Lexus Announces Pricing for All-New 2014 IS Sedan

TORRANCE, Calif. (April 29, 2013) – Lexus today announced the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the all-new 2014 IS sedan, which will arrive at dealerships this summer with a bold new design, engaging driving dynamics, innovative technology and increased interior and cargo room.

The IS 250, powered by a smooth 2.5-liter V6 delivering 204 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque, will have a starting MSRP of $35,950 for RWD and $38,485 for AWD.  The IS 350, which produces 306 horsepower from its 3.5L V6 power plant, will have a starting MSRP of $39,465 for RWD and $41,700 for AWD.  The base price for the 2014 IS 350 is 2.1% lower than the model it replaces.

The new IS will be equipped with an array of standard features such as HID headlamps, L-shaped LED daytime running lights, Drive Mode Select, paddle shifters, a dual zone climate control system, a next-generation Remote Touch Interface, Display Audio, a color 4.2 inch TFT multi-information display and 10 airbags.  In an industry first, the all-new multimedia system delivers real-time traffic and weather information without a subscription.  In all, over $1,400 in previously optional equipment has been made standard for the 2014 IS.

Premium, Luxury and F SPORT packages will be available across the model range.  The available Premium Package ($1,050 for RWD models) includes LED headlamps and heated and ventilated front seats.  The Luxury Package ($3,665 for RWD models) includes Premium Package features plus a perforated leather-trimmed interior, linear wood trim, electrochromic exterior mirrors with reverse tilt, rain-sensing wipers, driver seat memory, a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, center stack knee pads and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

A revamped F SPORT Package ($3,115 for IS 250 RWD and $3,620 for IS 350 RWD) offers a unique full-mesh grille and front bumper, LED headlamps, 18” split 5-spoke wheels, front sport seats, and a more aggressive sport-tuned suspension. Inside, all F SPORT models feature the attention-grabbing center-mounted tachometer with moving bezel adopted directly from the LFA. The IS 350 F SPORT adds standard Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with a Sport S+ drive mode.   For the first time, the F SPORT package is also available for IS AWD models.

 Courtesy of Lexus USA Newsroom

Highlight from this past weekend: Earth Fest event in Casselberry

This past Saturday Lexus of Orlando provided several of our hybrid Lexus models for the Earth Fest event in Casselberry.  We would like to congratulate the City of Casselberry on hosting such a successful and awesome event!  We hope to have pictures up soon.

A very sincere thank you to Joshua for this outstanding review! Great work, Manny!

(5) Star Review on DealerRater

• "If you are looking for great service and stress free service Lexus of Orlando is that place when you request Manny Camacho you'll never be disappointed." -Joshua G.

DiversityInc Ranks Toyota Among the Top 50 Companies for Diversity

Toyota ranks 48th on the 2013 DiversityInc list of Top 50 Companies for Diversity and is the only automobile manufacturer to make the list.  Toyota also is the Top Company for Employee Engagement and No. 8 on DiversityInc’s list of Top 10 Companies for LGBT Employees.

DiversityInc praised Toyota for its mentoring program, resource groups and increasing charitable donations to multicultural organizations by 24 percent.  More than 40 percent of Toyota’s philanthropy supports racial/ethnic, LGBT or disability nonprofits.  In addition, DiversityInc said Toyota’s Diversity Advisory Board continues to “move the needle on setting metrics and goals.”

DiversityInc assesses companies based on four key areas of diversity:  CEO commitment, human capital, corporate and organizational communications and supplier diversity.

 

Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

Toyota's North American Proving Ground Celebrates 20 Years

Wittmann, Ariz. (April 25, 2013) – Toyota Arizona Proving Ground (TAPG), Toyota’s largest vehicle evaluation investment in the United States, today celebrated its 20^th anniversary with team members and executives.

TAPG is located about 40 miles outside Phoenix.  This 12,000-acre facility features a 10-mile high speed oval track and several miles of test tracks. The primary function is development of vehicles for North America, including performance and reliability.

