Toyota and 49ers share similar focus of sustainability and innovation with Levi’s® Stadium while providing fans an unrivaled experience
SAN FRANCISCO and SANTA CLARA, CALIF. (May 13, 2014) – The Northern California Toyota Dealers Association signed a multi-year, multimillion dollar contract with the San Francisco 49ers to become the exclusive auto partner of both the team and Levi’s® Stadium. The partnership will commence with the 2014 NFL season.
With hybrid leadership dating back to the introduction of the Prius in 2000, Toyota has a history of merging technology with its commitment to the environment, making it a natural opportunity for Toyota to be the exclusive auto partner of the stadium and the team. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Levi’s® Stadium touts unprecedented in-stadium technology offerings for fans, and sustainable touches that range from the photovoltaic panels that convert solar radiation into electricity, to water-conserving plumbing fixtures.
“Toyota’s roots in innovation and sustainability run deep,” said Henry Hansel, president of Northern California Toyota Dealers Advertising Association. “Given the 49ers new home in Santa Clara combines cutting-edge technology that one would expect from Silicon Valley, with an eco-friendly focus uncharacteristic for an outdoor stadium, a partnership seemed like a natural fit for Toyota. Toyota will be behind the 49ers every step of the way as they focus on nabbing a sixth Super Bowl victory.”
As a market leader in Northern California, with more than a 20 percent share, Toyota has a deep commitment to the local community. The San Francisco 49ers organization is a pillar of the Bay Area community and creating a strategic relationship was an organic fit.
"Toyota has utilized innovative technology to develop groundbreaking sustainable advancements in their industry for years,” said Jed York, CEO of the San Francisco 49ers. “Together we will present an unparalleled fan experience at the Levi's® Stadium."
One of the most notable elements of the partnership will be the Toyota Plaza, comprising the Northeast Entrance Gate to the stadium, complete with Toyota signage and vehicle exposure. Fans will experience the partnership firsthand with the Toyota Red Zone. Any time the 49ers’ offense is within the 20-yard line, the Toyota Red Zone will splash across in-bowl digital assets. Toyota will extend the partnership beyond Game Day to supporting the team in its green initiatives, youth football campaign, fan events and beyond.
About Toyota
Toyota, the world's top automaker and creator of the Prius, is committed to building vehicles for the way people live through our Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands. Over the past 50 years, we’ve built more than 25 million cars and trucks in North America, where we operate 14 manufacturing plants (10 in the U.S.) and directly employ nearly 40,000 people (more than 37,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships sold more than 2.3 million cars and trucks in 2012 – and about 80 percent of all Toyota vehicles sold over the past 20 years are still on the road today.
Toyota partners with philanthropic organizations across the country, with a focus on education, safety and the environment. As part of this commitment, we share the company’s extensive know-how garnered from building great cars and trucks to help community organizations and other nonprofits expand their ability to do good. (NYSE:TM) For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.
About Levi’s® Stadium
Levi’s® Stadium will not only be the new home to the San Francisco 49ers, but it will also serve as one of the world’s best outdoor sports and entertainment venues. It was designed by HNTB and is being built by Turner/Devcon for the Santa Clara Stadium Authority. The $1.2 billion venue will have 1.85 million square feet, seat approximately 68,500 and will feature an expected 165 luxury suites and 8,500 club seats. It was designed to be a multi-purpose facility with the flexibility to host a wide range of events, including domestic and international soccer, college football, motocross, concerts and various civic events, and will be expandable for major events such as the Super Bowl. For more information, go to http://www.levisstadium.com/.
About the San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers, owned by Denise and John York, currently play in the NFC West division and have won five Super Bowl trophies including Super Bowl XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV and XXIX. The franchise also has six conference championships and 19 divisional championships and was the first major league professional sports team to be based in San Francisco over 60 years ago. Please visit www.49ers.com and follow the 49ers on Facebook and Twitter @49ers.
Media Contacts
Toyota Media Contact:
Emily Donohue
[email protected]
(415) 277-4937
San Francisco 49ers Media Contact:
Roger Hacker
[email protected]
(408) 986-4890