Teen Vogue and Toyota Partner on Safe Driving Campaign to Help Educate and Empower Teenage Girls

New Research Shows Texting While Driving and Other Distractions Are Commonplace among Teen Girls

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Check out a behind-the-scenes tour of the shoot for "Arrive in Style," a teen driving campaign presented by Teen Vogue and Toyota. (video)

New York, NY, April 4, 2013 - In conjunction with Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April, Teen Vogue and Toyota announced today “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.

While cars today are safer than ever, automobile crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers. In 2010 seven teens between the ages of 16 and 19 died every day on average from motor vehicle injuries.^[1]

“We are thrilled to partner with Toyota on this important initiative. When we saw the scary statistics around distracted driving, we knew this was a cause worth taking on,” said Jason Wagenheim, Teen Vogue Vice President and Publisher. “Teen Vogue’s influential young readers are the perfect ambassadors not only to participate in this initiative, but also to help build awareness and educate their peer groups on the importance of driver safety. Toyota, with the success of their ongoing work in this arena, is the ideal partner.”

“Teen Vogue really shares our commitment to help keep teens safe, and with their reach and readership they’ve been a great partner to help amplify our longstanding efforts to empower teen girls to be safer drivers,” said Marjorie Schussel, Corporate Manager of Corporate Marketing for Toyota Motor North America (TMA).  “We also are excited to involve moms since our approach to teen safety has always included outreach to parents as well.”

The “Arrive in Style” campaign – developed in partnership by Teen Vogue, Toyota Motor North America and their ad agency of record, Dentsu America – launches this week and includes print, digital and social media elements that will run through February 2014. Kicking off with the May print edition of Teen Vogue, which hits stands this week, monthly advertorials will feature helpful tips and advice from Toyota on different safe driving topics.  The campaign will also include stories and online videos of Teen Voguereaders and their mothers about their commitment to driving safely, underscoring the special roles that mothers and daughters play in inspiring each other.

Extending into digital, the campaign will drive Teen Vogue’s audience to the “Arrive in Style” online hub,teenvogue.com/arriveinstyle. The site 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.

Study Reveals Distracted Driving Is Pervasive Among Teen Girls

“Arrive in Style’s” unique approach of involving mothers is based, in part, on the recent study by Toyota and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), which found a significant correlation between teen and parent driving behaviors, suggesting that parents are a major influence on a teen’s driving habits. 

“We know from our Study with the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute that parents who engage in distracting driving behaviors more frequently have teens who engage in distracting behaviors,” said Dr. Tina Sayer, Toyota Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) Principal Engineer and teen safe driving expert.  “It is critical for parents to talk to their teens about driving safety and to always be the drivers they want their teens to be.”

In conjunction with the launch of “Arrive in Style”, Toyota released new findings from the Study regarding driving behaviors of teen girls:

• Sixty-two percent of teen girls report using a cell phone while driving (handheld and/or hands-free).

• Nearly one in three girl teens (30 percent) reads a text or email once or more every time they drive. 

• Almost a quarter of girl teens (23 percent) respond to a text once or more every time they drive.

• Almost one in five (19 percent) of teen girl drivers report that they have extended conversations via text message while driving.

• More than half (51 percent) of girls say they search for music on a portable music player, such as an iPod, while driving.

• Twelve percent of girls report that they update or check social media, such as Facebook or Twitter, while driving.  

• Seventy percent of teen girl drivers report they drive with two or three teen passengers and no adults in their car, whichis associated with a doubling of a driver’s risk of being killed in a crash, as compared to having no passengers.^[2]

For additional findings from the Study, please visit www.toyota.com/csrc.

“Arrive In Style” is the latest initiative from Toyota that is designed to help keep teens safe on the road.  Toyota Driving Expectations (www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com) provides hands-on, real world defensive driving courses that go far beyond what is taught in standard driver education courses, while Toyota Teen Driver (www.toyotateendriver.com) offers free online teen safety resources to parents, teens, educators and schools.   The Toyota Collaborative Safety Research Center (www.toyota.com/csrc) works with leading North American Universities, hospitals, research institutions and agencies on research designed to better understand teen drivers’ risks and behaviors and identify effective recommendations to help keep them safe.