In 1993, Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman, called the opening of the Arizona Proving Ground, “another milestone for us in putting our American operations on a truly American footing.”  Today, TAPG employs more than 50 team members, and its investment tops $108 million. Additionally, Toyota has made great efforts to harmonize development of this facility with nature and has preserved the vast majority of the area in its natural state.

“TAPG plays a vital role in Toyota’s formula for success in the North America,” said Seiya Nakao, president of Toyota Technical Center. “Our mission is clear; to set the stage for Toyota’s growth by contributing to the improvement of safety, quality, and performance of Toyota, Scion and Lexus vehicles in North America.”

  Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

Lexus Celebrates the International Design Community with 'DESIGN MATTERS' Event in New York City

NEW YORK (April 19, 2013)—In its ongoing pursuit of innovation, Lexus is pushing the boundaries of technology, craftsmanship and design. This dedication to design was celebrated at an event hosted by global President Akio Toyoda in New York City. The event, called “Design Matters,” showcased Lexus’ commitment to design, both in its new products and in its global brand activities to an audience of established and aspiring members of the design community. Kristin Chenoweth served as mistress of ceremonies with The Roots and Questlove providing musical entertainment.

“This is part of the transformation of Lexus,” said Mark Templin, executive vice president of Lexus International. “Lexus is expanding as a global company and we need to speak to a broad global audience. There’s no better way to do that than through design. Great design transcends cultures and doesn’t need any translation.”

Much of the focus on design for Lexus comes from the personal commitment of Akio Toyoda, grandson of the founder of Toyota. “I am very passionate about cars, and especially design,” said Toyoda. “To me, cars need to ignite all your senses, and one of the most important is the emotional connection you get when you see a beautiful car.”

This dedication to design is evident in concept vehicles from Lexus, including the award-wining LF-LC hybrid 2+2 coupe concept and the LF-CC concept car. It is also reflected in new production models such as the stunning all-new IS sports sedan. The IS, and other recently introduced vehicles, incorporate Lexus’ new design language that includes smooth, flowing lines, unique head and tail lamps, and a distinctive spindle grille.

Beyond its products, Lexus is supporting international design through a variety of initiatives around the globe:


    INTERSECT BY LEXUS and CRAFTED FOR LEXUS

INTERSECT BY LEXUS will be a unique space in select global cities where people can experience Lexus without getting behind a steering wheel. Neither a dealership, nor a traditional retail space, guests will be able to engage with Lexus through design, art, fashion, culture, movies, music and technology.

The architectural space will be developed by Masamichi Katayama, the world-renowned interior designer and founder of the interior design firm Wonderwall. The first INTERSECT BY LEXUS will open in Aoyama, Tokyo, in the summer of 2013, followed by locations in New York City and Dubai.

Within the space, Lexus will display exclusive retail items called “CRAFTED FOR LEXUS.” Lexus commissioned Japanese artists to create unique pieces that are inspired by the brand’s philosophy: traditional craftsmanship with timeless beauty and innovative form and function. 


    BEYOND BY LEXUS

A new lifestyle magazine, BEYOND BY LEXUS, will feature Lexus vehicle information as well as stories on travel, architecture, art and design from a global and regional perspective. The magazine will be published twice yearly and translated into numerous languages around the world. The magazine recently debuted and will beavailable on www.lexus-int.com on May 1.


    LEXUS DESIGN AWARD

The LEXUS DESIGN AWARD is a competition to inspire the next generation of designers. Entrants demonstrate their creativity and are recognized for their accomplishments. This prestigious award was announced in Tokyo with the top two winners earning the opportunity to work with mentors Sam Hecht and Junya Ishigami. Their works were displayed at Museo della Permanente in Milan, Italy, during Milan Design Week.


    LEXUS SHORT FILMS

Lexus collaborated with The Weinstein Company to support emerging directors from around the globe, commissioning them to bring wonderful stories to life as short films.  The stories are beautifully told and explore the theme that “Life is Amazing.” They will debut at various film events around the world and will be featured on the Lexus global website www.lexusshortfilms.com later this year. Lexus and The Weinstein Company will hold the world premiere event at the 2013 Festival de Cannes in May.


