As you may know, last month I was brought out to Torrance, CA to spend the day at the Toyota Headquarters. It was a lot of fun but more importantly, very enlightening. I learned so much not only about cars & the like, but about the people behind Toyota & what the company really stands for.
Since the campaign started in January, I’ve been happy to call myself a “TWIN” {member of the Toyota Women’s Influencer Network} and after everything I learned on this trip, I am also incredibly proud & humbled to be connected to such an amazing company.
Later this week I’ll be sharing more in-depth information about both their philanthropy & their sustainability efforts but for now, enjoy these ten fun facts about Toyota!
1. Since 1991, Toyota has donated over half a billion dollars in cash & grants. That’s almost $24 million a year!
2. Toyota is the only car manufacturer with a factory mobility vehicle {the Sienna Mobility}- meaning that you don’t have to buy any special after market parts of kits to it to make it a mobility vehicle.
3. It takes about 5 years to create a new vehicle from concept to dealership.
4. There is a data recorder in just about all Toyota vehicles that works similar to the black box of an airplane. It doesn’t record anything YOU do, but records everything your car does, so in the event of an accident, the cause can be determined.
5. Some know this, but not most: many Toyota vehicles are actually manufactured in America.
6. Toyota donates money to charity {up to $500 a year per person} for employees who log volunteer hours.
7. The current CEO of Toyota is Akio Toyoda, grandson of the company’s founder. He gained the CEO title in 2009, right at the heart of the recession.
8. Toyota owns both the Lexus & Scion brands as well.
9. The Prius debuted in Japan 3 years before it came to the States- premiering in 1997 and 2000, respectively.
10. Toyota’s overall motto is “Kaizan”, which means “Continuous Improvement”. This is a standard that they hold themselves to in all that they do.
Be sure to check back later in the week for more information about Toyota’s philanthropy & sustainability efforts!
Disclosure: I was selected for participation in the TWIN community through a program with Clever Girls Collective. I did not receive any compensation for writing this post, or payment in exchange for participating. The opinions expressed herein are mine, and do not reflect the views of Toyota.
April G says
I had no idea they donated so much in grants and the fact that they donate for their employees volunteer hours! That is great – totally adds to my respect for Toyota!
Heather @OurKidsMom says
How cool… you learn something new every day! I had no idea about the “black boxes”. My daughter is driving my mother’s old Toyota … it’s a 1993 and still chugging along great! I’m a believer!
Whitney @ Momma Knows Best says
Those are really some interesting facts – thank you for sharing! I think it is great that they give so much money back to others! Also – had no idea that it takes 5 years to create a new vehicle – cool to know!
Katie says
We love our Toyotas! I have a Prius and my husband has a Scion, and I also used to own a Scion. I wouldn’t own a different make of car again! Actually, I believe all of the Toyotas except Prius, 4Runner, FJCruiser and Scions are made in America!
Skye Moyer says
Toyota is seriously the only car/van we will ever own! We love ours! 🙂
Had no idea about the ‘black box’ though.
Jenn @therebelchick says
I’ve never driven a Toyota but I have heard nothing but good things about them! My mom drives a Camry and it’s going on it’s 15 year!
Mimi Baker says
hmmm Toyota is a vehicle I’ve never owned, but my friends own an FJ Cruiser and love it! I’m in the market for a new vehicle and am thinking of a Crossover!