2014 Toyota High Lander Unveiled Today in New York

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Bill Fay, Toyota Motor Sales group vice president and Toyota Division general manager, introduces the all-new third-generation 2014 Toyota Highlander at the 2013 New York International Auto Show, Wednesday, March 27, at the Javits Convention Center. Photo: Joe Polimeni

NEW YORK, March 27, 2013 - - The all-new third-generation 2014 Toyota Highlander mid-size SUV made its world debut today at the 2013 New York Auto Show.  

An all-new exterior design conveys both refinement and strength, complementing a new interior that will raise the bar in the mid-size SUV segment.  With three-row seating for up to eight, an array of standard features, a host of available in-cabin technologies, and increased cargo capacity, the new Highlander will offer a nuanced  balance of style, comfort and utility.  The total package is capped off with three powertrain choices: a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine a powerful V6 with a new six-speed transmission that will produce excellent all-around capability, and a V6-powered Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain for enhanced mileage and fewer emissions.

Sophisticated, Dynamic Exterior is Sleek and Strong
Sophisticated and dynamic, the new Highlander features a progressive silhouette, a lower roofline for improved aerodynamics, and sculptured side-door panels.  The exterior has grown in length by approximately three inches while width is increased one-half inch, conveying a sleek and strong appearance.

From the front, Highlander’s hood merges with a redesigned trapezoidal grille, wraparound headlamps and deeply chiseled fenders for a more aggressive appearance.

The length of the profile, from the front fenders to the rear quarter panels, boldly stands out with sculptured wheel wells at the corners, allowing for prominently protruding wheels.  The total package is capped off by a newly designed rear lift-gate with one-touch power open/close and driver selectable memory height settings, and taillights and bumper that exude style and strength.

Highlander’s body structure will include high-strength steel in the front pillars for increased rigidity.  Visibility has been improved through precise repositioning of the front A-pillars, while the size of the rear quarter glass has been increased to provide a wider view for driver and occupants.

Refinement is enhanced through improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) measures.  Interior noise reduction is achieved through a 30 percent expansion of silencing insulation materials in the floor areas.  Acoustic-type glass is used for the windshield to help reduce noise entering the cabin, and even the panoramic moonroof design works to help reduce wind noise, even when the moonroof is open.

Vibration is minimized through expanded coverage of the dash silencer, enhancements to body sealing, and the strategic placement of three hydraulic engine mounts.  Improvements in the exhaust layout have been made for additional noise and vibration reduction.

Premium Interior Design with Advanced Functionality
Toyota engineers raised the bar on interior design for the mid-size SUV segment by adding even more refinement and functionality to the new Highlander.   The 2014 model will offer a premium interior highlighted by increased spaciousness for up to eight people, and an array of standard comfort, convenience and technology features.

The new Highlander’s interior utilizes premium materials to offer an upscale experience, with most models featuring standard contrast seat stitching. All Highlanders will come equipped with a soft-touch instrument panel; and silver-painted, satin, and chrome-plated accents that are thoughtfully placed throughout the interior.  Wood-grain pattern trim can be found on the front dash and door trim for an added touch of elegance.  Premium fabrics, available smooth and perforated leather-trim seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob add to Highlander’s redesigned upscale interior.  The adoption of a high quality knit roof lining and available second-row sunshades add to Highlander’s refinement and comfort.

A new roll-top center console box with a dampened sliding door provides a comfortable armrest, or when fully opened is large enough to hold a large handbag.  All Highlanders will feature a newly designed in-meter-cluster Multi-Information Display.  Available ambient lighting around the front dash and doors add to the refined environment.

The second row offers bench-seating for three passengers or two captain’s seats featuring a collapsible tray with cup holders for added convenience.  Getting into the third-row is made easier with the addition of a one-step second-row sliding seat function that provides nearly three more inches of space for easier entry and exit to the third-row.  An overall interior width increase of 4.3 inches in the third-row and a standard recline function creates added comfort for up to three passengers.  Like the second-row bench, the third-row will be 40/60 split for added passenger and storage flexibility and convenience.  Rear cargo space behind the third-row has also increased by up to 34 percent for added storage.