    LEXUS BRAND CAMPAIGN

On May 1, Lexus will launch a global advertising campaign with the theme “Amazing in Motion.” Featured in the campaign are spectacular larger-than-life human figures. High-technology 3-D printing was combined with fine craftsmanship to create the figures. Lexus materials, including bamboo and walnut found in the interiors of Lexus cars, as well as Lexus exterior paint, were used to construct the figures. Thanks to advanced technology and smooth artistry of puppeteers, the figures come to life on a grand scale.

Courtesy of Lexus USA Newsroom

Toyota to Build Lexus ES 350 at Its Georgetown, Kentucky Plant

Erlanger, KY, April 19, 2013 – For the first time, a Lexus vehicle will be produced in the United States. The Lexus ES 350 will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK) in 2015, Toyota announced today.

The move will generate 750 new jobs. To support the new dedicated assembly line, Toyota will invest $360 million in the Georgetown plant.

About 50,000 Lexus vehicles a year will be produced, bringing the plant’s total annual production capacity to more than 550,000 vehicles. It will be the first time the ES will be assembled outside of Japan.

“Lexus was founded in the United States, so it is only fitting that we are bringing the production of luxury sedans for our U.S. customers back to where the brand was born,” said Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corporation. “Today’s announcement is a major step in our Global Vision to make ever better cars and trucks, give regions greater autonomy to make the products their customers want and achieve sustainable growth globally.”

“Since its arrival here in 1986, the impact Toyota has had on Kentucky has been immeasurable, and the addition of Lexus production only adds to that enduring legacy,” said Governor Steven Beshear of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. “The establishment of production for the Lexus ES 350 will afford Kentucky a tremendous opportunity to expand and strengthen its vast supplier base, creating even more growth potential in the future. Kentucky is proud of the confidence Toyota continues to demonstrate in our vibrant and skilled workforce as they prepare to make a vehicle model that, like them, has earned a reputation for high quality.”

Production of the ES 350 at the Georgetown plant is the latest step in Toyota’s continuing strategy to assemble vehicles in the markets where its customers live. Over the past 17 months, the company has announced plans to increase production capacity at its plants in Mississippi, Indiana, West Virginia and Canada, reflecting a cumulative investment of approximately $2 billion that has created more than 4,000 new jobs.  Toyota also recently announced executive changes designed to provide regional managers with more local control and a streamlined decision-making structure to help the company deliver superior customer-focused products and services.

“Today’s Lexus ES announcement further strengthens Toyota’s commitment to serving American consumers, growing American production and investing in American team members,” said Jim Lentz, Toyota’s chief executive officer for North America. “We’re extraordinarily proud to have helped create over 365,000 jobs across the country and to produce so many of the industry’s highest quality vehicles right here in the United States. Today, Toyota’s 14 North American plants already produce seven out of every 10 vehicles that we sell in America, and North American-assembled vehicles are now exported to 23 countries around the world.”

Established in January 1986, TMMK is Toyota’s largest manufacturing facility outside of Japan, employing approximately 6,600 people. The plant currently assembles the Toyota Camry, Camry Hybrid, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid and Venza and manufactures 4-cylinder and V6 engines. It has earned 10 Initial Quality Plant Awards from J.D. Power and Associates, including four gold J.D. Power Awards.

In 2012, the plant produced the 25 millionth Toyota vehicle built in North America.  Toyota recently committed to boosting production capacity for the 4-cylinder engine at the plant by more than 100,000 units. This $30 million project will create about 80 new jobs.

“The decision to move ES 350 production to Kentucky is a true tribute to the hard work and commitment to excellence of every single Toyota team member at this plant,” said TMMK President Wil James. “We deeply appreciate the tremendous support we have received from our community, from our local suppliers and business partners, and from Governor Beshear and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. We look forward to strengthening further the productive partnership we have built together over the last 25 years.”

The ES is Lexus’s bestselling sedan, with approximately 58,850 vehicles sold in North America in 2012 -- including 56,158 in the U.S.  Projections for Toyota’s production volume at the company’s Kyushu plant in Japan have not changed. The company remains committed to building 3 million vehicles per year in Japan, including Lexus models, as previously announced.

