scientist for Toyota Motor Corporation. “This new teaching technique is both very efficient and produces very high performing behaviors, enabling robots to much more effectively amplify people in many ways.”
Previous state-of-the-art techniques to teach robots new behaviors were slow, inconsistent, inefficient, and often limited to narrowly defined tasks performed in highly constrained environments. Roboticists needed to spend many hours writing sophisticated code and/or using numerous trial and error cycles to program behaviors.
TRI has already taught robots more than 60 difficult, dexterous skills using the new approach, including pouring liquids, using tools, and manipulating deformable objects. These achievements were realized without writing a single line of new code; the only change was supplying the robot with new data. Building on this success, TRI has set an ambitious target of teaching hundreds of new skills by the end of the year and 1,000 by the end of 2024.
Today’s news also highlights that robots can be taught to function in new scenarios and perform a wide range of behaviors. These skills are not limited to just “‘pick and place” or simply picking up objects and putting them down in new locations. TRI’s robots can now interact with the world in varied and rich ways — which will one day allow robots to support people in everyday situations and unpredictable, ever-changing environments.
“The tasks that I’m watching these robots perform are simply amazing – even one year ago, I would not have predicted that we were close to this level of diverse dexterity,” remarked Russ Tedrake, Vice President of Robotics Research at TRI. Dr. Tedrake, who is also the Toyota Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Aeronautics and Astronautics, and Mechanical Engineering at MIT, explained, “What is so exciting about this new approach is the rate and reliability with which we can add new skills. Because these skills work directly from camera images and tactile sensing, using only learned representations, they are able to perform well even on tasks that involve deformable objects, cloth, and liquids — all of which have traditionally been extremely difficult for robots.”
Technical details:
TRI’s robot behavior model learns from haptic demonstrations from a teacher, combined with a language description of the goal. It then uses an AI-based Diffusion Policy to learn the demonstrated skill. This process allows a new behavior to be deployed autonomously from dozens of demonstrations. Not only does this approach produce consistent, repeatable, and performant results, but it does so with tremendous speed.
Key achievements of TRI’s research for this novel development include:
Diffusion Policy has been published at the 2023 Robotics Science and Systems conference. Additional technical information can be found on TRI’s Medium blog.
Please join our LinkedIn Live Q&A session on October 4th from 1 pm – 1:30 pm ET / 10 am – 10:30 am PT, for an opportunity to learn more and hear directly from the TRI robotics research team. Sign up for the event on TRI’s LinkedIn page.
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