Additional available convenience features include an Automatic High Beam System, Auto Cruise Control, Smart Key, driver’s seat memory, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Improved Dynamic Performance, Handling, Efficiency
The new Highlander will be available in three powertrains.  A 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is equipped with a variable intake manifold and dual Variable-Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which controls phasing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize torque and fuel efficiency. The 2.7-liter engine is teamed with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

A 3.5-liter V6 is also equipped with dual VVT-i and a variable intake manifold. Acceleration and fuel efficiency are improved thanks to a new six-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT) that offers selectable manual sequential shifting.

The Highlander Hybrid model’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system pairs the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator for additional power and fuel efficiency.

The new Highlander will provide a more dynamic driving experience, with new technologies that include Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive (AWD), enhancements in suspension performance, and optimized electric power steering.  The spring rates and the shock absorbers have been optimally tuned to help enhance the vehicles handling characteristics.

Highlander will have a MacPherson strut front suspension, double-wishbone rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels and available 19-inch alloys.

Highlander’s Dynamic Torque Control AWD system automatically shifts from front-wheel drive (FWD) to AWD when accelerating or when sensors detect wheel slippage.  The driver is able to view the torque-distribution settings on the meter display.

The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system continuously monitors and controls the torque transfer between the front and rear wheels via an electromagnetically controlled coupling positioned in the rear differential.

Front to rear torque distribution can vary from 100:0 to 50:50, with front-wheel drive (100:0) automatically engaged under normal driving conditions to help improve fuel consumption.

The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system uses information sent from various sensors (speed, steering angle and speed, throttle angle and yaw rate) to automatically govern the transmission of torque to the rear wheels, as required.

A sophisticated, high-speed interactive management system coordinates control of the Dynamic Torque Control AWD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems to enhance Highlander’s performance, handling and safety.

Advanced In-Cabin, Multimedia Connectivity
All new Highlanders come equipped with Toyota’s Entune™ multimedia system.  The Display Audio system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth^® and voice recognition is standard, while an eight-inch touchscreen system and Toyota’s Entune™ app suite with12 JBL speakers is also available.

The new Highlander will also offer an available Rear Seat Entertainment system with an RCA coaxial input terminal at the rear of the center console to allow external devices, such as gaming systems, to be connected.

Comprehensive Array of Safety & Convenience Features
All 2014 Highlander’s will have eight standard airbags.  Like every Toyota, Highlander will feature the standard Star Safety System™, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, an Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology.  All Highlander’s will also come equipped with a standard backup camera and Hill-start Assist Control.  All AWD models will have an AWD LOCK switch.

New available safety and convenience features include rear parking sonar, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Pre-collision System.   

All Highlanders are assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) in Princeton, Ind. The all-new Highlander will reach dealer showrooms in early 2014.

2014 HIGHLANDER PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

POWERTRAIN
2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i
Transmission: Six-speed ECT-i
Drive System:  Front-Wheel-Drive

3.5-liter V6 engine with VVT-i
Transmission: Six-speed ECT-i
Drive System: Front- and All-Wheel-Drive

Hybrid Synergy Drive with 3.5-liter V6 Engine and Electric Motor
Transmission: Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Drive System: All-Wheel-Drive

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 191.1
Overall Width: 75.8
Overall Height: 68.1
Wheelbase: 109.8
Ground clearance: 8.0-inches
Wheels: 18-inch alloy wheels             
             19-inch alloy wheels (Limited)
Tire Size: 18-inch:  245/60R18 (LE and XLE)
               19-inch:  245/55R19 (Limited)

Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs. (V6 only)

Seating Capacity: 7 or 8

Congratulations to Matt Kenseth and the #20 Toyota for Winning the Kobalt Tools 400

Birthday boy Matt Kenseth held off Kasey Kahne to win Sunday's Kobalt Tools 400

(Photo: Todd Warshaw, Getty Images)

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• He earns his first victory at Joe Gibbs Racing after leaving Roush Fenway Racing
• Kenseth took the lead under caution with a fuel-only stop
• After spending the week in the headlines for a fine, Denny Hamlin finishes 15th

LAS VEGAS — Matt Kenseth knows how to celebrate a birthday with style.

Sunday was a landmark day for the driver, who turned 41.

He took the lead under caution with a fuel-only pit stop and staved off a challenge by Kasey Kahne to win the Kobalt Tools 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

It was the first Sprint Cup victory in a Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota for the 2003 champion, who switched teams this season after 15 years with Roush Fenway Racing. The Cambridge, Wis., native has notched 25 victories in NASCAR's premier series.