Toyoda and Lentz made the Lexus ES 350 production announcement at a press conference prior to a major New York City event showcasing Lexus’s commitment to groundbreaking design and its redoubled focus on creating a global luxury brand experience.

Courtesy of Lexus USA Newsroom

A very sincere thank you to Cathy for this outstanding review! Great work, C.J.!

(5) Star Review on DealerRater

• "My car was ready for pick up ahead of schedule. Now that's service. Thanks C.J and Lexus of Orlando." -Cathy T.

Toyota and Lexus in the U.S. Accounted for Nearly 2 Million of Total 5 Million Global Hybrid Sales Revealed Today

Torrance, Calif., April 16, 2013 -- Nearly 2 million (1,951,243) Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles have been sold in the United States, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption.

The announcement was made today by Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A, Inc. in conjunction with Toyota Motor Corporation’s announcement in Japan that it has sold 5 million hybrid vehicles worldwide.

Toyota estimates that its global fleet of nearly 20 hybrid vehicles has resulted in approximately 34 million fewer tons of CO₂ emissions than those emitted by gasoline-powered vehicles. Many environmental experts believe CO₂ emissions are a major cause of climate change occurring in the world today.

In addition, Toyota estimates its hybrids have saved their owners more than 3 billion gallons of gasoline compared to gasoline-only powered vehicles.  
    
“With more than 50 hybrid vehicle models from various manufacturers available in the U.S. today, hybrids on the road are saving nearly 500 million gallons of petroleum annually in this country,” said Tony Markel, senior engineer with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in Golden, Colo.

He recalled that DOE and NREL’s collaborative research with the auto industry, which started 20 years ago, spurred the development of hybrid-electric technology for the mainstream market to help reduce the country’s dependence on petroleum.

“With millions of hybrid vehicles on the road today, hybrid powertrains are mainstream market reality,” Markel concluded.     

Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles make up 70 percent of the U.S. auto industry’s total hybrid sales, while they account for 16 percent of overall Toyota/Lexus sales, both globally and locally. Total industry hybrid sales are roughly three percent of the nation’s car market.

Toyota and Lexus sell 19 hybrid models and one plug-in hybrid in 80 countries and regions around the world.  Twelve of the models are available in the United States, including seven from Toyota and five from Lexus. They are Prius Liftback, Prius v, Prius c, Prius Plug-in, Camry Hybrid, Avalon Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, Lexus CT 200h, ES 300h, GS 450h, LS 600h and RX 450h.

Of the 12 U.S. models, Camry Hybrid, Avalon Hybrid and RX 450h are manufactured in North America with a fourth model, Highlander Hybrid, planned.

Between now and the end of 2015, Toyota will introduce 18 new hybrid models and expects global sales of its hybrids to be at least 1 million units a year in the same period. TMS forecasts that about one-third of those will be sold in the United States.

“The first Prius was a surprising success and we never imagined the market would become as vast as it has for the hybrid powertrain,” said Bob Carter, TMS senior vice president of automotive operations.

Toyota’s hybrid vehicle sales in the United States began in July 2000 with the first-generation Prius and it provided consumers excellent fuel economy and reduced emissions using a precursor to Toyota’s advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive System.  The high-technology nature and environmental benefits offered by this early Prius helped it appeal to a small but passionate following of early adopters.

With just 5,562 sold in the first six months, the Prius would eventually find favor with consumers helping it become the recognized symbol of hybrid technology. As a result, it has inspired the development of hybrid vehicles by competitors, with more than 50 models on the market today.

The first Prius has evolved into a modern family of vehicles, while leading to the development of a wide range of additional Toyota and Lexus hybrid models. 

Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

Toyota (Lexus) to re-enter Formula One in 2014!

Confidential sources within our Club Lexus community have learned that Toyota plans to re-enter Formula One during the 2015 race year under the Lexus banner. Toyota last raced in Formula One in 2009 claiming that the series was not in touch with their customer base (the financial and economic outlook was also broadly cited as a factor).

In December 2012, Toyota executives hinted that they might reconsider that decision (interviews with Toyota Managing Officer Kiyotaka Ise about hybrids in both WRC and Le Mans 24-hour racing) and we've learned that that decision to re-enter Formula One under the Lexus banner is all but finalized. Lexus has been selected over Toyota because of the premium branding, Lexus' performance vehicle development such as the LF-A model, and the brand's focus on hybrid vehicles throughout their product line.
Our sources cited a number of factors that are being contemplated resulting in this about-face, summarized below:

Changes in Technical Specifications give Toyota / Lexus an advantage with their Hybrid technology prowess.
For 2014, the Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) capacity has been increased from 60kw to 120kw, while fuel consumption for the F1 cars are more restricted. This scenario has the makings of an ideal situation for Toyota / Lexus to use their significant hybrid technological footprint to potentially outpace the competitors with lesser capabilities in this area.

All Formula one teams have to fully re-engineer their motors in 2014
All teams will have brand new motors in 2014 under the new FIA specifications. The current 2.4 liter V8 is a normally aspirated engine that produces 750 horsepower. It creates that familiar 'F1 motor scream' while revving at up to 18,000 revolutions per minute, but has the expected downside of using a considerable volume of fuel at each race.
In 2014, the new Formula One engine will be a 1.6 liter turbocharged V6 that produces roughly 550 horsepower at 15,000 rpm, plus two types of energy recovery systems to boost power (energy recovered during braking and energy captured from exhaust heat). Early tests show that this motor will use up to 30 percent less fuel, allowing a significant weight saving of 220 pounds of fuel for each race.

A Top-down focus at Toyota and Lexus on Performance Motorsports
Akio Toyoda, 56, is grandson of Toyota company founder Kiichiro Toyoda and a very visible and vocal motorsports champion within the company. He not only has been a driving factor in a number of Lexus and Toyota models that have brought adrenaline back to the brands, he has been a driver in them having piloted a number of races personally including the Lexus LF-A SP8-class at the 24 hours of Nurburgring. He reportedly has been a strong and visible supporter of Toyota's push into WRC and Le Mans and is now personally championing the Formula One initiative.

There are some rumors circulating too...
Also mentioned by our sources (not officially cited but believed by many to be a factor in Toyota's decision) is Inifiniti's more highly prominent sponsorship of the Red Bull team. Being seen to participate more strongly in the new 'greener' Formula One could be an adverting bonanza for Infiniti's branding. They already can been seen taking advantage of the higher placement and visibility of their investment by naming Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel as "Director of Performance".

Also rumored - Toyota is in talks with former Formula One driver Kamui Kobayashi (who started his career in the Formula Toyota series) to be their chief driver. With recent events at Red Bull racing, perhaps Mark Weber would be a great starter for the team as well.

Courtesy of Club Lexus

2013 GS 450h Announced as One of WardsAuto's 10 Best Interiors Of 2013

Penton's leading automotive brand unveils annual list of best car interiors; to be celebrated at upcoming WardsAuto Interiors Conference

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., April 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2013 "Ward's 10 Best Interiors" list was announced today, and it features a wide range of automobile types and sticker prices, including several models that prove a buyer doesn't have to break the bank to drive in luxury and style.

WardsAuto editors selected the top passenger compartments after spending February and March evaluating 46 vehicles that were all-new or sported interiors that have been significantly upgraded. The winners will be recognized during a special ceremony at the WardsAuto Interiors Conference being held May 22 at The Henry hotel in Dearborn, MI.

This year's winners:

Acura RDX (Honda Motor Co. Ltd.)
Cadillac XTS (General Motors Co.)
Chevrolet Spark (General Motors Co.)
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.)
Kia Forte (Kia Motors Corp.)
Lexus GS 450h (Toyota Motor Corp.)
Mazda6 (Mazda Motor Corp.)
Nissan Pathfinder (Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.)
Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn (Chrysler Group LLC)
Toyota Avalon (Toyota Motor Corp.)