RESULTS: Kobalt Tools 400

"Man, this is awesome," Kenseth said. "I just knew it. I feel really good about this group, and it's just the beginning.

"I was real nervous all day. (Kahne) had the best car. I was getting too tight and killing the right front, but I just had to stay in front of him."

Kenseth also became the third Sprint Cup driver to win a points race on their birthdays.

Cale Yarborough won twice on his March 27 birthday (in 1977 at North Wilkesboro Speedway and 1993 at Atlanta Motor Speedway). Kyle Busch won at Richmond International Raceway on May 2, 2009, his 24th birthday.

"I was kind of bummed about being 29," Kenseth joked, "but turing 29 feels pretty good."

2013 FR-S Scion-Best Sports Car for the Money

The 2013 FR-S beat out its competition to earn the Best Sports Car for the Money from respected publication U.S. News & World Report. The annual award recognizes value, quality and critical acclaim across 21 vehicle categories.

To evaluate the FR-S, U.S. News & World Report judges looked at the sports coupe’s safety record, reliability and opinion from industry experts. Additionally, the expected five-year total cost of ownership and average vehicle price at the time of publication contributed to overall scores. The FR-S costs $25,255 MSRP with a six-speed manual transmission or $26,355 MSRP with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management technology.

“The Best Sports Car for the Money award is a testament to the incredibly fun and accessible sports car experience offered by the Scion FR-S,” said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha. “We are proud the FR-S continues to impress industry enthusiasts and drivers, while also representing the passion behind the Scion brand.”

The FR-S comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip differential and 2.0-liter flat boxer engine that produces 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Its distinctive lightweight design and impressive handling have built a following since its introduction last year.

Also winning awards were the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra, winning “Best Compact Truck for the Money” and “Best Full Size Truck for the Money” awards, respectively. It is the second year of top honors in a row for the Tacoma.

Toyota Prius the Most popular New Car in California Based upon New Vehicle Registrations

Toyota’s Prius-badged vehicles proved to be the most popular new vehicles with California drivers during the 2012 calendar year. According to R.L Polk, the Prius family cars (Prius Liftback, Prius v, Prius Plug-in, and Prius c) accounted for 61,893 vehicles registered in California, making Prius the No. 1 vehicle badge sold in the state. This continues the trend shown by the state’s consumers who are adopting gasoline-electric hybrid technology and putting more of these vehicles on the road.

“Consumers are drawn to the Prius vehicles because of the brand’s focus on efficiency,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager of Toyota Motor Sales, Inc. “All four distinct Prius models offer outstanding fuel economy.”

Recently, editors of Cleanmpg.com tested the Ford C-MAX and the Prius v on a 365-mile-highway route at a steady cruise-control moderated speed. In this evaluation, the Prius v averaged 40.8 mpg and actually bested its EPA highway rating by 1.9 percent. On the same roads and using the same testing criteria, Cleanmpg.com editors stated that the Ford C-MAX averaged 35.5 mpg, which is short of its stated EPA rating by 24.4 percent.

Toyota providing more assistance for Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts

Toyota is providing 20 vehicles to organizations in the Northeast to help victims of Hurricane Sandy, which slammed into the East Coast in November.

The automaker is loaning 19 vehicles to the American Red Cross for one full year and giving a new 4Runner SUV to Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church in Bay Head, N.J., to aid in ongoing transportation and cleanup efforts.

These contributions are in addition to a $1 million donation made by Toyota last year to support Sandy relief efforts. At that time, the company donated five vehicles in support of recovery efforts.

“We understand the ongoing need for Hurricane Sandy relief ... four months after the disaster,” says Steve Haag, assistant general manager for Toyota’s New York region. “We want to honor those making an impact rebuilding their community after the devastation of Sandy.”

Nancy Orlando, regional CEO of the American Red Cross South Jersey Region, says the contributions from Toyota are greatly appreciated.

“American Red Cross disaster recovery efforts are ongoing across multiple states affected by Superstorm Sandy, including our efforts here in counties from the northern edge to the southern tip of New Jersey. We’re thrilled to have this fleet of Toyota vehicles, a generous donation that will enable the Red Cross to move manpower and resources more efficiently throughout affected regions.”

2014 Toyota Tundra Reveal at Chicago Auto Show