To determine the winners, editors drive the vehicles during their routine commutes and submit score sheets ranking each auto interior based on several criteria, including materials, ergonomics, comfort, safety, value, fit-and-finish and overall design. Scores also are applied based on the user-friendliness of the human-machine interface and the ability to link mobile phones and access vehicle information. Video reviews and photo galleries of evaluated vehicles may be found at http://wardsauto.com, and full write-ups on each winner will post on April 29.

"This year's batch of winners really drives home the point that auto interiors are vital in the battle for consumers' hearts and minds," says WardsAuto World Editor-in-Chief, Drew Winter. "It wasn't uncommon all that long ago for auto makers to view interiors as the best place to take cost out of a vehicle program. They eventually figured out that's a big mistake because people spend a lot more time looking at the inside of their car than the outside."

In addition to the awards being presented in a ceremony during the WardsAuto Interiors Conference, Ward's expects to have all ten winning vehicles on display at the event for attendees to experience and judge the interiors for themselves. The ceremony will include a live video review inside each vehicle, highlighting the key features that earned each interior its honor.

Courtesy of Autoblog

A very big thank you to the author of this excellent review! Keep up the great work, team!

(4.8) Star Review on DealerRater

• "Because of him our first thought of where to go when it's time to upgrade or get another vehicle, Lexus of Orlando is our first thought." -Imarion704

“Free Friday Nights” at The Morse Museum of American Art: Tonight there is a Chamber Quartet (flute, cello, viola and violin) from 4-8pm. Will any of you be going?

New Drivers Gain Critical Defensive Driving Skills and Confidence Behind the Wheel from Toyota's Teen Safe Driving Program

Toyota continues to offer its free-of-charge safe driving skills program, Toyota Driving Expectations, and comprehensive online resources with the goal of reducing motor vehicle crashes, the leading cause of death among teens. Upcoming behind-the-wheel safety events will be held in Torrance, Calif., Denver and San Antonio for newly licensed or permitted teens and their parents to learn about defensive driving skills, crash avoidance techniques and the dangers of distracted driving during the 2.5-hour program.

Moving into its 10th year, Toyota Driving Expectations supplements standard driver’s education to prepare inexperienced drivers for the challenges they’ll face on the road. In recognizing the importance of parents’ involvement to help their teens develop responsible driving habits, the program requires a parent or guardian to accompany their teen.

Kicking-off in Torrance, Calif., professional instructors in the Toyota Driving Expectations “On The Road” program tour lead teens through driving courses and in-classroom discussions, while encouraging continued learning at home and demonstrating safe driving habits. This year’s events will be held at:

•     Torrance, Calif.on May 4-5 at Toyota headquarters. Registration now open at  www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com

•     Denver, Colo. on May 18-19 at Bass Pro Shops. Registration opens April 18.

•     San Antonio, Texason June 8–9 at Toyota Texas Plant. Registration opens May 9.

“Safer drivers lead to safer roads, so Toyota is committed to helping educate and empower teens and parents around smart driving choices,” said Michael Rouse, Toyota’s vice president of diversity, philanthropy and community affairs. “Through our safe driving programs, partnerships and online resources, we hope more young drivers will absorb the sobering lessons of distracted driving and learn key skills to keep themselves safe behind the wheel.”

To further the connection with teens in local communities, Toyota Driving Expectations has launched teen driving assemblies in high schools and dealerships across the country. Free Toyota Driving Expectations safety clinics at select Toyota dealerships will be led this summer by professional drivers who address vehicle safety features, defensive driving, distracted driving and vehicle maintenance.

Making Safe Driving Information and Resources Available
Toyota also offers free online safety resources for teens, parents and educators through its partnership with Discovery Education at ToyotaTeenDriver.com.  The Toyota Teen Driver also has annual contests for teens and educators, including the current Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge, whose top ten videos are open for public voting now through April 16th.  The winning teen will receive $15,000.

Last fall, Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) announced preliminary findings from a major, national study that analyzed the critical role parents play in shaping teen driving habits. The UMTRI/Toyota Teen Driver Distraction Study found a significant correlation between parent and teen behaviors behind the wheel, suggesting parents can be influential role models for young drivers. Startling study findings showed that 61 percent of parents and 54 percent of teens report that they use a hand-held cellphone while driving, emphasizing the importance of including parents in the Toyota Driving Expectations program.

While helping parents talk to their teens about safety can be challenging, Toyota is dedicated to furthering this important conversation. Earlier this month, the company partnered with Teen Vogue to launch “Arrive in Style”, a safe driving campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving among teenage girls and inspire them to make a mutual commitment with their mothers to drive safely.  The campaign features monthly advertorials with tips and advice from Toyota on different safe driving topics, as well as stories and online videos of Teen Vogue readers and their mothers about their commitment to driving safely.  A microsite will feature Toyota’s Mutual Driving Agreement that mothers and daughters can e-sign and share via Facebook for a chance to win monthly prizes. In addition to signing the Agreement, teens can upload a photo on the microsite of them and their mom “air driving” for a chance to win a trip to New York City to be featured in the February 2014 issue of Teen Vogue.

Building on its 10-year relationship with the National Safety Council, Toyota supports the Council’s DriveitHOME initiative, launched in March. Designed by and for parents of newly licensed teen drivers, the online community uses highly visual media to educate parents on the dangers facing teens on the road and ways to coach recently licensed drivers. Like Toyota Driving Expectations, DriveitHOMEencourages the conversation about safe habits to continue long after teens receive a license.

Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

Dancing With The Stars’ Maksim Chmerkovskiy to Serve as Grand Marshal for 2013 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race

“Dancing with the Stars” professional dancer and popular cast member Maksim Chmerkovskiy will bring his ballroom flair to the 37th Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race as grand marshal of the long-running, prestigious charitable event. Chmerkovskiy will be joined by singer and former “American Idol” contestant Paul McDonald, who will open the race by performing the national anthem.

Chmerkovskiy, a Latin ballroom dance champion, choreographer and instructor, thrilled audiences as an outspoken and fiery competitor on “Dancing with the Stars.” McDonald was a popular finalist on Season 10 of “American Idol,” performing original music from his band, The Grand Magnolias.

The participation of both celebrities adds to the impressive list of Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race drivers from film, television, music, sports and the military who will speed through the historic 1.97-mile street circuit on the streets of downtown Long Beach, Calif. They include one of Mexico’s most acclaimed actresses Kate del Castillo; Jenna Elfman, star of “1600 Penn”; Olympic gold medalist Jessica Hardy; “Dallas” star Jesse Metcalfe; actor Jackson Rathbone, best known for his role as Jasper Halein the hit “Twilight” movie series; comedian Wanda Sykes, Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer and Jeremy Sisto, star of “Suburgatory.”

The celebrity participants also include Brett Davern, star of MTV's hit series “Awkward”; Mark Steines host of Hallmark Channel’s “Home & Family”; Michael Truccoof SyFy's acclaimed series "Battlestar Galactica" and most recently “Revenge”;Fox Sports/SPEED auto racing analyst and co-host of “Top Gear USA” Rutledge Wood and 2012 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race winner and comedian Adam Carolla.Each will get behind the wheel of an identically prepared, race-ready Scion FR-S sports car to compete in the 10-lap event.

“We are thrilled to have Maksim Chmerkovskiy serve as grand marshal and Paul McDonald sing the anthem before this year’s race, bringing more star power to this high-profile charitable event,” said Les Unger, Toyota national motorsports manager. “Together their presence will help bring more attention to the children who benefit from The Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race.”

The Toyota Pro/Celebrity race is one of the longest-running, corporate-sponsored events of its kind. Toyota annually donates $5,000 to Racing for Kids on behalf of each participant and another $5,000 to the winning racer’s charity of choice.  Racing for Kids – a national nonprofit program benefiting children’s hospitals throughout the country – was created as a way to connect these children with their favorite celebrities and race car drivers.

Since 1991, Toyota has donated more than $2 million to the Racing for Kids organization, on behalf of this race and its participants. In addition to Toyota’s contributions, a $15,000 donation will be made in conjunction with the 16th annual “People Pole Award.” Sponsored by People magazine, the award honors the pole-position winner of the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race qualifying session on April 19.

Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom